channel islands snorkeling tour

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Last updated: September 22, 2017

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1901 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, CA 93001

805 658-5730

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Snorkeling Channel Islands

Crystal clear waters, corals, crabs, fishes, and so much more!

$295/person (tour+transportation)

114 Miles from you

National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers Learn more

Description

Go to Santa Cruz Islands and dive into crystal clear water to see real ocean life. You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from an Island vendor. Dive at your own pace and enjoy the show. You will see a variety of marine life in the wild nature. Reconnect with the ocean and feel like you belong underwater! Book your Ferry Here:  Island Packers

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• Arrive at Island Packers Ferry dock for check-in an hour before your departure time
• Meet your Channel Islands Adventure Company guides just outside of the Island Packers building
• Board the Ferry and enjoy your ride (1-1.5 hours)
• Meet your guides on the island
• Get your gear and safety instructions
• Enjoy your tour/snorkeling experience (3 hours)
• Spend the rest of the day on the beach
• Get picked up by the ferry
• Enjoy your ride back to the Island Packers Ferry Dock (1-1.5 hours)

Location & Hours

Channel Islands Adventure Company, Santa Cruz Island, CA

Working Hours

Packing List

• Waterproof bag

   4.9  ● Google reviews

4 weeks ago

The Wayward Nurse

5 months ago

Brianna Harte

7 months ago

Ishita Shah

4 months ago

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Discover the Coastal Charm of Potato Harbor

Channel Islands Kayaking

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Santa Barbara Channel Islands National Park Tours

Day Trips start at $99/adult. Kayak secluded coves, encounter dolphins, explore sea caves, and snorkel the marine sanctuary kelp forests. Best in California.

Explore Channel Islands National Park

Only accessible by boat, the Channel Islands is one of the least visited National Parks in the U.S. providing a unique experience of marine wildlife viewing as well as biologic diversity seen nowhere else on the Pacific Coast of North America.

Channel Islands National Park Expeditions

Our custom expedition fleet boats are the perfect way to see these off-shore hidden gems. We have over 20 years of guiding experience and over 20,000 happy clients!

Snorkeling Adventures from only $45 + boat trip

• Visit the world’s largest sea cave, Painted Cave on every trip.
• We have an expedition for everyone!
• Our day trips start at $79.

Largest Sea Caves on Earth

We pioneered kayaking into sea caves almost 30 years ago. Our sea cave kayak expeditions are high adventure and for those with some experience.

Discover Mega Pods of Dolphins

The Santa Barbara Channel is world famous for whale watching. Our journey to the islands each day takes us right over a feeding shelf 6 miles from Santa Cruz Island. As we encounter this shelf we experience feeding frenzies with dolphins, whales, and marine birds.

Gourmet Galley - Market Salads - Smash Burgers

We source local ingredients and always serve healthy options on our Santa Barbara vessels.

Custom Vessels for Kayaking, Snorkeling, SCUBA Diving, and Hiking

Our vessels and crew have been taking people to the Channel Islands National Park for over 20 years. A professional crew will act as naturalists and guides sharing knowledge and making your island experience rich and informational.

Whale and Dolphin Tours

Sunset cruise, channel island tours.

Kayak & Snorkel Channel Islands National Park

Check off your Channel Islands bucket list!

Kayak the world’s largest sea caves

Snorkel in underwater kelp forests

See 33 species of whales and dolphins

Trek on Remote Islands

Celebrating 33 years at  channel islands national park, guide owned and family operated since 1991.

If you are planning your trip to Channel Islands National Park and are overwhelmed with logistics and planning… ferries, campsites, tours, etc. you’ve come to the right place. All CIEx trips start and stop from the same land based location on our customer expedition boats. Relax, we’ll take care of everything else you need! 

Experience the Downwind Kayaking Difference: Vessel Supported Expeditions for Everyone!

Small groups | experienced guides | one-way curated paddles.

Drop in at Point A and kayak downwind

Kayak through sea caves and snorkel with seals and sea lions

Continue paddling downwind with boat pickup at Point B

Snorkeling Gear is included on all Day Trips and Expeditions

Sea Cave Day Trips

Epic Sea Caves Kayak & Snorkel

May - November

Bring your own food and beverages.

1.25 hr crossing to and 1 hr return from Anacapa with whale and dolphin sightings possible.

All downwind kayaking. See more, no doubling back.

Kelp forest snorkeling includes a full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins provided at the dock. We snorkel from the Sunfish and jump directly into the kelp forest from the boat.

Painted Cave Kayak & Snorkel

Santa Barbara

May 25 - October 27

Food and Beverages provided and some for sale.

2.5 hr crossing to and from Santa Cruz with whales and dolphins sightings possible.

All downwind kayaking. No doubling back, see more and do more!

Modified snorkeling takes place from the kayaks with a lifejacket on and no fins. We do not guarantee snorkeling on this trip if conditions do not allow us to safely snorkel.

Painted Cave Zodiac Cruise

June 18 - October 30

No Age Limit

2.5 hr Cruise

Expanded Snorkeling from the Zodiac.

Places we visit

Those who came before.

We would like to pay respect to and honor the traditions and ancestry of the Michumash people who called these islands and the surrounding waters home for many thousands of years before modern time. 

The Tomol, pictured below, was the traditional watercraft used to navigate the waters and cross the Santa Barbara Channel to trade with mainland Chumash. Our paddling journeys follow these trade routes and we acknowledge our modern place in these cherished waters. 

Group Charter Trip

I have been diving with the stellar crew and team at Channel Islands Expedition for several years. Their attention to detail, respect for the marine environment, safety approach, and great service is top notch. There is an adventure for anyone, whether you want to do a one day outing or a several day option. They have WiFi options for purchase and the food is yummy.... Read More

Anacapa Tour

Garrett, Phil and the other crew members who guided us through Anacapa were outstanding! I would definitely put this on your Summer bucket list. A great way to get fresh air, exercise and actually go through not one, but like 10 sea caves. Emerald Cave and Roller Coaster Cave were favorites. We even jumped out of our kayaks and swam through a cave. We also... Read More

Epic Weekender trip

Had a great 2 day one night trip recently on the Truth for the Epic Weekender trip. The crew was all very professional and helpful, from captain John to the guides to the chef Jake etc. We had 2 days of excellent cave kayaking with Max guiding us, and a very nice snorkel experience as well. Food was exceptionally great, props to Jake.... Read More

Tracy Mulligan

Painted cave tour.

What an amazing adventure! I had the honor of going on a kayaking and snorkeling tour hosted by CIEx out of Santa Barbara. I was delighted with a boat vs dolphins race as we exited the Santa Barbara Harbor and headed towards the Channel Islands. We were escorted to the islands by a pod of dolphins HUNDREDS strong. It was like a dream! CIEx provided... Read More

Guidance Moon

Amazing trip! I loved the boat. We had a great time kayaking. The crossing was incredible with dolphins, sea lions, and humpback whales literally breaching out of the water! We really explored the sea caves with guides so far in we could get not see without the help of the guides light. It felt like an adventure but also safe as we had a... Read More

Robert Turner

We had the best day out with CIX on our trip to Painted Cave. The trip was a kayak and snorkel day trip. The crew was amazing, everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. The kayaking was so beautiful and it was cool to get into the caves and learn about them through the guides. The snorkeling was super pretty also! The crew was also awesome... Read More

Simone Shomaker

Awesome experience. Did a day trip to Santa Cruz Island and went on a guided kayaking tour. Captain Dan and his crew were all extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Also, the crew member Bailey made some delicious chocolate chip cookies with three different kinds of chocolate for everyone on board, would book this trip again just for the cookies alone.

We went out on our 20th anniversary and really enjoyed the whole trip. The crew was great Marc was very informative and helpful. Ally bubbly personality made the experience great. Our captain was awesome.

Channel Islands Expeditions has a top notch kayak trip experience. As a native, I had never made it to the islands just a few miles of the coast of my hometown; Craig our guide and Alex the captain made sure we had a memorable experience. We kayaked the northern tip of Anacapa which is closed most of the year into sea caves and along the... Read More

We had the best day out with CIX on our trip to Painted Cave. The trip was a kayak and snorkel day trip. The crew was amazing, everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. The kayaking was so beautiful and it was cool to get into the caves and learn about them through the guides. The snorkeling was super pretty, and we enjoyed the day out... Read More

What an incredible experience. Captain John, Chef Tim (Chefro), 2nd Captain Beth, and crew Tina and Troy made this dive trip the diving adventure of the year for me. Captain John exceeded his “guarantee” of 50% more diving than anticipated and Chefro poured his heart into making sure we had the best meals and snacks ready to go after every single dive. Beth, Tina, and... Read More

Brandon Seifert

We had such a wonderful time kayaking the Channel Islands with Channel Islands Expeditions! The crew was fun, friendly and knowledgeable and made our day perfect. The food onboard was delicious and they even took care of my weird dietary needs. Kayaking through the island caves was so beautiful and they made it easy even for those of us kayaking for the first time. Leaving... Read More

My recent kayaking trip with Channel Islands Expeditions was an absolute gem. We departed from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. There was a CIEx sign set out so I knew I was in the right place to meet. Right from the start, the crew's professionalism and attention to safety made me feel secure and excited. The crossing on the Sunfish was awesome! We got... Read More

Genelise Hazen

If you are interested in whale watching and an up close visit to the Channel Islands, we highly recommend booking with Channel Islands Expeditions. Captain Tim and First Mate Travis were top notch - Experienced, Knowledgeable, Outgoing, Patient and Accommodating. We could absolutely not have had a better day! The trip to Anacapa Island was full of wildlife encounters and the details... Read More

Once in a lifetime experience!!! The crew (John, Randy, Beth, Jake, Bryson, Savannah and Max) were all amazing hosts and guides. They have thought of everything to make this a truly unique and memorable experience. The food was incredible, the activities and tours were fun and beautiful, and the Channel Islands and it's wildlife make you feel like you're in a different... Read More

This was a wonderful and beautiful experience. We came here on my birthday, it was my 53rd birthday. My husband is semi handicapped and we were pleasantly surprised that the group were very helpful and in helping him with the kayaking and the snorkeling so that way he can experience everything just like a full able-bodied person can. We are also gluten-free vegans which... Read More

Nereida La Sirena Rojas

Amazing! So happy I went with this company. You can bring coolers on board & dry bags with snacks are allowed on the kayaks, & take a ball cap for helmet. Dan was our guide Super friendly, very patient, all staff was great. Went on a Thursday, the experience was more intimate, because all the caves were empty, & our group was only 5 visitors.

We signed up for the Sea Cave Combo package and it was the best trip ever. Originally we were put on a waitlist for a different (and more expensive) company that had us inconveniently book the ferry + activity separately, but then came across CIE last minute and booked through them. It was a much better choice. From start to finish the whole crew, especially... Read More

Definitely recommend - Truly an amazing and unique experience. Recently I had the opportunity to join on the kayak/snorkeling trip at Anacapa Island with CIX. First of all, they have an awesome crew of knowledgeable individuals who love their job. They make sure you're comfortable and taken care of while also guiding you through a one of a kind experience. I learned so much and... Read More

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CIEx Trip Protect

100% refund for any reason!

You must purchase  CIEx Trip Protect  at the time of booking to receive a  full refund, for any reason up until day of departure.  Same-day cancellations do not qualify for the CIEx Trip Protect 100% refund. CIEx Trip Protect is applied per person.

CIEx Trip Protect is not insurance and does not cover any other related travel expenses or costs incurred with cancellations related to a CIEx trip cancellation. CIEx suggests you purchase travel insurance to protect other aspects of your travel.

Channel Islands Kayak Tours

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour

RUNS YEAR ROUND!

Overview Experience the stunning beauty of Channel Islands National Park on our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. On this tour, you’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the unparalleled natural wonders of this unique area. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts.

Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am

Tour Time (~4 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~2.5-3 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 2.5-3 miles

Level of Difficulty Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ferry Tickets The 10:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 9am or earlier from Ventura Harbor. The 9:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 8am. Check-in is one hour prior to departure.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 4:30pm 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 .

Public tours: $205 per adult + ferry transportation ($70)* $187 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($55)* Private tours: $1,640 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,992 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,488 (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.

• Preparing for your trip

Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour

OUR MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Overview Our Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. For 1-1.5 hours you’ll kayak through stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-timers visiting the island, this tour allows you to pack in multiple experiences into one day, from hiking and snorkeling to birding and exploring endemic species. Don’t miss out on the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this national park has to offer.

Availability February-November: Most days

Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 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)

Tour Time (~2.5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 1.25 miles

Ferry Tickets 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.

Public tours: $145 per adult + ferry transportation ($70)* $127 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($55)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $1,160 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,032 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $3,046 (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 [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview The longest of our kayaking tour options, the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour is for the true ocean adventurer. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline.

This tour is best for 1. Intermediate-Advanced kayakers who are looking for a longer day on the water, must have 8am ferry departure and 4:30pm return 2. Campers on their 2nd day at the island, so they can enjoy a first full day exploring the island on land

Availability This tour is offered on Friday-Sunday and Wednesdays from May through November. Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~3-4 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 4-5 miles

Level of Difficulty Intermediate – Advanced

Ferry Tickets This 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.

Ferry return times vary daily, departing at 4:30pm or 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 6:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Public tours: $275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $70 / children 12 and under $55)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $2,200 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,240 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $6,360 (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 [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour

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

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm 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.

Happy Adventurers

You have fun. We’ll handle the rest.

An Awesome Time!

Thanks for an incredible sea kayaking adventure on Santa Cruz in Channel Islands National Park! Well worth the money, especially with the wetsuits and extra outfitting that made paddling super comfy. "

One of the Best Family Days!

"Six of us went Kayaking in the Sea Caves and loved every minute. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and was incredibly enthusiastic about the adventure. On the way home, we saw two whales and two pods of dolphins. Cannot imagine a better day!"

A Bucket List Adventure!

"An awesome adventure! While the Painted Cave is the highlight of the tour all of the caves are incredible. The wildlife is amazing along with the plants and everything else. The guides were super friendly and very informative."