Step aboard our 54-foot expedition vessel, the SUNFISH, for a full-day adventure into the Channel Islands National Park, one of California’s hidden treasures and the nation’s least-visited parks. Paddle downwind through sparkling waters, snorkel among vibrant kelp forests, and explore hidden sea caves around every bend. Along the way, watch whales and playful dolphins, soak in the scenery, and experience a truly wild marine paradise largely untouched by visitors.
Overview
Kayak, Snorkel & Explore Channel Islands National Park on this one-of-a-kind downwind vessel assisted kayak tour.
Highlights
Sea Caves – Caves around Every Bend
Anacapa has more sea caves per mile than any other island. Around every bend and turn there is another cove or cave that we explore. Paddle through the iconic Anacapa Arch, symbol of Channel Islands National Park.
Downwind Kayaking Route
This is a guide favorite because the scenery is always changing and we never have to double back. This can only be done with a boat drop and pick-up.
Kelp Forest Snorkeling
Your guides will select a snorkeling site once your kayaking tour is complete. You jump in the water from the swim step of the mothership (SUNFISH) and snorkel in the kelp forest right away.
Getting to the world famous Channel Islands
Check-in at Marine Emporium Landing in Oxnard
Check in starts at 7:40am for an 8:00am departure. This is an all day adventure in Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.
Whale and Dolphin Discover Crossing
As we cross the Santa Barbara Channel we enter a international Whale Heritage area that is known for over 33 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) like the Blue Whale and Orca.
Begin your kayaking journey at the Keyhole Arch
The Sunfish drops you off with your guides and you begin your downwind/down current paddle along the shore of Anacapa Island exploring the vast number of sea caves along the way.
Snorkeling in a marine sanctuary.
Anacapa Island has been a marine sanctuary with protected waters for over 40 years. This snorkeling is by far the best in the National Park, when it's good.. it's world class!
Visit the Anacapa Arch
The iconic Anacapa Arch is outstanding and we'll get you in the perfect position for a memorable photo/selfie with you and your group!
Shorter Journey Home - Dolphin Escort
With the wind and current at our backs, the journey home is slightly shorter than the journey out, lasting about an hour. Be on the lookout for whales, sea birds or dolphin that may be playing in the wake behind our boat.
What to expect on your kayak and snorkel experience!
Arrive at the put-in and start your paddle
We provide you with a kayaking wetsuit, along with a lifejacket, helmet, and paddle. We have tandem kayaks by default, but provide a limited number of single kayaks for those traveling solo. All kayaks have backrests.
A Marine Bird Sanctuary
The California Brown Pelican nests almost exclusively at Anacapa Island, and we will paddle along the cliffs just below the nests. May-August is nesting season as the chicks hatch and eventually fledge the nests on their own. It's a really cool experience to see these young birds in the wild from a safe distance on our kayaks.
Explore sea caves along the way
Anacapa Island has more sea caves per mile than any other island that we have been to. This makes for exceptional exploration opportunities as every bend and curve has another unique feature or cave to stop and explore.
A relaxing and informative paddle with your guides
This petite island, marked by dramatic cliffs, will captivate you with its rugged beauty and rich biodiversity. Watch out for marine life along the way as you look for your next cave to explore as you twist and turn kayaking along the cliffs of Anacapa Island.
Snorkeling in Kelp Forests w/ Sea Lions
When conditions are good, this is some of the best snorkeling, in temperate water, on earth. North Anacapa is a marine protected area where you cannot fish or take anything from the ocean here. If you are brave enough to dive through the kelp, you’ll be greeted with a indescribable sensation of flying through an underwater forest… it’s pretty incredible. Snorkeling wetsuits are available for rent, or you can use your kayaking wetsuit.
Finish with a Picnic on the Sunfish
At the end of your day you'll be ready for a sandwich and cold drink (both of which you need to bring on this trip!). We'll park the Sunfish near the Anacapa Arch and lighthouse.
FAQ’s
Do I have to purchase a ferry ticket?
We are all inclusive small businesses and our boat ticket is included in the price of the adventure! You stay on our boat the whole time!
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refund or credit up until 21 days prior to departure!
20-8 days before your tour:
- Change to a different date or trip with no fees.
- Refunds are available minus a 15% fee.
No refunds or credits within 7 days of your departure.
If we have to cancel for any reason you’ll get 100% refund.
What should I pack?
Water shoes or sandals with straps. Flip flop slippers cannot be worn on the kayaks.
Reusable water bottle – can be filled onboard
Waterproof/windproof top layer.
Base layers – we suggest having a lightweight base layer, a warmer jacket, and hooded sweatshirts.
Kayak clothing – bathing suits and sun tops. You will be given a Farmer John style wetsuit (like overalls). Fleece layers can help stay warm.
Sunscreen – It must be reef-safe sunscreen. Learn what makes sunscreen reef safe.
Sunglasses and sun hats. We suggest a baseball cap for use under your helmet during kayaking.
Camera – we suggest a waterproof camera or case and/or a reliable waterproof bad.
Snacks/Lunch – Epic Sea Cave Combo does not include food. You are welcome to bring a cooler or lunch bag, and it will stay dry on board during your kayak adventure.
Motion sickness medicine and personal medications.
Gratuity for guides and crew.
What are the swimming requirements?
Kayaking – You will be wearing a PFD (life jacket) at all times and you need to be comfortable in water over your head.
Snorkeling – You must be able to swim unassisted for 30 minutes in order to snorkel without a PFD (life jacket) on.
If I am solo or in an odd number group will I be in a tandem kayak with a stranger?
We have single kayaks for those of you traveling solo or in odd number group. Because of this, we don’t allow people to reserve single kayaks ahead of time.
How difficult is the kayaking?
Easy to Moderate – The kayaking on this trip is generally appropriate for beginner kayakers. Ocean conditions are always variable and some days can offer more challenging paddling conditions.
Is food included? Drinking water?
No, you must bring a lunch with you. We stop by Anacapa Arch to enjoy a nice picnic on the boat at the end of the trip.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Drinking water is available from a tap aboard the boat.
Can we land on Anacapa and hike?
This is a NON LANDING Island Cruise. If you want to hike on the Channel Islands, we recommend that you book an Expedition with us! If you are interested in hiking specifically on Anacapa Island, we recommend contacting Island Packers.
Can you charter a private kayaking expedition?
Yes, prices vary based on day of week and season. Please visit our Charter page and submit an inquiry.
What's the difference between kayaking Anacapa Island and Scorpion Ranch?
The EPIC Combo trip is a curated experience that brings you to areas that are seen by fewer National Park visitors.
- All CIEx kayaking trips are vessel-supported. Rather than launching and landing through surf at the Scorpion Ranch beach, all CIEx trips launch kayaks from our motherships with crew assistance from our accessible, water-level swim steps. On our trips, you paddle in one direction with the wind and get picked up at the end of your paddle by the mothership. You’ll have the support vessel nearby at all times to assist you if needed.
- You are our exclusive purpose. All CIEx kayak guests are here for the same reason… to kayak into sea caves! Scorpion Ranch trips require ferry transportation to get to the island paddling destination, which can result in wait times between activities.
- We paddle at areas where we barely encounter other boaters or visitors to the islands. This means less crowds and more wildlife. Scorpion Ranch is the most heavily-visited part of Channel Islands National Park – if you’re looking to get a more remote experience, join us!
Can I join this trip if I am camping at Anacapa Island?
Unfortunately no. We cannot pick up or drop off passengers at the Landing Cove at Anacapa. All of our paddlers need to board at Oxnard for the day. The best way to kayak Anacapa Island and see all of the amazing arches and tidepools is to have a support vessel like the Sunfish. We don’t recommend trying this on your own 🙂
What are your age requirements?
5 years old is the youngest permitted to kayak. Our age limit is based on decades of experience. Younger paddlers fatigue faster and the adult paddler is left doing all of the paddling, keep this in mind when considering younger paddlers.
We cannot place two young children in a tandem kayak together; an adult or teenager must paddle with each child. Call us to discuss.
All “little ones” must wear a PFD while snorkeling.
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