Discovery Sea Caves Kayak

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OUR MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Our Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. For 1-1.5 hours you’ll kayak through stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-timers visiting the island, this tour allows you to pack in multiple experiences into one day, from hiking and snorkeling to birding and exploring endemic species. Don’t miss out on the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this national park has to offer.

Availability
February-November: Most days

Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am and/or 10:30am as well as 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm (meet times depend on the ferry schedule to Santa Cruz Island – Scorpion Anchorage)

Tour Time (~2.5 hours)

~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk
~1-1.5 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance

1.25 miles

Level of Difficulty

Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Pricing

Tours often sellout. Please book in advance.
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$145 per adult + ferry transportation ($70)*
$127 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($55)*

*Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

Ferry Tickets
The 9:30am tour requires an 8:00am ferry departure (7am check-in time). The 12:30pm tour requires a 10:00am ferry departure or earlier (check-in is one hour prior to ferry departure). Ferry options typically will be 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am. The 1:30pm tour requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 4:30pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

What if I want to snorkel?
Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island. Please note that there is no time for snorkeling during the Discovery Tour. However, you are welcome to snorkel before or after your tour if time allows. Please tell your guide at check-in if you are interested in snorkeling.

Snorkel rental pricing:*
• Snorkel & Mask – $19
• Fins only – $19
• Snorkel, Mask and Fins – $37
• Three-Piece 7mm Wetsuit – $37
• Full package (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) – $69

*Our storefront accepts all major credit cards, but we do NOT accept cash for snorkel rentals. All snorkel rentals include a flotation belt.

More Details

Channel Islands Adventure Company is the sole kayak guide and outfitter concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage. We are the number one choice for Channel Islands National Park outfitting and tours. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration. This overview serves as a general guideline to you help plan your island trip and is subject to change on a day-to-day basis or at the guide’s discretion.

Questions?

Visit our FAQ’s page.

Owned and operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company.

Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak

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The longest of our kayaking tour options, the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour is for the true ocean adventurer. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline.

This tour is best for

1. Intermediate-Advanced kayakers who are looking for a longer day on the water, must have 8am ferry departure and 4:30pm return
2. Campers on their 2nd day at the island, so they can enjoy a first full day exploring the island on land

Availability
This tour is offered on Friday-Sunday and Wednesdays from May through November.
Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~5 hours)

~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk
~3-4 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance

4-5 miles

Level of Difficulty

Intermediate – Advanced

Pricing

Summer tours often sellout. Please book in advance.
Compare All Tours

$275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $70 / children 12 and under $55)*

*Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

Ferry Tickets
This tour requires a ferry departure of 8am (check-in at 7am) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return. 

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

What if I want to snorkel?
Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island. Please note there is no time for those snorkeling if you are on the Ultimate Tour unless you are camping.

Snorkel rental pricing:*
• Snorkel & Mask – $19
• Fins only – $19
• Snorkel, Mask and Fins – $37
• Three-Piece 7mm Wetsuit – $37
• Full package (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) – $69

*Our storefront accepts all major credit cards, but we do NOT accept cash for snorkel rentals. All snorkel rentals include a flotation belt.

More Details

Channel Islands Adventure Company is the sole kayak guide and outfitter concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage. We are the number one choice for Channel Islands National Park outfitting and tours. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration. This overview serves as a general guideline to you help plan your island trip and is subject to change on a day-to-day basis or at the guide’s discretion.

Questions?

Visit our FAQ’s page.

Owned and operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company.

Guided Snorkel Excursion

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Immerse yourself in the beauty of kelp forests and pristine coastlines on our Guided Snorkel Excursion at Scorpion Anchorage. Our expert guides offer a wealth of knowledge on marine ecology and the natural history of the islands, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation of the underwater world. Explore the island’s vibrant sea life and create lasting memories on this educational and scenic adventure.

Availability
Our Guided Snorkel Excursion run every Sunday starting at 11am and 1:30pm from mid-June through September 30th.

Snorkel Snorkel Excursion Time (~3 hours)

~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk
~1-1.5 hr – Snorkeling
~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty

Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the excursion. All guests MUST know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is REQUIRED.

Includes

• Snorkel & Mask*
• Fins
• 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit
• Snorkel flotation device
• Knowledgeable guide(s) on the local natural history and marine ecology
*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them.
*We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.

Pricing

Guided Snorkel Excursions often sellout. Please book in advance.
Compare All Tours

$151 per person + ferry transportation (adults $70 / children 12 and under $55)*

*Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

Ferry Tickets
The morning excursion requires a 9:30am or earlier ferry departure (check-in 1hr prior to departure).
The afternoon excursion requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:00pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

What if I don’t want a guide but want to rent snorkel equipment?
Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island.

Snorkel rental pricing:*
• Snorkel & Mask – $19
• Fins only – $19
• Snorkel, Mask and Fins – $37
• Three-Piece 7mm Wetsuit – $37
• Full package (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) – $69

*Our storefront accepts all major credit cards, but we do NOT accept cash for snorkel rentals. All snorkel rentals include a flotation belt.

More Details

Channel Islands Adventure Company is the sole kayak guide and outfitter concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage. We are the number one choice for Channel Islands National Park outfitting and tours. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration. This overview serves as a general guideline to you help plan your island trip and is subject to change on a day-to-day basis or at the guide’s discretion.

Questions?

Visit our FAQ’s page.

Owned and operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company.

Snorkel & Kayak Tour

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Explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface on our expert-led Kayak & Snorkel Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and the island’s pristine coastlines. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through marine ecology and the rich history of the island. Get up close with sea life and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.

This tour is best for

1. Guests who already have previous kayaking and snorkeling experience. Guests should be comfortable in the ocean and comfortable swimming with a snorkel.
2. Campers who are already on the island and want a full day of adventure on & in the water

Availability
Our Snorkel & Kayak Tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am from mid-June through September 30th on days when there is an 8am ferry departure.

Snorkel & Kayak Tour Time (~5 hours)

~1 hr 45 min – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk
~1-1.5 hr – Kayaking
~15 min – Lunch
~45 min – Snorkeling
~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty

Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the tour. All guests MUST know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is REQUIRED.

Includes

• Snorkel & Mask*
• Fins
• 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit
• Snorkel flotation device
• PFD (personal flotation device) for kayaking
• Ocean kayak**
• Knowledgeable guide(s) on exploring sea caves as well as the local natural history and marine ecology

*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them.
*We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.
**By default, even-numbered parties will be paired in a tandem (2-person) kayak. For single or odd-numbered parties, single (1-person) kayaks will be provided.

Pricing

Summer tours often sellout. Please book in advance.
Compare All Tours

$275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $70 / children 12 and under $55)*

*Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

Ferry Tickets
This tour requires an 8am ferry departure (7am check-in) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return.

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

What if I don’t want a tour but want to rent snorkel equipment?
Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island.

Snorkel rental pricing:*
• Snorkel & Mask – $19
• Fins only – $19
• Snorkel, Mask and Fins – $37
• Three-Piece 7mm Wetsuit – $37
• Full package (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) – $69

*Our storefront accepts all major credit cards, but we do NOT accept cash for snorkel rentals. All snorkel rentals include a flotation belt.

More Details

Channel Islands Adventure Company is the sole kayak guide and outfitter concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage. We are the number one choice for Channel Islands National Park outfitting and tours. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration. This overview serves as a general guideline to you help plan your island trip and is subject to change on a day-to-day basis or at the guide’s discretion.

Questions?

Visit our FAQ’s page.

Owned and operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company.