Experience a day like no other
The Channel Islands, located off the California Coast, approximately 20 miles from
Ventura or Santa Barbara Harbor (and about a one-hour ferry ride), is a place to explore
for hiking, camping, boating, and especially, for a SEA CAVE KAYAKING adventure! On
a clear day, you will see the islands, beckoning you as you travel on Highway 1-their
beauty and romance are the stuff dreams are made of, so turn the dream into reality,
and book a Cave Kayaking trip through Santa Barbara Adventure Company, voted
#1 Best Kayak Tour in the Nation by USA Today’s Readers. Once you experience
the wonders of nature on the water, you’ll be planning your next kayaking trip-I
guarantee it!
The Adventure Begins
The adventure begins as you board your Island Packers ferry from Ventura Harbor. It's
an easy one-hour or so ferry ride to Scorpion Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, where you
will meet your professional kayaking guide. However, on the ride over, you want to keep
aware of what surrounds you. It may be just a pleasant ferry ride, but from taking half a
dozen trips, I can tell you, there has always been sea majesty on the trip over. You may
see flying fish as your boat cuts through the water. Or, (more than likely) you will have a
pod of dolphins playfully swimming alongside or in front of you. Of course, there are the
‘mandatory’ sea birds, gliding and diving, and occasionally, you will see whales
breaching. Depending on the “what,” the captain may slow the boat, allowing you to
view the majesty of the sea.
On my trip on a beautiful July day, on our return trip, we WERE treated to a pod of
dolphins and there were also a few whale sightings-co cool!
On The Water
I have taken over half a dozen cave kayaking tours, and have made this an annual
adventure. There are well over 100 sea caves on Santa Cruz Island alone, more than
on any other island in United States! You will visit only a fraction and be amazed. Every
trip always offers something new and exciting.
Once you meet up with your guide, you'll gear up and receive a safety instruction. You’ll
get on your kayak and get ready to glide over forests of giant sea kelp, as golden-
orange Garibaldi (the official California State fish) and other fish swim beneath you.
You have your choice of three different kayaking experiences: 1-1.5 hours, 2.5-3 hours,
or 3-4 hours. Of course, I recommend at least the 2.5-3 hour on-water experience! You’ll
do more, see more, and yeah, get a better workout too.
The Caves
During your “paddle,” you’ll explore several caves. Some are quite large, where you can
glide into, around, and out. Others may require a bit more expertise and maneuvering,
given the narrowness and lower ceilings. And there are a few caves, if the tide and
currents are just right, where you can paddle in and then time the current and surge to
carry you from one end to the other. Just a little adrenaline fun rush.
See the Sea Life
Guides are all well-trained and educated as to the flora, biology, topography and history
of the island, and on your paddle, they will point out specifics that you will see both
while you are on water, and on the island (such as the Island Fox that are predominant.
Don’t worry, they won’t bother you, except to steal your lunch or food bag if left
unprotected).
You’ll be taken to a part of Santa Cruz Island where there are flocks of Brown Pelicans.
Channel Island National Park being the largest breeding ground for these birds in the
world. Hint: Don’t look up! ��
The Unexpected
Then, there is the rare and unexpected that you may happen to see by chance. Several
years ago, our group was paddling in still waters between caves. Suddenly, about 10
yards away, there was an eruption of water, as a large sea lion jumped out of the water,
shaking its head back and forth, with a large fish between its jaws. We sat and watched
the natural event for about 5 minutes, until the sea lion disappeared.
You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker to enjoy the magic of cave kayaking. And
you can trust your guide to, well, “guide” you through. Don’t just be an observer — be a
participant. Experiencing cave kayaking in the Channel Islands is an adventurous day
on the water, surrounded by natural beauty. And, after a day on the water, you will sleep
well at night, dreaming of your next trip.
A HUGE shout out to our guide on my last trip: John Bridley! Full of knowledge, lots of
stories, a great personality, sense of humour and a passion for bringing the history and
exploration of the Channel Islands to life for others. THANKS JOHN!
(For information on SB Adventure Company, check the website:
https://www.sbadventureco.com/ or call (805) 642-1393
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s (and areas beyond) unique
lifestyle culture of Wine, food, adventure, and hospitality. He may be reached at:
donsonderling@gmail.com