The Adventure Blog

Read about our adventures as we explore California's coast and Channel Islands National Park!

Leave No Trace (Santa Ynez Valley)

All of our staff are passionate about protecting and preserving the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. We hope that you will help us minimize your impact during your trip. We suggest reading through the tips below to help you plan ahead. 1. Plan Ahead We highly recommend looking at the weather the day before to plan your…

Keep Reading

Leave No Trace (Santa Barbara Coast)

All of our staff are passionate about protecting and preserving the beautiful Santa Barbara Coastline. We hope that you will help us minimize your impact during your trip. We suggest reading through the tips below to help you plan ahead. 1. Plan Ahead Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit: If you…

Keep Reading

Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara: January (2025)

It’s a New Year and a great opportunity to rediscover your passion for Adventure! Santa Barbara is an amazing place with warm weather year-round. SB winters are well-known for amazing sunsets, great surf, and perfect hiking weather all day! Plus, last month brought much-needed rain to Central California and as a result, our hillsides are…

Keep Reading

4 Reasons Why Winter at Channel Islands Is the Ultimate Family Adventure

Winter kayaking at Scorpion Anchorage. Photo by Chuck Graham. Are you looking for a unique and memorable way to spend the holidays with your loved ones? Channel Islands National Park offers a bucket-list-worthy adventure you will remember for the rest of your life. Here are four reasons why sea cave kayaking at this stunning location…

Keep Reading

Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara: December (2024)

It’s December and there is so much going on in Santa Barbara this time of the year! From holiday markets and parades to wine tours and concerts, there is something for everyone in the American Riviera. If you still need gift ideas, don’t forget about Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s Gift Certificates! Everyone wants to experience…

Keep Reading

Fun Things to Do in Santa Barbara: November (2024)

Fall is here and the weather is not changing very much — because this is Santa Barbara! It is still as sunny and beautiful as ever. Guests are out enjoying kayaking and surfing well into the fall and even throughout the winter. There are many fun things to do around town during the month of…

Keep Reading

Time to Book Your Channel Islands Kayak Trip!

Summer is here and it is the perfect time to visit California’s Channel Islands National Park and do some sea cave kayaking! Come explore some of the biggest sea caves in the world. Join us for an incredible adventure to this world-class destination. Space is limited on these amazing kayak trips and summer dates are filling…

Keep Reading

Island Scrub Jays: The Hardest-Working Birds in North America

Bird watchers travel from all corners of the world to get a glimpse of the rare Island Scrub Jay. Photo by Chuck Graham. I followed a flash of blue in the dense oak woodland while hiking a side canyon within Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz Island. The lone endemic island scrub jay was doing what…

Keep Reading

gray whale tail

Channel Islands Adventures: Seasonal Highlights

Santa Barbara is a magical place; we have over 300 days of sunshine, experience a Mediterranean climate, and are lucky enough to be only a short boat ride away from the beautiful Channel Islands. Here at Santa Barbara Adventure Company, we often get asked when the best time of year is to visit the Channel…

Keep Reading

Channel Islands Wildlife: Harbor Seals

From a distance, kayakers observe a cozy harbor seal soaking up some sun rays. Photo by Chuck Graham. There’s something about their sweet pushed-in faces and long whiskers, as they seemingly smile at us as we paddle onto the next toothy sea cave around Scorpion Anchorage, on the long southeast finger of Santa Cruz Island.…

Keep Reading