Snorkeling

Overview
Explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface on our expert-led Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and the island’s pristine coastlines. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through marine ecology and the rich history of the island. Get up close with sea life and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.

This tour is best for
1. Guests who already have previous kayaking and snorkeling experience. Guests should be comfortable in the ocean and comfortable swimming with a snorkel.
2. Campers who are already on the island and want a full day of adventure on & in the water

Availability
Our Snorkel & Kayak Tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am and 10am from mid-June through September 30th on days when there is an 8am ferry departure.

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour Time (~5 hours)
~1 hr 45 min – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk
~1-1.5 hr – Kayaking
~15 min – Lunch
~45 min – Snorkeling
~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty
Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the tour. All guests MUST know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is REQUIRED.

Includes
• Snorkel & Mask*
• Fins
• 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit
• Snorkel flotation device
• PFD (personal flotation device) for kayaking
• Ocean kayak**
• Knowledgeable guide(s) on exploring sea caves as well as the local natural history and marine ecology

*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them.
*We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.
**By default, even-numbered parties will be paired in a tandem (2-person) kayak. For single or odd-numbered parties, single (1-person) kayaks will be provided.

Ferry Tickets
The 9:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 8am (check-in at 7am) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return. 

The 10am tour requires a ferry departure of 8:30am (check-in at 7:30am) or earlier. This tour also requires a 5pm or later ferry return. 

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times will align with your tour selection. The ferry will depart between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:30pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Questions?
Visit our FAQ’s page.

• Pricing

  Public tours:
  $289 per person + ferry transportation (adults $70 / children 12 and under $55)*
  
  Private tours:
  $2,312 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation*
  $4,464 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation*
  $6,696 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation*
  
  Tours often sell out. Please book in advance.
  
  *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.
  
  Private tours available. Email letsgo@islandkayaking.com for pricing and more info.

• Preparing for your trip

Overview
Immerse yourself in the beauty of kelp forests and pristine coastlines on our Guided Snorkel Excursion at Scorpion Anchorage. Our expert guides offer a wealth of knowledge on marine ecology and the natural history of the islands, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation of the underwater world. Explore the island’s vibrant sea life and create lasting memories on this educational and scenic adventure.

Availability
Our Guided Snorkel Excursion run every Sunday starting at 11am and 1:30pm from mid-June through September 30th.

Guided Snorkel Excursion Time (~3 hours)
~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk
~1-1.5 hr – Snorkeling
~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty
Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the excursion. All guests MUST know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is REQUIRED.

Includes
• Snorkel & Mask*
• Fins
• 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit
• Snorkel flotation device
• Knowledgeable guide(s) on the local natural history and marine ecology
*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them.
*We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.

Ferry Tickets
The morning activity requires a 9:30am or earlier ferry departure (check-in 1hr prior to departure).
The afternoon activity requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:00pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Questions?
Visit our FAQ’s page.

• Pricing

  Public excursions:
  $159 per person + ferry transportation (adults $70 / children 12 and under $55)*
  
  Private tours (Phone bookings only):
  $1,272 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation*
  $2,416 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation*
  $3,624 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation*
  
  Activities often sell out. Please book in advance.
  
  *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.
  
  Private excursions available. Email letsgo@islandkayaking.com for pricing and more info.

• Preparing for your trip

Channel Island National Park offers some of the best snorkeling in North America. Rental includes a Snorkel, Mask, Fins and a 3-piece Wetsuit (5mm shortie suit, 7mm farmer john suit & sized hood). We have children’s wetsuits size 6-16 and adult wetsuits size XS-XXXL. We have child, youth and adult-sized masks available.

• Available first-come, first-serve at our storefront on Santa Cruz Island
  All snorkel rentals include a flotation belt.

• Pricing

  $72 — mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit

Channel Island National Park offers some of the best snorkeling in North America. Rental includes a Snorkel, Mask and Fins. We have child, youth and adult-sized masks available. A wetsuit is not included in this rental package.

• Available first-come, first-serve at our storefront on Santa Cruz Island
  All snorkel rentals include a flotation belt.

• Pricing

  $39 – mask, snorkel, fins