Painted Cave by Kayak or SUP

West Santa Cruz Island | Channel Islands National Park

World's Longest Sea Cave:
You thought the world's largest ball of twine was cool? Imagine yourself paddling deep into a sea cave with the bellows of the side chambers making your ears pop from the pressure change. You are still 40 feet from the ceiling of the cave and you can see the sun bouncing off of rocks just below you in the crystal clear water. Painted Cave MapNow imagine where you are... 30 miles due South from Santa Barbara on a remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Step aside ball of twine, THIS world record is truly impressive!

Making the Journey across the Santa Barbara Channel:
It takes the Truth about 1.5 hours to make it's way from Santa Barbara Harbor to the cave entrance on the West End of Santa Cruz Island (the Truth being the 70 foot custom built live-aboard vessel that takes you there of course). Relax below in the bunks or whale watch on the top deck, the Truth creates a popular bow wave for dolphins and this sight is endless fun! A light continental breakfast, coffee, tea, and cold beverages included.

Disembark the Truth and Board Your Caving Chariot:
CIO fully outfits you with wetsuits, personal flotation devices, helmets, and you can rent a snorkel and mask. A man or woman wearing a strange outfit with a cave light attached to a helmet will begin the pre-trip briefing, that is your guide, listen up! Going into sea caves is an optional experience, but of all the sea caves at the Channel Islands this cave is inspiring, not intimidating!

Choose Kayaks or SUP:
We offer this experience on sit-on-top kayaks or stable Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP). There are advantages to both, but expect an amazing caving adventure either way! The SUP option costs an additional $25/person.

Don your Snorkel, Mask & Fins and explore below you:
Don is a fancy word for "put-on" we nautical people like to use to sound special, so it may be helpful to remember this. Hop in the water to take a look below you where the kelp is glistening in the sunshine and the fish are swirling as they tend to do. You can rent a snorkel, mask and fins for $10.

Catch a bite to eat and get your bronze on...
...or literally catch your bite to each while you get your bronze on. If you don't succeed with the hook, line and sinker mosey over to the galley where a delicious and healthy lunch is waiting for you. We use local organic produce whenever possible and the tri-tip grazed the hills of Santa Ynez... you traveled further to visit the cave than the food did to visit your plate! After lunch the Truth begins back in search of more whales and dolphins... enjoy an adult beverage if you are so inclined (provided by you of course).

Things to Know about a Painted Cave Adventure: