Kayak Santa Cruz Island

Ventura, California

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

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Description

Added by Meghan Young

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a beautiful spot off the coast of Ventura County that's only accessible by boat. Santa Cruz Island is nestled within the sanctuary and boasts incredible biodiversity and stunning views. The best way to take it all in is via kayak.

As the largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Island National Park is an ecological treasure, and to kayak it is to get to experience it in a manner unlike any other. Getting to the island is easiest through Island Packers where you can also reserve a kayak (so pack efficiently due to limited space).

From Ventura Harbor you will travel to Santa Cruz Island and then disembark for a short chat with your guide before gearing up and hitting the water. The guides from the Channel Islands Adventure Company will happily answer questions and point out wildlife as you paddle around, exploring sea caves and sampling the local kelp. If you are lucky you might even see the seals "hauling out" aka sitting on rocks above the surface of the water to warm up after swimming for hours.

Make sure you bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the island when you are done paddling around; you will be hungry!

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Stand Up Paddle

Kayaking

Swimming

Hiking

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Family Friendly

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Scenic

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Wildlife

Reviews

PRO

Lucas Bremer

PRO

Kayak Santa Cruz Island

09/22/20

Do this just to see the amazing sea caves unspoiled and not as crowded as those on the mainland.

5.0

Marli Hughes

Kayak Santa Cruz Island

12/10/18

There are at least 3-5 cool sea caves to check out with crystal clear visibility in the water. Just try to go when the wind is calm because it’s hard to fight the wind. Go to the left of the dock first so you don’t have to fight the wind and waves coming back

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Kayak Santa Cruz Island

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike the Potato Harbor Trail on Santa Cruz Island

Hike to Smuggler's Cove, Channel Islands NP

Backpack across Santa Cruz Island

Dive East Cat Rock

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