
Michael Cohen
25 Years of guiding experience
Owner/Director
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Michael started Santa Barbara Adventure Company in 1998 with the goal of offering local adventures of the highest quality and led by incredible guides. In his years of outdoor leadership experience, Michael has worked as a guide and trip leader for several well known outfitters in the west and abroad, always returning to his hometown between seasons.
Michael’s past leadership experience includes working as a river guide and trip leader in many of the western United States’ most loved sections of river: Idaho’s Middle Fork and Main Salmon, American, Tuolumne, Rogue and he rowed baggage on the Grand Canyon. He also enjoyed leading multiday self-supported sea kayaking trips in Belize, and spent two winters as a diving instructor and underwater videographer in the British Virgin Islands. Before opening the doors of his own business, he worked as a manager for one of California’s largest outdoor education outfitters.

“Growing up in Santa Barbara I would look out at the channel islands and dream of exploring their shores. When Channel Islands National Park was founded in 1989, that dream took on a new meaning -- every day our team has the privilege of taking tourists and travelers from around the world to see these special islands. It has been our mission from the beginning to connect our guests with nature and inspire conservation of our outdoor spaces. Our guides are special individuals, who share this common mission. Come spend the day with us and explore this national treasure."