Prisoners Harbor Kayak Tour
Explore Prisoners Harbor, on Santa Cruz Island’s north coast. We’ll spend 2-2.5 hours exploring the pristine waters, kelp forests, beautiful coastlines and rich history. This area of the island is the border of Channel Islands National Park and the Nature Conservancy.
Available through November 2020
Ferry Tickets
Ferry service is operated by Island Packers. You will be given the option to purchase ferry tickets with your kayaking reservation during the checkout process.
Updated June 30, 2020
When
November - June 7am ferry check-in (8am departure) or 8am ferry check-in (9am departure) from Ventura Harbor. Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily between 10:30am-11:00am and select days at 9:30am-10:00am.
Distance
2-3 miles
Duration
2-2.5 hours
Difficulty
Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.
Discovery Sea Cave Kayak
Our Discovery Sea Cave Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Cave Kayaking Tour. In 1.5 hours of paddling time you will experience sea caves, kelp forests and pristine coastlines. This tour is great for first timers to the island who want to be able to experience numerous activities in a day. Channel Islands National Park offers hiking, snorkeling, birding, endemic species, a rich history and more.
*This location will reopen after the completion of the pier at Scorpion Anchorage. The anticipated opening will be November 2020.
Ferry Tickets
Ferry service is aboard Island Packers. You will be given the option to purchase ferry tickets from us during the checkout process.
Ferry return times vary. Your ferry will depart from Scorpion Anchorage at 4:00pm, 4:30pm or 5:00pm.
Updated June 30, 2020
When
July-August – Saturdays and Sundays
Sept-Oct - Click "Book Now" and select a date to see availability
Meets on Santa Cruz Island @ 9:30am and/or 10:30am as well as 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm (meet times depend on the ferry schedule to Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Anchorage)
The 9:30am tour requires an 8:00am ferry departure (7am check-in time).
The 12:30pm tour requires a 10:00am ferry departure or earlier (check-in is one hour prior to ferry departure). Ferry options typically will be 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am.
The 1:30pm tour requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.
Distance
1.25 miles
Duration
1-1.5 hours
Difficulty
Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.
Pricing
Adult $112 + ferry ($62)*
Child $99 (12 and under + ferry ($54)*
*add ferry ticket to cart unless you have already purchased tickets through Island Packers- Preparing for your trip
Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak
The longest of our kayaking tour options, our Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak tour is for the true ocean adventurer or someone who has been kayaking in Channel Islands National Park previously. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a more remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline. Bring your lunch and snorkel gear.
*This location will reopen after the completion of the pier at Scorpion Anchorage. The anticipated opening will be November 2020.
Ferry Tickets
Ferry service is operated by Island Packers. You will be given the option to purchase ferry tickets from us during checkout.
Ferry return times vary. Your ferry will depart from Scorpion Anchorage anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura Harbor between 5:30pm and 7:00pm).
Updated June 30, 2020
When
July - Saturdays and Sundays
Aug-Oct - any date when appropriate ferry times are available
Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am. Requires 8am ferry departure from Ventura Harbor or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island.
Distance
5-6 miles
Duration
5 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate - Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.
Pricing
Adult $210 + ferry ($62)*
Child $210(12 and under) + ferry ($54)*
*add ferry ticket to cart unless you already have purchased tickets through Island Packers- Preparing for your trip
Snorkel & Kayak Tour
On our guided kayak & snorkel tour, guests receive expert knowledge while exploring the beautiful kelp forests and sea caves along pristine coastlines. Guides will offer discussions of marine ecology and natural history of the islands while guests view sea life up close. For this tour, guests must know how to swim and also have basic snorkel & kayaking experience.
*This location will reopen after the completion of the pier at Scorpion Anchorage. The anticipated opening will be November 2020.
Ferry Tickets
Ferry service is operated by Island Packers. You will be given the option to purchase ferry tickets from us during the checkout process after adding your kayak tour.
Ferry return times vary. Your ferry will depart from Scorpion Anchorage anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura Harbor between 4:30pm and 7:00pm).
Updated June 30, 2020
When
July-September - Saturdays and Sundays
Meets at 9:30am on Santa Cruz Island. Check the calendar when booking for available dates.
Distance
1.25 miles of kayaking + snorkeling
Duration
1-1.5 hours of kayaking & 45 minutes of snorkeling
Difficulty
Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended.
Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour
Our Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour is our most popular Channel Islands National Park tour. We’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the sea caves around Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. No other area of the park offers as many sea cave kayaking opportunities. Some of the most beautiful sea caves in the world can be found at Scorpion Anchorage.
*This location will reopen after the completion of the pier at Scorpion Anchorage. The anticipated opening will be November 2020.
Updated June 30, 2020
When
Tours start at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am
*Available year round pending pier completion
Distance
2.5 - 3 miles
Duration
2.5 - 3 hours of island kayaking
Difficulty
Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.
Pricing
Summer tours often sellout. Please book in advance.
$153 per adult + ferry transportation ($62)*
$143 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($54)*
*You'll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers or will be camping on the island you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.