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.
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.
When
Mar-Apr – Available select days
May-Aug – Available most days
Sept-Oct – Weekends only
Nov-Feb – Not Available
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 $109 + ferry ($59)*
Child $99 (12 and under + ferry ($46)*
*add ferry ticket to cart unless you have already purchased tickets through Island Packers- Preparing for your trip
Adventure Sea Cave Kayak
Our Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour is our most popular Channel Islands National Park tour. We’ll spend a half-day 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.
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.
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).
When
Year-round. 7am ferry check-in (8am departure) or 8am ferry check-in (9am departure) from Ventura Harbor. Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am
Distance
2.5-3 miles
Duration
2.5-3 hours
Difficulty
Beginner to Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.
- Most Popular Island Tour!
Pricing
Adult $149 + ferry ($59)*
Child (12 and under) $139 + ferry ($46)*
*add ferry ticket to cart unless you already have purchased tickets through Island Packers- Preparing for your trip
Ultimate Sea Cave Kayak
The longest of our kayaking tour options and only for advanced paddlers, 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.
If this is your first time to the island, we recommend the Adventure Tour.
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).
When
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
Advanced. Children under age 5 not permitted.
- Prior Experience Required
Call for Availability in the Winter and Fall. Pricing
Adult $179 + ferry ($59)*
Child $169 (12 and under) + ferry ($46)*
*add ferry ticket to cart unless you already have purchased tickets through Island Packers- Preparing for your trip
Painted Cave Kayak Tour
Get ready for a full day at sea. Explore Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world! Painted Cave is within a Marine Protected Area and also a part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy breakfast & a hot lunch, as well as whale watching on the boat ride where you may spot sea lions, otters, dolphins, marine birds and whales. Snorkel the protected kelp forest after kayaking the massive sea caves. This is an adventure you will remember for a lifetime. Private Charters are available in the off season; call for details.
Availability
This is a seasonal trip offered on the following dates:
June: 6/8, 6/15, 6/16, 6/28, 6/29 & 6/30
July: 7/5, 7/7, 7/10, 7/13, 7/17, 7/26, 7/27, 7/28 & 7/31
August: 8/2, 8/3, 8/4, 8/7, 8/9, 8/10, 8/21
If you’d like to request a specific date, please email or call our office.
More info on planning a Painted Cave Kayak Trip
When
7:30 am- 5:00 pm, departs from Santa Barbara Sea Landing.
Distance
2.5 miles
Duration
9-10 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate to Advanced (Not recommended for small children) Children under age 5 not permitted.
- Check Availability
This tour is only offered in Spring and Summer. Pricing
$299 adult, $279 child.
Group rates for 8+ people is $279 per person. Group discount rates can not be used with other promotional discounts. No charge for snorkel gear.
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.
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).
When
Meets from May-September on select Fridays, Sundays & Mondays 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.