Scorpion Ranch Caves and Coves
Voted 'Bucket List' Adventure by the Santa Barbara News Press
Start with some whale watching:
The ferry that takes you to the Channel Islands National Park is operated by Island Packers out of Ventura Harbor. You will be aboard one of their very stable high-speed catamarans for the 1 hour journey to Santa Cruz Island. As you cross the marine rich Santa Barbara Channel the captain and crew keep a look-out for wildlife, including Humpback, California Gray, and Killer Whales! It is a common occurrence to find ourselves among MEGA-PODS of dolphins. For total enjoyment, it is best to enjoy a very light breakfast of fruit, saving a nice snack for your arrival at the island.
Gearing up for a Sea Cave Adventure:
Upon arrival at Santa Cruz Island your guide/s will show you to the Channel Islands Outfitters (CIO) base camp where picnic tables, locked storage, and all of the gear we will need for the day of kayaking are located. Each kayaker will be handed a 3mm farmer john style wetsuit that is sized specifically, so be honest with heights and weights. Wetsuits are necessary for protection from the rocks and the sharp things living on them. It can also be a little chilly and most guests find the wetsuit quite comfortable.
Exploring Sea Caves by Kayak:
What you've been waiting for all day! We won't spoil it here, but it's safe to say this 2 1/2 hr sea cave journey is an experience that you will not be able to compare with anything else. We've heard people say "It's like Disneyland!"... but the honest truth is Disneyland comes to the sea caves at Santa Cruz for ideas!
The Rest of Your Day:
Following your unforgettable kayaking adventure there is typically free time. In their free time, guests may enjoy going snorkeling, searching for Santa Cruz Island Fox, or enjoying a nice picnic lunch on the beach. The ferry will arrive late in the afternoon to pick adventurers up and return them to Ventura Harbor. Ferry times differ per day, please check your confirmation.
Quick Facts:
- Single OR Double (Tandem) Kayaks available at no additional cost. These are Sit-On-Top kayaks for use in sea caves.You can make a request ahead of time or decide on the island based on the conditions.
- All paddlers over 5 yrs old who can swim are welcome.
- While we would love to cook you a wonderful lunch, at this time we are not permitted to do so... please bring your own lunch, snacks, and water.
- All sea cave kayaking and snorkeling gear is provided. This includes wetsuit, paddle jacket.
 | Camping is available!
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Customer Review of this Adventure via TripAdvisor...
Reviewed April 17, 2013 NEWI went camping to Santa Cruz island with my two children (ages 6 and 14) and booked a kayaking trip with Channel Island Outfitters. We had never been kayaking before, so we had no idea what to expect, but this trip surpassed our expectations. Our guide for the day, J.D., explained all the kayaking basics with great clarity. He was super friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife and geograpy of the coast. We learned so much from the trip, but most of all it we had A BLAST and were challenged a bit, too. I love that we didn't stay in only calm waters for safety's sake--but that our guide gave us the option to go back to shore or to keep going if we felt up to it. My six-year-old son (who I'll admit, is a daredevil) had the time of his life. I'd say it's fine for young children, unless they are really afraid of water, of course! For anyone new to kayaking--families especially--this is a great introduction to ocean kayaking. Highly recommended!!!
