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Educational Trips

Channel Islands Adventure Company provides fun, and educational trips that ensure your teachers and students have an unforgettable experience. Developed and operated by specialists in both education and outdoor adventure, we are fully equipped to create and provide high quality, outdoor education trips for a variety of ages and purposes. Our team can custom design a program, tailored to meet the specific needs of your students, curriculum, and budget.


Offering weekday field trip options and full outdoor education programs.

Outdoor Education gives depth to curriculum and makes an important contribution to students’ physical, personal and social education. Serving Grades 5 and up.

Activity and Educational Topic Options

Sea Cave Kayaking

Snorkeling

Nature Hike

Marine Biology

Geology

Environmental Conservation

Astronomy & Astrophysics

California’s Natural and Human History

Leadership Development

Special Interest Tours

(Available Upon Request)

Private specialty programs are available for schools, scout groups, photographers, conservation organizations, and other groups seeking a more customized Channel Islands experience.


Education & Youth Programs

Educational Group Tours

Custom educational tours led by trained teachers and naturalist guides that align with California science curriculum standards and may include optional pre- and post-tour educational materials.

Girl Scout & Boy Scout Programs

Certified merit badge counselor guides help scouts develop outdoor skills while working toward badge requirements related to kayaking, Leave No Trace, oceanography, and snorkeling.

Kids & Caves Tour

Designed for children ages 5–16 and their families, this tour introduces young paddlers to sea caves, coastal habitats, and ocean exploration in tandem kayaks.


Ecology & Conservation Tours

Conservation & Ecosystem Balance, Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Tour

Explore the Marine Protected Area between Scorpion Rock and Potato Harbor while examining biodiversity, marine conservation, and the ecological importance of protected waters.

Intertidal Ecology Tour

Scheduled around low tide conditions, this tour explores tidepools and the diverse marine life of the intertidal ecosystem.

Kelp Forest Ecology Tour

Paddle through giant kelp forests while exploring marine biodiversity, predator-prey relationships, and the ecological role of kelp ecosystems.

Botany Tour

A Certified Field Botanist highlights endemic island plants, algae, and lichens found around Little Scorpion Rock and Geology Cove.


Cultural & Natural History Tours

Native American History Tour

Learn about the Chumash people of the Channel Islands, including tomol canoe traditions, trade networks, the village of Swaxil, and cultural history connected to the islands.

Geology and Volcanic Caves Tour

Explore dramatic volcanic formations, sea caves, fault lines, and geologic features that shaped Santa Cruz Island over millions of years.

Birding Tour

Led by a certified Level 2 Birder, this tour focuses on seabird and pelagic bird identification, nesting behavior, migration, and island wildlife observation.


Specialty Adventure Tours

Coche Point Pinniped Tour

This advanced paddling tour visits the remote Coche Point rookery to observe harbor seals and California sea lions from a respectful distance.

Photography Tour

Designed for photographers of all skill levels, this tour focuses on capturing sea caves, wildlife, dramatic coastal scenery, and changing island light conditions.

Foreign Language Tours

Spanish-speaking guides are available, with additional language accommodations offered upon request based on guide availability.


Specialty Snorkeling Tours

Snorkeling Ecology Tour

Explore kelp forests and rocky reef habitats while learning about marine ecology, fish species, and underwater ecosystems of the Channel Islands.

Marine Life Identification Snorkeling Tour

Focus on identifying fish, invertebrates, algae, and other marine life commonly found in Channel Islands waters.


To Inquire About Our Special Interest Tours:

Call (805) 884-9283 or email LetsGo@IslandKayaking.com

Happy Adventurers

Learning made fun — who’d a thunk?

“Our guide was really knowledgeable about seabirds, conservation, and geology. We give you 5 gold stars! We hope to be back this fall with another class.”

Carolyn Heath, Professor of Earth Sciences at Fullerton College

Thank you SO MUCH for a fantastic trip. Both the girls and faculty had an amazing time, which is undoubtedly due in part to your hard work, organization, and planning.”

Crystal Ferris, Science Department Chair at The Archer School for Girls

“We had an outstanding trip. We knew we had hit the jackpot with our guide. His knowledge and love for the island was incredible, and his ability to lead our DIVERSE group was amazing.”

Ellen Barger, Asst. Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction, SB County