Nature Today Magazine July/August 2007


Professionally Guided and Outfitted Tours

Sea Kayaking
Channel Islands National Park
 And the Central California Coast

Toll Free US & Canada: 800.773.2309
International: 805.968.7231

Address: 111 Verona Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117

California’s Channel Islands invite novice and experienced kayakers to experience marine nature up close. The clear channel waters serve as the waterborne trail to sea caves, cliffs, and a wide variety of wildlife. Boat paddlers will encounter caves, tunnels, arches, grottos, and blowholes. Each of these geologic formations features a distinct mix of sights and sounds produced by underwater fissures and openings and scrambled volcanic island structures.

Unique Experience Eric Little, owner/operator of AquaSports, provides insight into the sea kayaking through dozens of caves. We have the best tour guides in the industry. They’re fun and motivated, says Little, which makes for a unique experience.

The trip may also be highlighted by the interface with charismatic megafauna. Approximately 10% of the worldwide blue whale population gathers in the channel during the summer (nps.gov/chis). Humpbacks, orca and fin whales can also be seen in the summer. From December to March, grey whales are often seen by whale-watchers. Year-round, the sight of a pod of dolphins is almost a guarantee.

The indigenous fox is the largest landborne carnivore. Fed by leftovers and trash near the picnic areas, the island fox, like other wild animals, tend to lose their hunting ability and fear of humans. Loss of these two traits can lead to generational changes in their coping skills.

Already, a large effort is underway to curb the changing dynamics of animals, such as the island fox. Visitors are informed of the consequences of litter. Hard plastic coolers are encouraged for food storage to avoid forced entry by birds and foxes.

Birds at the Channel Islands include bald eagles, island blue jays (larger and brighter than their mainland namesake) and the pigeon guillemot, a bird who uses its wings to fly to and from Arctic regions and fly underwater for food.

Voyage Logistics Not an experienced kayaker? Novices are welcome. All trips include an introductory kayaking lesson. In addition, most trips are characterized by mild physical activity.

Kayaking trips vary from one-day to multiple-day combination kayaking/camping outings to Santa Cruz Island, which are available year round. One-day trips are also available to Anacapa Island. Due to the island’s remote location, trips to Santa Barbara Island are available from May through September. For an additional charge, limited trips are available to Santa Rosa Island and San Miguel Island.

With a 14-day advance reservation, the day trip cost is $175 for adults (13 and over), and $150 for 10-12 year olds. The cost for less than 14-days advance notice is $195 and $170, respectively. The tour package includes free boat transport from Ventura to the Channel Islands a kayak rental, and necessary gear. Tours launch from the mainland at the Ventura Harbor (1691 Spinnaker Drive) located just west of the 101/126 freeway interchange. For reservations and more information call (800) 773-2309.

The necessary gear is provided. The desire for an adventure should come along.

Kayaking
the Channel Islands National Park

Passages offer outdoor recreation and an amazing scientific visit. Geologists studying rock formations on the mainland will be intrigued by a visit to the Channel Islands. The voyage presents a greeting with the forces of nature that created the variety of colors created by pressure, time and water contact. Also, the crystal-clear waters provide a view of the geological composition beneath the sea. Non-geologists are just as fascinated to see the aesthetic values spring to life.
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