Read about our adventures as we explore California's coast and Channel Islands National Park!
Bird watchers travel from all corners of the world to get a glimpse of the rare Island Scrub Jay. Photo by Chuck Graham. I followed a flash of blue in the dense oak woodland while hiking a side canyon within Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz Island. The lone endemic island scrub jay was doing what…
April is the perfect time to embrace the beauty and excitement Santa Barbara has to offer. As the “American Riviera” comes to life with spring, our vibrant coastal paradise boasts a variety of events and attractions for all tastes and interests. We’ve handpicked a selection of must-see attractions and events. From thrilling outdoor adventures to…
Santa Barbara is a magical place; we have over 300 days of sunshine, experience a Mediterranean climate, and are lucky enough to be only a short boat ride away from the beautiful Channel Islands. Here at Santa Barbara Adventure Company, we often get asked when the best time of year is to visit the Channel…
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to bring out the Easter baskets, decorate eggs, and embark on exciting egg hunts! If you’re spending your Easter holiday in Santa Barbara, there’s no shortage of delightful events for you and your family to enjoy. Here are some of the top Easter celebrations in the area: The Great…
Spring has sprung in Santa Barbara and we are loving it! Northern migrating gray whales and many species of birds are an amazing sight to see; wildflowers and lush green hillsides create picturesque landscapes all around; all this combined with warmer water and longer days make March the perfect time for outdoor adventures. Here are…
From a distance, kayakers observe a cozy harbor seal soaking up some sun rays. Photo by Chuck Graham. There’s something about their sweet pushed-in faces and long whiskers, as they seemingly smile at us as we paddle onto the next toothy sea cave around Scorpion Anchorage, on the long southeast finger of Santa Cruz Island.…
With early wildflowers starting to bloom, and mild temperatures, February is the perfect time of year for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and kayaking. Strap on your adventure shoes, because there are a lot of fun things to do nearby this month: Santa Barbara International Film FestivalWHEN: 2/7 to 2/17WHERE: The Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater, Riviera Theater,…
As I sat in my kayak atop the canopy of giant bladder kelp, I felt the swoosh of a bald eagle as it soared overhead, two blue wing tags with A-03 attached to its impressive 6-foot-wide wingspan. I was leading an Adventure Tour for Santa Barbara Adventure Company at Scorpion Anchorage near the southeast fringe…
I’ve heard Southern California doesn’t have a change in the seasons. I’ve always scoffed at that notion, especially out at the Channel Islands National Park. Each August, I can feel a gradual shift from late summer into early fall, approaching like a wispy warm easterly wind. It’s arguably the best time of year to experience…
Kayakers at Potato Harbor. Photo by Chuck Graham. Nearly finished with another circumnavigation of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, my friend Craig Fernandez and I made a pit stop inside Potato Harbor. While stretching stiff legs along the cobbled shoreline within a pocket cove inside the harbor, one of the islands’ many natural wonders…