Scorpion Anchorage is closed currently due to the construction of a new pier. This location is set to reopen summer 2020. During this time, we are happy to announce that we have a special tour that will still give you the option to come sea cave kayaking with us this spring!

When are trips running?

Guided tours will be April 11th and April 18th, 2020 to the sea caves in Channel Islands National Park.

The cost of this trip is $299 per adult and $289 per child under 12 , which includes the ferry transportation and guided kayak tour.

This is a beginner to advanced activity and guests under 12 must ride in a double kayak with an adult.

*All trip dates require minimum numbers and are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. Call our office for the most up to date information and availability. (805) 884 -9283

Where and when does the boat leave?

The Vanguard is a Chartered Boat ride that will leave Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, CA at 8am. Check-in for this trip will be at 7am. The boat will return to the harbor by 5pm. This is a full day of being on a boat and kayak without stepping foot on the island.

Island Packers – Oxnard: 3600 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035

3550 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035 is the listed address on Island Packers website and will bring you to the same location in the harbor.

After about 1.5 – 2 hour boat ride, the Vanguard will stop along the coast of Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy whale watching and dolphin sightings while crossing the channel! The boat will put kayaks in the water and clients will have to climb down an 8-foot ladder into the kayak supported by the guide. Check out our guide to kayaking in Channel Islands National Park for more insight on if you are best suited for this adventure!

What does the kayaking look like?

Kayaking will be about two to three hours on the water. While kayaking, you may see sea caves, kelp forests, and wildlife. Guides will check the safety of caves based on weather conditions and guide clients through them.

What should you bring?

Layers, layers, layers! Seating inside the boat will comfortably fit about 10 people so plan on spending some time enjoying the fresh air and looking for whales!

Be water ready to kayak – we recommend wearing your bathing suit under your clothes in the morning; however there is a small bathroom on the boat. Most boats require closed toed shoes so an old pair of tennis shoes that can get wet is a great option.

Water bottle that can hold about 1 quart or greater of water.

Sun protection – a hat, sunglasses with a neck strap and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is all recommended.

Bring a lunch and snacks! There will be coffee and tea upon arrival to the boat along with a few small snacks. There is a small snack bar on the boat to purchase snacks with cash only but don’t depend on this for a full meal.

Nearest grocery store is Ralphs (a 10 minute drive from the harbor), which opens at 6am if you would like to purchase food the morning of the adventure.

Other things to bring: towel, day pack, and a change of shoes, a watch, CASH if you plan on buying snacks on the boat along with tipping your guide (it’s customary but always optional), seasickness medication (optional), waterproof camera (optional), and gloves (again, optional and can be helpful to protect against abrasive cave surfaces).

Storage on the boat is limited so please pack efficiently and limit items to 1 backpack/duffel bag per person.

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The Seasons

Of course, as the seasons change, so does the day length and the ferry times. Summer days depart from Ventura Harbor at 8 or 9 am (later departures are sometimes available) and arrive back to the mainland around 6 pm. Winter (off-season) boat rides often depart at 9 am and leave the island around 3 or 3:30 pm, so you’re left with less time to explore the island. For more detailed ferry schedules and to book your round-trip boat ride to the islands visit Island Packers. Please be sure to book your ferry tickets well in advance during holidays and peak season (late spring to early fall).

The Boat

Most visitors that have only one day on the Channel Islands choose to take a shorter boat ride (1 to 1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor) to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor at Santa Cruz Island. That will maximize all of the adventurous activities you can do on the islands.

The Activities

In a day’s time, if you’re ambitious, you could fit in what we call the Island Trifecta: Hike, Kayak, and Snorkel* (*during the warmer months: May-October). Please check out our blog about What to do in the Channel Islands National Park for more!

Last, please be sure not to miss your boat! The ferries are on a tight schedule, which means day visitors should plan to be waiting by the pier for the boat no later than 15 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to depart.

~Wishing you happy trails!~

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