This Kayaking Tour in California's Channel Islands National Park Includes Visits to Sea Caves and Endemic Animal Sightings
Hop aboard your sea kayak to see what the islands are all about.
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Like the towering limestone cliffs of Vietnam's Hạ Long Bay and the glacier-carved Lofoten Islands in Norway, the Channel Islands jut dramatically from the sea. But this natural wonder is closer to home. In fact, it’s just 60 minutes by ferry from mainland California.
The Channel Islands' striking appearance is only topped by the unique plants and animals that call the once-isolated archipelago home — including 23 endemic land animals that are now protected within Channel Islands National Park. While many travelers come to hike along the islands and watch wildlife, the real adventure is found on the water below, where kayakers can dip in and out of sea caves and gaze up at the islands' unbelievably sheer cliffs.
Scorpion Anchorage, a harbor on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island, is a top destination for sea kayakers. The rugged coastline is home to plentiful sea caves, breeding seabirds and shorebirds, and California sea lions and harbor seals.
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Channel Islands Adventure Company, an authorized concessioner for Channel Islands National Park, runs daily sea kayaking tours from Scorpion Anchorage. Their Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour includes 2.5 to 3 hours on the water, dipping in and out of sea caves and exploring the rugged coastline. Before and after the tour, the company recommends snorkeling in the bay’s clear waters, picnicking on the beach, or exploring one of the hiking trails that traverse Santa Cruz Island.
Every Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour begins with paddling instructions and a safety talk before guests are outfitted with personal floatation devices and kayaks. If needed, the team can provide paddle jackets, helmets, and wetsuits.
Before the tour, guests need to arrange a ferry ride to Scorpion Anchorage from Ventura Harbor, as ferry tickets are not included in the tour. (Ventura, California is about 1.5 hours away from Los Angeles.) The Island Packers ferry runs daily between Ventura and Scorpion Anchorage. Travelers signed up for the 10:30 a.m. tour need to leave Ventura at or before 9 a.m. and those joining the 9:30 a.m. tour need to leave Ventura by 8 a.m.
The Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour is $186 per adult and $174 per child. (Children under the age of 5 are not allowed on the tour.) Private tours for one to 24 guests can be arranged through Channel Islands Adventure Company. To learn more, visit islandkayaking.com.
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