Sea Kayaking
Channel Islands National Park
And the Central California Coast
Island Trips
How Long Can You Come Out and Play?
The sun begins to dispel the morning fog at Scorpion Landing, Santa Cruz Island.....
.....which paints the calm, clear waters azure
in the late morning.
Inside the caves....
"If you're inside when a big wave comes in, it's very dangerous. If you're a beginner, you shouldn't go into the caves. Never go in without a helmet. The best way to experience a sea cave is with a guide so you have someone saying, 'This is safe, this isn't safe.' Then over time you begin to learn and figure this out, and you can go by yourself."
All regularly scheduled trips are to Santa Cruz Island's east end, and trip schedules to Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands develop as the season progresses. Custom trips can be scheduled at no extra charge with advance notice and charter boat availability. We gather in Ventura or Oxnard Harbor at the charter boat concessionaire early enough to allow for 30 - 45 minutes of gear handling and paperwork. While crossing the channel we always see at least some representatives from at least one of these groups: sea lions, seals, dolphins, or whales (though most likely during migratory seasons.) Some whale species reside in the channel all year round. A naturalist accompanies the boat trip and delivers a running commentary on the wildlife that is encountered.
As we approach the island we make a determination as to the next best course of action based upon the particular charter vessel being used and the sea and weather conditions. On most days we opt to take the gear and food onshore. There is usually very little surf at landing sites -- a one foot shore break is normal. We may elect to eat lunch either before or after paddling, depending on the wishes of the group. On some days we may grab some snacks to take with us and board the kayaks directly from the charter vessel.
A basic kayaking lesson and safety talk precedes our launch. We explore the widely varying sea caves and rock gardens as we paddle alongside the towering cliffs. When we return, we stow the gear and make ready to depart for the mainland. The return time is usually between 5:00 and 6:00 PM depending upon the wind and seas, and on how much time we spend with the marine life we come across in transit.
THE ONE-DAY ISLAND TRIP
THE MULTI-DAY ISLAND TRIP
Overnight two-day camping trips begin in the same manner as one-day trips (see above.) After paddling, the next order of business is to set up camp in a sheltering eucalyptus grove. If there is still daylight we take a hike up to the clifftops for an eagle's-eye view along the length of the island to the sunset and other islands beyond. Back at camp we make our evening meal and indulge in whatever individual activities are desired.
In the morning, we arise as early as is comfortable for the group. We eat our breakfast and make lunches which are sealed into ziplock freezer bags, and break camp. In this way we can get on the water no later than 9:00am, and take our kayaks to the more distant sea caves, including one which has three huge openings. Eventually we land at a secluded beach to eat lunch, swim and snorkel, explore the cove, or just relax in the sun.
Better yet, a 3-day trip affords us that magical middle day, which has no camp set-up or break-down, and no travel time, and so is available for an extended day of kayaking exploration, or for hiking the 14,500 acres of parkland.
ISLAND TRADE-OFFS
Kayaking and hiking itineraries vary in response to opportunities presented by weather, swell, and tides. An island experience presents a number of trade-offs. For instance, when the swell is high some caves become off-limits, but high swells produce dramatic blowhole activity with compressed air driving fountains of spray high overhead. Another example: when the tide is low, some caves are too rocky to enter, but other caves become exposed for exploration which are submerged under higher tides. Overcast skies often mean calm, still waters -- but you get the idea. The guides will suggest activities that will take the most advantage of the conditions, and make the most of your precious island time.
If it rains or becomes extremely windy, the charter boat company will cancel the trip and there is no charge. Once in a great while we are able to get to an island, but kayaking conditions turn out to be too rough. The trade-offs in this case may be a day of hiking, or a motor boating tour of the island coastline, and a 25% reduction in your fee.
As with any characterization of the weather, what follows in this section are tendencies. Some winters have been predominantly warm and still, and some summers have been damp and cool. Our advise? Come out as soon as you can, or risk being one of the people who says, "I've been wanting to go there for years, but..." And after your first trip, come again -- there's lots to see!
Winter
Shortest days, clearest air, fewest visitors, migrating whales, breezy/windy, green vegetative growth in late winter, coldest temps, occasional storms to dodge (possible trip cancellations at no charge.)
Spring
Lengthening days, warmer weather, increasing visitation, fewer storms to dodge, some fog, breezy/windy, green vegetation with wildflowers, some migrating whales early.
Summer
Longest days, warm weather, some haze and fog, the most visitation, storms very unlikely, breezy/windy, few migrating whales, brown vegetation.
Fall
Shortening days, beautiful mild and clear weather with rich lighting (colder nights), few storms, decreasing visitation, brown vegetation.
Santa Cruz Island
Viewed looking south from the hilltops above the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Toll Free US & Canada: 800.773.2309
International: 805.968.7231
Address: 111 Verona Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117
