Seeing the sea caves in the Channel Islands is one of those national parks bucket list items that many residents and visitors to the state of California hope to cross off their travel wish list, and for good reason. These sea caves are filled with life, from kelp forests to the vibrant orange Garibaldi and brown pelicans, plus a tiny little fox native only to the Channel Islands.
However, getting to the Channel Islands and kayaking the sea caves can prove difficult if you don’t go in prepared.
Trust me, it took us three tries to finally paddle around the caves on Santa Cruz Island, one of the eight islands of the Channel Islands, and it wasn’t from lack of trying– it was because I didn’t do the research.
Two Big Factors that Can Impact Your Sea Kayak trip
First, you need to book ahead, but most importantly, the weather has to cooperate. We tried to go to the sea caves in the spring, but were thwarted by storms. We tried again in the fall, but alas, more extreme weather conditions had us rescheduling (although friends went the following week and it was perfectly calm, but all booked up).
We finally settled on July when we rebooked, which had way less chances of storms and more calm days, and historically had been a great time to day trip to the island caves across the Santa Barbara Channel.
What to Expect When you Book a Channel Islands Kayaking Trip
We’d heard about the Channel Islands sea caves for years, but I honestly had no idea what to expect. I was about to bring my kids onto the open ocean, into dark caves, and wasn’t really prepared. Not my smartest parenting moment, but thanks to the very skilled, authorized kayak guides on our SB Adventure Company tour, we stayed safe and learned so much about the ecosystem and why it is so important to California.
Plus, my kids had fun, and got to check another national park off of their list, so you know it must have been a great time. No one is more honest or judgmental than kids, and mine were in those wonderful “no filter” tween and teenage years.
As a marine reserve, we saw kelp forests and bright orange Garibaldi fish, plus the only nesting population of California brown pelicans, western gulls, Cassin’s auklets, and Brandt’s cormorants.
Inside the sea caves (also known as littoral caves that are formed when the basalts are exposed to powerful waves ), we saw colorful lichen and algae that formed as fresh water seeped through the rocks, plus fish, and even birds who had made their way through the narrow passages.
The largest cave in the Channel Islands, Painted Cave, was filled with rocks with different layers of color (exposed during calm seas and lower water levels). It’s considered one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world, so your guide will try their best to get you inside.
A Note About Photos
It can be VERY hard to get decent photos while you are kayaking. Not only are you trying to paddle, not knock into rock walls, and hold your camera steady, but the ocean waves are constantly moving you up, down, and around, so a great shot can be frustrating to get.
Don’t despair though, and be generous with your fellow kayakers. I got more amazing photos of the strangers in our group than I got of my family since we were always close to each other, and my husband never had his camera out to get photos of me (pretty sure he left it in our bag back on shore). I happily shared photos with my fellow kayakers so they would have a few of themselves from their trip.
I did get a few photos of my husband with our youngest who was in his kayak, and the back of my oldest’s head (he was in my double kayak), but again, in bouncy water and with unpredictable kids paddling, the photos just aren’t the best.
I tried putting my phone in an underwater case, but that was even harder since the water kept moving it around. A GoPro on a stick would have been ideal, but of course I forgot to charge my GoPro the night before.
So, unless you are a pro-kayaking photographer, have mad underwater GoPro camera skills, or can hold as still as a vampire, just enjoy the ride and the random photo or two you capture. And yes, your phone will get wet and the lens may even fog up, so just go with it.
Why You Need to Book Your Channel Islands Ferry ASAP
If you think you only need sea cave kayaking tour tickets to get to the Channel Islands, you are wrong. You will also need ferry tickets, and if the Island Packers boat is sold out, then you can’t get to your sea kayaking tour on time. You can see how this could run around in circles if you don’t get your bookings just right.
Thankfully Santa Barbara Adventure Co. makes sure you have a ferry ticket before they will confirm your tour with them if you are booking separately. You can also book your ferry tickets at the same time as your kayak tickets, which makes the process even easier. The adventure tour company understands the frustration involved with getting to the island, and try to make it as painless as possible.
Crucial Information When Booking Your Channel Island Kayak Adventure
Which of the Channel Islands has Sea Caves?
Santa Cruz Island has the highest density of sea caves, which is why it is the most popular for kayakers to visit. Generally, the sea kayak tours take place around the Scorpion Anchorage area, which is an easy walk from the boat pier, beach, campsites and hiking trails you can enjoy after you kayak.
Which Channel Islands Ferry Do I Take to Kayak the Sea Caves?
Take the Island Packers ferry from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. The ferry ride is about one hour and 30 minutes, and the staff do a great job of pointing out wildlife they spot along the journey.
Since you have a few ferry return times you can book, try to return close to sunset when more sea animals, including humpback whales if you time your trip right, might be spotted. Our ferry captain was 95% sure we saw a mako shark on our return trip, which is a very rare sighting along the coast of Santa Barbara County and Ventura County.
When’s the Best Time to Kayak the Channel Islands Sea Caves?
Summer is definitely the best time to visit the Channel Islands as there is less chance of storms and high surf. However, if you get a calm day in autumn and spring, it is just as amazing, and could be a little less crowded.
How to Book a Kayaking Tour
Visit the Santa Barbara Adventure Company to book your kayak tour. If you aren’t sure which date to visit, give them a call. The staff is very helpful when you are trying to coordinate the Island Packer Ferry and your sea cave excursion.
They can also help you decide which tour is right for you, the shorter Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour or the longer Adventure Sea caves Kayak Tour.
We did the adventure tour since we had a teen and tween with us on our visit. They could handle a bit longer on the water and still paddle (OK, so I paddled more, but you get the idea). Kids have to share a double kayak with an adult. I wasn’t complaining; ocean kayaking is no joke).
What to Pack for Your Santa Cruz Island visit
You will want a bathing suit, sun hat, sunglasses (with a string attached, like this, so they don’t go flying off of you when you hit a wave), sun shirt (I always wear this zip-up one), and sunscreen (must be reef safe like this one).
The sun is BRIGHT on the water. Even if you tan, those UV rays aren’t going to care and will beat down on you mercilessly. There is zero shade when you are on the water, and no shade on the beach and many of the trails.
I can not stress enough how much you NEED to wear sunscreen in California, no matter your skin tone or ability to tan. Skin cancer is real and can effect you no matter who you are or what your skin does in the sun.
Also, you should pack a change of dry clothes for after your kayak tour. While you won’t get soaked, unless you fall in, you will still be on the water, getting sprayed when you hit the sea cave walls, splashed when your kid drops their paddle or swings their paddle back towards you, and any other random way water gets on sea kayakers.
There are changing rooms and restrooms at the tour company gear lockers you can use to change after your kayak tour. If possible, arrive to your tour in your swimsuit/kayaking gear to save everyone time. You will still need to get fitted for a wetsuit, life vest and water shoes.
What does the tour company provide?
You Channel Islands adventure company should have a bin for you to store your bags in while you are out on the water. You will also get wet suits and water shoes (OK, so they are basically Crocs) to wear while you kayak. If it’s super warm, you can opt not to wear a wet suit, but even in July I was happy to have one.
If you plan on going snorkeling after your kayak trip, you can rent snorkel gear, including snorkel masks and flippers, directly from your tour company.
Are there food concessions on the island?
You will want to pack snacks to eat during your kayak tour, plenty of water (bring your reusable water bottle), and a lunch to enjoy after your trip. There are no food items for sale on the island, and you must pack out what you bring in. There are NO trash cans, so bring a trash bag with you.
The crafty island foxes, who are very tiny and cute, will also tear through your lunch if left unattended, so make sure you store all food in one of the storage bins provided by your tour, or if you are camping, the fox-proof boxes at each campsite.
While eating our lunch at a picnic table we saw one of the island foxes snooping around campsites to see if there was any food to be found. He (or she) was not shy about looking for a snack, but do keep your distance; these are wild animals protected by the Nature Conservancy and should NOT be approached.
Step-By-Step Guide to Planning a Kayaking Trip to the Channel Islands
As I’ve mentioned, timing out all of the parts of your sea kayak trip can be tricky. You need ferry tickets, understanding that your departure time will effect your tour time, and the exact ferry return time needs to be booked, so you have to make sure your ferry departure is late enough to accommodate your tour, plus any hiking and wandering you plan to do after your tour.
How Much Does Channel Islands Kayaking Cost?
This is not a cheap trip, but it is worth the price. Ferry tickets for a family of four can set you back about $180 (round trip), while kayaking for two adults and two children will be about $785. Figure you will need to spend about $1000 to kayak the sea caves (don’t forget to tip your guide!) plus pack a lunch for your trip since there are no restaurants on the island.
You could rent kayaks that you bring on the ferry, which may save you some money on the tour price, but if you aren’t a confident kayaker and you want to be able to see the sea caves with a little help, you will want to be on a tour. Trust me, we are confident kayakers and I was happy we had a guide to help if things got tricky, especially when I had my kids with me.
How Do I Buy Tickets for the Ferry and Book My Excursion?
Option 1: Buying Ferry Tickets and Guided Tour Separately
Look at the Island Packer ferry ticket availability HERE. See what days have enough Outbound AND Inbound tickets, so you are sure to be able to return from your day trip (if you are camping, pick your return for another day).
If you are booking your kayak excursion separately, you will want to look at excursion availability HERE to make sure your dates and times can line up. The kayak company should let you know which morning ferry you want to be on so you don’t miss your tour.
Option 2: Buying Kayak Tour Tickets + Ferry Tickets Together
Open the SB Adventure Co. Channel Islands tour page, pick your tour and check availability. Add the number of guests to your cart and then the ferry ticket page should pop up with the departure time preselected for you. Select the number of passengers you need for the ferry and add to your cart.
Viola! All you need to do now is pay.
Is there a National Park Fee to Enter the Channel Islands?
No, there is no fee for the park. When you check in for your tour there is a little visitor center with a gift shop if you need to pick up any last minute items or souvenirs.
Where should I stay the night before my kayak excursion?
If you don’t live close by, you will want to stay in Oxnard or Ventura the night before your kayak trip so you can make your morning ferry. You could spend only the one night, but I’d recommend spending the night after your tour as well (plan for three days/ two nights). You will be TIRED after paddling, and having to drive more than an hour home might be too much.
All we wanted to do was shower, grab dinner, and crash in our hotel beds after we got back. It’s along day.
Channel Islands Hotels
Oxnard
- Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton: Pet-friendly with pool and spa located on the beach path.
- Mandalay Shores Resort: condo-style resort on the beach with a pool and parking included
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Oxnard/Camarillo: Pet-friendly with a pool and breakfast included, located just off the 101.
Find more Oxnard CA Hotels HERE.
Ventura
- Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel: Pet-friendly with ocean views, a pool and suites available.
- Hotel San Buena: Beautiful boutique hotel in right town.
- Waypoint Ventura: Airstream hotel right near town with parking included
- Clocktower Inn Ventura: Comfy hotel with breakfast and parking included
- Ventura Beach Marriott: Pet-friendly, farther from town, but closer to the Island Packers dock.
Find more Ventura CA Hotels HERE.
Channel Islands Camping
You can camp on the Channel Islands, but you will need a permit from the National Park Service. There is one designated camping area per island, with limited back country camping opportunities (though there are a few and you will need a permit).
- Santa Barbara Island: above the Landing Cove
- Anacapa: on the east islet
- Santa Cruz: Scorpion Canyon
- Santa Rosa Island: Water Canyon
- San Miguel: above Cuyler Harbor
Keep a close eye on the National Park website, as there have been numerous closings in the past of campgrounds, as well as entire islands.
FAQs: Channel Islands National Park, California
What is Channel Islands National Park?
Channel Islands National Park is a national park located off the coast of Southern California in the United States. It consists of five of the eight Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara.
How do I get to Channel Islands National Park?
Access to Channel Islands National Park is by boat or ferry only, as there are no bridges connecting the islands to the mainland. You can take ferries from the Ventura Harbor or Oxnard Harbor north of Los Angeles to reach the islands.
What are the main activities in Channel Islands National Park?
The main activities are hiking, kayaking the sea caves, snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the kelp forests and marine life, camping, wildlife watching, and stargazing under the dark night skies.
The Channel Islands have no big cities or excessive light pollution, making it one of the darkest national parks in Southern California.
Are there entrance fees to visit?
No. As long as you can get there, there are no park fees for Channel Islands NPS.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Channel Islands National Park is during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. The weather is generally milder, and the sea conditions are calmer at this time, but you can visit throughout the year as long as the ferry is running (extreme weather will cancel ferry crossings).
Are there camping facilities in Channel Islands National Park?
Yes, there are camping facilities available on the islands. Each island has its designated campgrounds, and visitors must obtain a camping permit in advance. Spots are limited, so book ASAP if you plan to camp.
Can I visit multiple islands in one trip?
You can visit multiple islands in one trip, but if you plan on kayaking or doing any other big adventure activity, you will probably only be able to see one island per day. Island Packers Cruises, the park’s only authorized concessionaire, offers day trips and multi-day packages.
Is there a limit to the number of visitors on the islands?
The National Park Service manages visitor numbers on the islands to protect the fragile ecosystems and wildlife. There is a limit to the number of visitors allowed on each island per day, which is why it is so important to plan your trip in advance.
You can not just show up and assume there will be a seat on the ferry for you.
Can I bring my own food and water to the islands?
You must bring your own food and water to the islands, especially if you plan on camping or staying for the day.
There are no stores or restaurants on the islands, and resources are limited, so it’s essential to practice Leave No Trace guidelines, and pack out all trash as there are no trash cans.
Are there facilities for kayaking and snorkeling in the park?
Visitors can enjoy kayaking and snorkeling in Channel Islands National Park. There are kayak rental services available on certain islands, and guided kayaking tours are also offered. You can also take a kayak on the ferry with you, but this must be booked in advance to make sure there is space for you and your kayak.
Snorkeling is popular, especially in the kelp forests, where you can meet the local underwater wildlife.
Can I see wildlife in Channel Islands National Park?
Channel Islands National Park is the perfect spot to see marine mammals such as seals and sea lions, as well as a variety of seabirds. Whales can often be spotted during their migration seasons (winter). The islands are also home to unique species of foxes, mice, and island scrub-jays.
Are pets allowed in Channel Islands National Park?
No pets, except service dogs, are allowed on the islands in order to protect the local fox population. Keep in mind that parasites and diseases not found on the mainland can infect service dogs, so think carefully before you bring a service animal with you.
Are there guided tours available in the park?
There are a number of guided tours available in Channel Islands National Park led by knowledgeable rangers, naturalists who can tell you more about the park’s ecology, geology, and history. Book your tours in advance to make sure you get a spot and arrive when a tour is actually happening.
Is it safe to swim around the islands?
Swimming around the islands can be safe in certain areas, but you must stay aware of the ocean’s conditions and potential hazards.
The Pacific Ocean off the coast of California is also cold year round (compared to the Atlantic Ocean beaches on the East Coast of the USA), and there may be strong currents and rough seas, especially on the open ocean side of the islands.
Only swim in designated areas, and always err on the side of caution when it comes to Mother Nature.
Can I scuba dive in Channel Islands National Park?
Scuba diving is a popular in the park thanks to the kelp forests and rich marine biodiversity. Cold water temperatures and currents can make it difficult for novice divers though, so diving is mostly recommended for experienced divers, or those on a guided dive.
Many thanks Visit Ventura and Santa Barbara Adventure Company for covering two of our four kayaking tickets. Our family covered the other two excursion fees as well as ferry tickets to and from the Channel Islands, hotels, etc. As always, my opinions are my own. When they aren’t, you will be the first to know.
