The summer is flying by and August is full of fun things to do here in Santa Barbara! With sunny weather and gorgeous beaches, it’s time to get outside and explore. The water is warm, dive in!

Photo credit: Blake Bronstad, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Old Spanish Days Fiesta
When: July 30th–August 3rd
Where: Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s rich heritage comes alive during the first week in August with the music, dance, and pageantry of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the granddaddy of city celebrations, reaching back to 1925.

Kayak & Snorkel Tours at Channel Islands National Park
When: Every day in August
Where: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island
The water is at its warmest and clearest most days in August making incredible conditions for snorkeling and kayaking at the Channel Islands. See the California State Fish, the Garibaldi, bat rays, kelp forests, seals, and other species off the coast. Plus, explore some of the largest and most beautiful sea caves in the world! — Book Now

Santa Barbara Rodeo Days
When: August 1-3, 2025
Where: Earl Warren Showgrounds
This three-day celebration marks a new chapter in local tradition, with a bold, reimagined festival that honors Santa Barbara’s Vaquero roots while introducing fresh experiences for all ages. Guests can enjoy professional rodeo action, a vibrant carnival, live music, and family-friendly fun that blends western flair with coastal charm.

Santa Ynez Wine Tour
When: Every day in August from 10am to 5pm
Where: Includes pick-up/drop-off in Santa Barbara and transportation to Santa Ynez Valley
Spend a day wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley on a wine country tour! — Book Now

Free Summer Cinema
WHEN:
• August 8 – My Dog Skip
• August 15 – Isle of Dogs
• August 22 – Marley and Me
• August 29 – Dog
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Courthouse
TIME: 8:30PM
UCSB Arts and Lectures is excited to announce the return of the free cinema series! The 2025 theme is “Dog Days of Summer” and will feature feel-good movies that span multiple decades and genres starring our favorite furry friends.  

Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
When: Every evening in August
Where: Santa Barbara Harbor
Enjoy a relaxing sunset ocean kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor & shoreline. This tour is fun and affordable for the whole family! Plus, it’s great for all sea kayaking skill levels including beginners to advanced. — Book Now

Butterflies Alive! at the Museum of Natural History
WHEN: Every day in August
WHERE: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Walk through a beautiful garden while nearly 1,000 live butterflies flutter freely around you. The exhibit features a dazzling variety of butterflies, from local favorites to exotic tropical species. Learn about the life cycle and behavior of these spectacular invertebrates while observing them up close.

Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour
When: Every day in August
Where: Haskell’s Beach
Kayak the Gaviota Coast, one of the few remaining sections of undeveloped, open coastline in California, and home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life. — Book Now

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Whether you love to spend your days at the beach, backcountry hiking, wine tasting, or visiting museums, there is so much fun to be had in Santa Barbara during the month of June!

Zoo Brew
WHEN: 6/7
TIME: 5-8PM
WHERE: Santa Barbara Zoo
Enjoy tastings from 30+ breweries and vendors while strolling the Zoo’s hilltop and enjoying an ocean view. General admission ticket includes unlimited beer tastings and one souvenir glass. Pub food and merchandise are available for sale as well. This event is for ages 21+.

Juneteenth Block Party
WHEN: 6/14
TIME: 11AM – 6PM
WHERE: Plaza del Mar
Juneteenth Santa Barbara is a local celebration of the national recognition of Black Independence Day. It is a collaborative effort to showcase Black culture, talent, and joy in Santa Barbara County. This event is a free community block party. 

Sunset Kayak in Santa Barbara Harbor
When: Every evening in June
Where: Santa Barbara Harbor
Enjoy a relaxing sunset ocean kayak tour around the Santa Barbara harbor & shoreline. This tour is fun and affordable for the whole family! Plus, it’s great for all sea kayaking skill levels including beginners to advanced. — Book Now

SYV Pride Parade & Festival
WHEN: 6/14
TIME: 11AM – 4PM
WHERE: Downtown Solvang
The Pride Parade will roll through downtown Solvang with floats, music, and more, ending with a Pride Festival in and around Solvang Park. Open to adults and kids of all ages, the festival will feature live music, food vendors, a beer and wine garden, bounce houses, face painting, and more.

Photo by Danielle Methmann, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

Summer Solstice Celebration
WHEN: June 20 – 22
WHERE: Alameda Park
The Summer Solstice Parade and Festival is one of the largest art events in Santa Barbara County. Spectators can expect to see vibrant displays of artwork, costumes, performances, and more.

Sea Cave Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park
When: Every day in June
Where: Scorpion Cove at Santa Cruz Island
Explore sea caves on an exciting guided kayak tour at Channel Islands National Park. About 25 miles off the California Coast, the Channel Islands are like a step back in time due to their isolation over thousands of years. You’ll see up close unique marine life, plants, and birds found nowhere else on Earth! — Book Now

Santa Barbara Lavendar Festival
WHEN: June 28
WHERE: Great Meadow at Santa Barbara City College
An arts and crafts festival celebrating creativity through the artistic expression of lavender. This event will feature over 75 artisans and small businesses.

Butterflies Alive! at the Museum of Natural History
WHEN: Every day in June
WHERE: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Walk through a beautiful garden while nearly 1,000 live butterflies flutter freely around you. The exhibit features a dazzling variety of butterflies, from local favorites to exotic tropical species. Learn about the life cycle and behavior of these spectacular invertebrates while observing them up close.

Santa Ynez Wine Tour
WHEN: Every day in March
TIME: ~10AM to ~4PM
Get a taste of the best local varietals from our very own wine country on a wine tour through Santa Ynez. Voted Best ‘S.B. Wine Tour Company’ in the Santa Barbara Independent’s Reader’s Choice Poll. — Book Now

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Island fox on an agave plant at Santa Cruz Island. Photo by Chuck Graham.

There was a time on Santa Cruz Island when one could go days without seeing an island fox. There was a time when you would easily see more feral pigs than the endemic Urocyon littoralis. 

That was in 1999 when non-native golden eagles colonized Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands. Lured to the Northern Chain by the feral pig population on Santa Cruz, golden eagles quickly realized the island fox was an easier, more readily available prey source. And because island foxes had never been preyed upon, they didn’t know to look up. Before anyone knew it, golden eagles nearly wiped-out island fox populations on the three northwesterly isles.

Hungry island fox climbs tree to reach sweet figs. Photo by Chuck Graham.

The island fox is a direct result of island dwarfism, where that long period of isolation and lack of food sources forced them to evolve into a smaller species. At full size, island foxes are about four pounds. They are very cat-like with semi-retractable claws. On Santa Cruz Island they are proficient tree climbers. The foxes at Scorpion Anchorage are especially adept at scaling up the old fig trees, nimbly counterbalancing their way to the ripest, sweetest figs.

How did island foxes reach such a plight? It began during the island’s long ranching history from the 1820s through the late 1990s. Thousands of sheep and pigs denuded the island of its native flora. The pesticide DDT was also to blame. It had been illegally dumped into the California Bight by Montrose Chemical Corp and other companies from 1940 – 1970. Wreaking havoc on the pelagic food web, keystone species like bald eagles that feed on fish, seabirds and scavenge marine mammal carcasses went extinct locally on the island chain. Pesticides forced bald eagles to lay thin-shelled eggs that were crushed during incubation. Eventually, bald eagles were absent from the Northern Chain from 1952 – 2002, thus, opening the door for golden eagles.

In 2002, the island fox was added to the Endangered Species List. However, the Channel Islands National Park (CINP) partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) and unleashed an aggressive plan to restore a natural balance to the Northern Chain.

A pair of island foxes after a winter rain shower. Photo by Chuck Graham.

The Swiftest Recovery

A four-pronged effort ensued. From 2002 – 2006, 12 bald eaglets per year were released on Santa Cruz Island. Forty-three golden eagles were trapped and released back to northeastern California. About 5,000 feral pigs were removed from Santa Cruz Island. That project began in the fall of 2006 and finished in the spring of 2008. 

The island fox populations on each island were at critical lows. There were less than 100 foxes on Santa Cruz, and only 15 foxes each remained on Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. Captive breeding of island foxes began in 1999 on all three islands. After several years, the steadfast efforts by the NPS, TNC, and IWS culminated in the successful recovery of bald eagles and island foxes across the chain.

By 2016, the island fox was removed from the Endangered Species List. It was the swiftest recovery of a terrestrial mammal in the history of the Endangered Species Act. The Channel Islands National Park is a shining example of multiple agencies coming together to reach a common goal of returning a natural balance to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. 

Once close to extinction, island foxes now thrive on the Channel Islands thanks to coordinated restoration efforts. Photo by Chuck Graham.

Island Fox Facts

Today, island foxes are thriving. On Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, there are well over 2,000 foxes on each island. On smaller San Miguel Island about 250 foxes enjoy that remote, windswept isle. 

Visitors are virtually guaranteed of seeing them once they disembark the Island Packers ferry at Scorpion Anchorage on the southeast end of Santa Cruz Island. Watch the foxes foraging for food on a short jaunt up Scorpion Canyon or hike the sweeping marine terraces above overlooking the shimmering Santa Barbara Channel. 

The largest land predator on the island is omnivorous, but it’s also the smallest fox species in North America. The island fox is the cousin of the mainland gray fox. They didn’t swim to what was then the big island known as Santarosae (before sea levels rose and created the Northern Chain) but were transported over either on storm debris during floods, or the Chumash Indians who paddled them over in their dugout canoes, also known as tomols. In fact, the Chumash kept foxes as pets.

A couple of adorable newborn island pups. Photo by Chuck Graham.

May and June are also a time to spot adorable island fox pups. Visitors are not guaranteed of seeing pups, but since 2017 there have been several island fox families spotted in Scorpion Canyon. Some of the Santa Barbara Adventure Company kayak guides have been fortunate to witness the rearing of pups throughout the canyon.

Seeing adult island foxes with their pups is one of the many joys of the Channel Islands National Park and a great reminder of a conservation success story.

Blog contributed by:
Chuck Graham

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Guided sea cave kayak excursion includes: kayaking gear (paddle jackets, helmets and wetsuits as necessary), double kayak, knowledgeable guide(s), kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology.

Starting point and time: Ventura Harbor, 7am or 8am with a return to the harbor around 5pm. Actual start and finish times for kayaking may vary.

Destination: Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

Level of difficulty:  Beginner through advanced welcome. Children under 12 must ride in double kayak with a parent.

Cost: $215 adult, $197 child under 12 years old for the Adventure Tour. (Includes ferry boat transportation). Single kayaks are an additional charge of $15 per kayak.

What if I already have ferry boat tickets?
Then the cost is $153 per adult and $143 per child under 12 years old for your tour. Please call our office if you have any questions about this process.

Group Discount Rates: $143 per adult and $133 per child under 12 years old (16+ people). Group discount rates cannot be used with other promotional discounts.

Additional discounts may be available for non-profit, scouts and school groups. Please call to inquire. 

Paddling time and distance: 2.5 miles, 2.5 – 3 hours of island kayaking.

Highlights: Marine mammal sightings (Dolphins!) on the boat ride, incredible Channel Islands kayaking, Channel Islands National Park visitors center, options for snorkeling and hiking, and an overall amazing island experience.

What if I want to snorkel?

We have snorkeling equipment for rent on the island. There are 5mm and 7mm wetsuits, hoods, fins, snorkels and masks.

Is food provided?

No, please bring your own food for the day. There are a number of convenient options for purchasing food nearby Ventura Harbor. Please see the link below for more information.

Additional Information on preparing for your Channel Islands Day Trip

Overview

Scorpion Anchorage is within a Marine Protected Area and also a part of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. No other area of the park offers as many sea cave kayaking, snorkeling and hiking opportunities. Some of the most beautiful sea caves in the world can be found at Scorpion Anchorage.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitter for the Channel Islands National Park. We are the number one choice for Channel Islands outfitting and tours. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration.

PLEASE NOTE:
If your preferred date is less than 2 days from now or is not available in our online reservation system, please call us and we can probably fit you in!
(805) 884-WAVE or toll free (877) 885-WAVE.
Letsgo@sbadventureco.com

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It is always a good idea to look at the weather forecast for the land as well as for the marine forecast. Both forecasts together help you know the conditions more fully before you go. Your guides will always try their best to stay up to date with the weather forecasts, so feel free to ask them about the conditions as well.

When looking at the conditions, there are some basic terms that are helpful to understand. When the forecast mentions swell height that refers to the height of the wave measured from the trough (the lowest point) to the peak (the highest point). The swell period is the time it takes for successive waves to pass the same point. Wind also plays a factor on tours, whether it is onshore (going from sea to the mainland) or offshore (going from the mainland to sea), and how fast it is blowing. All these factors can impact your kayaking experience.

We do kayak rain or shine, so enjoy the adventure! 

When the weather does impact the trip, please refer to our cancelation policy.

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Check out the books our staff loves!

Hannah’s book list includes: Walking the Nile by Levison Wood, Path of the Puma by Jim Williams, Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden, Exhalation & Arrival by Ted Chaing, Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann, Caught by the Sea by Gary Paulson, My Family & Other Animals by Gerald Durrell.

Sarah’s book list: The Push by Tommy Caldwel and Women on High: Pioneers of Mountaineering by Rebecca A. Brown.

Sarah Scrivano’s book list includes: The Nature Fix by Florence Willams, The End of Night by Paul Bogard, The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling written and illustrated by John Muir Laws, and How to Read Water by Tristan Gooley.

Books about Channel Islands

Let us know if there are any good books to add to the list!

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Pinnacles National Park

Set alongside Gabilan Range, the Pinnacles in the national park are believed to have been moved by the Pacific Plate along the San Andres Fault line. This location is a great weekend destination for families to go rock climbing, search for California Condors and other historic birds, check out Talus Caves, hike up to High Peaks, Bear Gulch Reservoir, see wildflowers and the historic ranch house. With clear night skies and friendly knowledgeable staff, there is an excellent campground, Pinnacles Recreation Co, to stay at for all the adventures. Learn about the campground amenities and reserve your site.

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is composed of 5 islands and is considered the Galapagos of North America! Top three islands to visit are Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, and Santa Rosa Island. All three have great hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and on Santa Cruz Island there is sea cave kayaking. Another great spot to camp with clear night skies are these islands, so be sure to book your ferry and campsite well in advance.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are known for the giant sequoia tree. The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park. With the lowest elevation at 1,360 feet and highest at 14,494 feet, this range leads to 1,200 species of plants living within the parks. Additionally, there is a Crystal Cave that visitors can be guided through with friendly naturalist providing a history of the unique features and formations. There are several great campsites to explore within these parks.

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Programs We Offer

Field or Beach Olympics – Fun, upbeat competition!  Teams strategize, communicate, and work together to successfully complete each challenge before moving onto the next.  The team that successfully completes the most challenges in the allotted time wins!  Facilitated at any beach, park, or conference room.

Low and High Ropes, Zip Lining – Teams develop strategizing, teamwork, leadership/ followership skills. Individuals breaking down barriers, personal comfort zones, reaching their highest potential!  Facilitated at various sites on the Central Coast.

Wine Country Bike Tour or Wine Blending – 2 Great ways to see the sites and get to know your team! Join us on a bike ride through the gorgeous wine country of Santa Barbara with well-deserved stops to sample local wine varietals. Or let your team create their own wine blend at a local urban winery, with the best tasting results bottled and sent back home!

Orienteering, Great Race, & Geocaching – 3 Different Programs that challenge your groups navigation, creativity and teamworking skills. Teams use GPS or a basic map and compass to find their way to challenge points.  Teams must successfully complete each challenge before moving on to next point.  Facilitated in nearby hiking trails or downtown location.

Kayak Challenges – Can your team learn a new outdoor skill while working together to complete fun on water challenges? Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Santa Barbara Channel from a number of different locations: On the mainland in Santa Barbara Harbor or Refugio State Beach or make it a full day experience out to Channel Islands National Park!

Bike Build for Charity (CSR) – Teams work together and follow instructions to build a bike from disassembled parts.  Some parts and tools must be traded with another team in order to complete.  Once bikes are built and inspected, they are donated to a charity of your choice.  Facilitated at any park or conference room.

Give us a call at (805) 884-9283 or email LetsGo@SBAdventureCo.com to learn more about how your corporate group can join us for an adventurous team building experience.

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Here are five of our top choices!

1) Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour 

For a local kayaking adventure, the Gaviota Coast Kayak Tour is a great option. This tour meets at Refugio State Beach and explores the Gaviota Coast – one of the few remaining undeveloped coastlines in California! A local guide leads the tour, teaching basic kayaking skills beforehand and pointing out the local ecology and history throughout the tour. Lunch is included. This is a perfect half day adventure and a great way to get a new view of the California coastline!

2) Kayaking the Channel Islands 

If you are looking for a longer kayaking adventure, go kayaking in the Channel Islands! This all-day adventure starts in the Ventura area where you meet your guide, board a ferry, and head off to the Channel Islands National Park! For a limited time, we have the Channel Islands Sea Cave Kayak Tour that will run April 11th and 18th ONLY. This tour will be on a chartered boat to the Scorpion Anchorage area to kayak through sea caves weather permitting.

The other tour option will head to Prisoners Harbor, which will explore the north coast of the island. This area has a rich history and beautiful coastlines with a friendly guide who will point out wildlife. Kayaking in the Channel Islands is an experience of a lifetime!

3) Wine Tour in the Santa Ynez Valley 

The Santa Ynez Valley is another great area to explore and there are a variety of wine tours available to experience the region. This area is beautiful in the spring, the hills are green and the wildflowers are
blooming, making for a picturesque spring tour. The Santa Ynez Valley Tour is the classic wine tour and includes door to door shuttle service, wine tasting at three local wineries, fresh and local lunch, and a knowledgeable guide to share knowledge and insights from the area. Other options are available including a Wine and Bike Tour, Cupcake and Wine Tour, Wine County Shuttle service, and even custom group tours. The Wine Tours are a great way to explore the Valley and get a unique perspective of Santa Barbara County.

4) Visit the MOXI

The city of Santa Barbara itself is full of adventures and places to explore, like the MOXI museum. The MOXI is an interactive museum that offers guests a chance to learn and play. Exhibits include everything from interactive sound studios to a fluid dynamic sky garden. Located in the heart of downtown, this museum is great for all ages and has special events and programs for a variety of age groups throughout the year to make your trip even more fantastic.

5) Go to a Festival 

One not to miss spring event in Santa Barbara is the Earth Day Festival. Celebrating it’s 50th year here in Santa Barbara, this festival has two full days of entertainment, music, exhibits, and even a beer and wine garden! With exhibits for all ages and a variety of food options, this event has something for everyone. This festival is a great way to see the local side of Santa Barbara and help a great cause.

Santa Barbara truly is a great place to experience Spring Break. With access to so many trails, restaurants, and shops, as well as so many activities, it has something for everyone.

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According to the National Park, in general, the islands have a coastal Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that visitors should take into consideration when visiting the park. In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island.

Summer

Summer time around the Channel Islands is the peak season to visit. Thus, visitors will want to book well in advance to ensure they have a spot on the ferry (see: Island Packers), a spot on a much coveted guided kayak tour, or even campsite. Holiday weekends especially book up well in advance!

During the bustling summer months, there is typically ample sunshine and most days are around 70 degrees. Early summer can bring gray weather (*see: may gray, june gloom) and cool, often misty conditions. Afternoon winds are common, although these winds usually don’t pick up until after most kayak tours have ended. Fog tends to diminish near midsummer. Calm winds and seas become more frequent near the end of summer and continue through October.

Ocean temperatures begin to warm, reaching the high 60s by end of summer. Underwater visibility also increases into the summer. The ocean is often the calmest in summer and fall, although we experience swell from the south during the summer which influences many caves at Scorpion Anchorage.

Summer is a very busy time for tourists, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Fall

Fall brings dry, hot days and often the calmest ocean, when the Santa Ana winds are not blowing. The temperatures are often warmest in the fall months and, since it’s shoulder season, the crowds have thinned out. Late fall starts to bring swell to the region.

Fall brings the highest likelihood of warm weather, calm winds, and seas. However, beginning around October, strong east or Santa Ana winds (hot and dry winds) are possible. Ocean temperatures may reach 70°F in early fall and visibility is often best during the fall.

Winter

In the winter, which we consider low season, the island conditions can be rough. Air and water temperatures are cold during the winter. The water temperatures are often in the mid- to high- 50s (°F). Wetsuits are required and provided as part of your tour. Most rain falls between December and March. Nevertheless, we still experience beautiful, sunny, clear winter days between rainfall. Visitors to the National Park will want to speak with the office at Island Packers (phone: (805) 642-1393) ahead of their trip and should monitor weather conditions as big swell and windy conditions are more frequent this time of year. We will also reach out via email should weather impact the status of your trip.

Spring

Spring time! With a green, lush island that is bountiful with flowers comes rain and wind.

Although spring temperatures get warmer after a cold winter, strong winds often occur during this season. Spring is most known for wind events that bring rough, white-capped seas. Dense fog is common during the late spring as we approach the summer, and often into summer. Ocean temperatures range from the mid 50s to low 60s (°F). There are some nice weather windows in spring, but this shoulder season tends to result in weather cancellations.

Another great weather forecast resource is NOAA National Weather Service. Here is the weather for Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage.

For more information about seasonal weather at the Channel Islands National Park, click here!

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