Our answer is always the same – “the best time of year to go is now!” We offer trips year round and guests rave about their experience no matter what month they visit. So while there is no “best” time to go, below you will find a summary of the experiences you could have during the different “seasons”.

Winter: December through February is the peak season for Gray Whale migration, so during the boat ride over and back, as well as during the kayaking portion of the trip, there is a great chance of sighting whales! After the first few rains hit the Islands for the winter, the island will start turning green, making for majestic hiking and picture taking conditions. In addition, for those who enjoy solitude, this is the best time of year to be on the Islands with the fewest crowds. You will generally get a more personal experience with our guides during the quietest time of the year!

Spring: The Island comes alive during the spring! Flowers bloom all over the hillsides and valleys, and the temperature will start rising. For those passionate about plant life and hiking, this is the time to book, as this is the peak season for plants and longer days. In addition, many trips stop requiring wetsuits, as the sun’s heat is enough to keep us warm on the water. Spring is the best time to see birds nesting in the sea caves and offers the highest chance of seeing Orca Whales in the Channel.

Summer: It goes without saying that summer is our most magical season on the island. Blessed with the Mediterranean climate found around Santa Barbara, we get nearly perfect conditions daily: the days are long, the sun is out, the water begins to warm up, and humpback and blue whales are seen in the channel almost daily! If you are looking for the best time to explore caves and enjoy a stunning day on the water, this is the time to go!  Swell is generally the smallest this time of year, which translates into calmer waters and the best opportunities for cave exploration.

Fall: Many locals often call the fall our “second summer” since Santa Barbara usually feels just as pleasant in the fall, as summer does in many other parts of the world. The fall season generally has sunnier, calmer days than the month of June!  In addition to the ideal weather conditions, the winds usually stay calm and the water is the warmest it will be all year.  This water is also the warmest in the fall and while snorkeling is always available year round, this is definitely the most fun time to swim.

Have you traveled to the Channel Islands yet? When is your favorite time to visit? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

You can see all of our Channel Islands Kayaking Tours on our website here.

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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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However, you can book kayaking and snorkeling tours on Santa Cruz Island year around by taking the ferry to the island. These tours have the advantage of a “landing” meaning you can also hike and explore the island.

While on the ferry you can whale watching, witness mega dolphin pods and enjoy a quick right to the island. Come and see blue whales, bald eagles, mega pods of dolphins and beautiful sea life.

Want to read more about Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s tours?

Then read about

Book your Channel Island National Park Tour online

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Santa Barbara Island is located 55 miles from Ventura County and is a great location for a few day visit to enjoy island kayaking, snorkeling and camping with friends. Santa Barbara Island is the smallest of the eight California Channel Islands. The island is home to a large sea lion rookery and several seabird nesting colonies. The boat ride to Santa Barbara Island from Ventura Harbor is about 2.5-3 hours long. Here are some photos from an afternoon snorkeling exploration trip. 

Water temperatures around the Channel Islands vary from 50-60°F, with the warmer temperatures generally occurring in August and September. 

Santa Barbara Island has a few coves that are great for snorkeling and best accessed by kayak. 

Channel Islands National Park with the surrounding Marine Sanctuary has beautiful kelp forests with numerous fish and invertebrates.

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Are you ready for an amazing adventure? We have been working hard all Winter to develop a new epic California Island Adventure for you. This multi-day trip departs from Santa Barbara harbor and cruises to 3 of the areas beautiful, pristine Channel Islands. Guests will see amazing wildlife, kayak sea caves and snorkel in hidden coves. Food, charter boat lodging and activities are all included – you just need to bring your backpack and sense of adventure for this trip!

This is truly a unique experience and the best way to explore the most remote and often inaccessible parts of the Channel Islands National Park. This multi-day trip includes a variety of once in a lifetime experiences and is perfectly suited for those that are active and adventurous. The islands and surrounding waters are home to many amazing endemic animals and plants as well as archaeological and cultural resources that you will not see anywhere else in the world!

You will have plenty of opportunities to kayak, hike, snorkel, SUP and more. All of your food and accommodation is taken care of so you can fill your trip with maximum amounts of adventure and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When does this trip run?
There are 3 trips scheduled this season. They are June 14th-16th, July 5th-7th and August 4th-6th. Space is limited on each.

What should I pack?
Here is a great list for you to download. What to Pack on your California Island Excursion

What should I expect each day?
Here is our sample itinerary for this 3 day trip:

The day before – check in at the Sea Landing at 8pm and get your gear on the boat. Meet your guide and the crew and you are free to make your own dinner plans in Santa Barbara. We leave the dock at 4am tomorrow so you are welcome to sleep on the boat tonight to avoid having to get up before dark!

Day 1 – Depart Santa Barbara Harbor early and wake up en route to San Miguel Island. Enjoy a hot breakfast on the boat before gearing up and receiving an orientation and safety briefing from your guide. Explore the extraordinary caves and coves around Harris Point and Prince Island. Take in the abundance of marine life – sea lions, harbor and elephant seals abound – before landing at Cuyler Point and hiking with a qualified naturalist to Lester Point. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of snorkeling from the boat and then head out for a short kayak or relax on the boat with your favorite beverage in hand to watch the sunset!

Day 2 – Kayak from Carrington Point to Bechers Bay on Santa Rosa Island, exploring the amazing kelps forests and crystal clear water before returning to the boat for lunch. Head out after lunch on one of the many great hiking trails and experience the ancient forests and stunning vistas. In the afternoon jump back on the boat and head to Forney’s Cove at Santa Cruz Island for an afternoon snorkel or sunset kayak.

Day 3 – Explore Santa Cruz Island and experience the world’s second largest sea cave – Painted Cave! Enjoy a downwind paddle from Emerald Bay to Painted Cave before jumping back on the boat and enjoying lunch. Snorkel around some of the best diving spots in the world before we head back to Santa Barbara.

How much does it cost?
Our standard rate is $1349 per person. You can save by planning ahead. If you book 30 days prior to the departure the cost is $1249. Additionally, if you have a group of 4 or more people the group rate is $1124. You can’t combine discounts or use other promotional codes with our discounted rates.
Book today and receive Early Bird pricing of $1249!

Come explore with us. You will remember this adventure for the rest of your life! Read all the details at Channel Islands Multi-Day Island Excursion.

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I had packed everything my kids were accustomed to in pool – wetsuits, goggles, a float ring for my 3 year old. My oldest, at 5, was very excited to be on the boat and was interested in snorkeling. He tried on his mask and his flippers. When that captain asked if anyone needed a intro lesson on snorkeling, he quickly raised his hand. And when he pulled into the cove he put in his gear, raced down the steps and froze. “Is this water deeper than 5 feet?” he asked, not so sure of what he was in for now. After a little talking and with the help of a transitional float ring, he lowered himself into the water and had a blast. Always conservative, he wanted to stay close to the boat.

Now my 3 year old, didn’t ask any questions. He just got in his floatie ring and was ready to go. He loved having me dive down and pop up near him. He would laugh when I would dive under him and blow bubbles under his kicking feet. He loved the view of the island and smiled to all the folks waving from the catamaran.

Some Fatherly tips for Teaching Your Children to Snorkel:

1. Don’t push it. If your kids aren’t ready to get in the water with the fish, wait until they are comfortable. One bad experience can take years to recover from. This is one of the hardest lessons in patience you may ever experience as a parent. You know the activity is safe and they can do it, you just to be patient and let them lead you into the water.
2. Make it fun. My kids loved having me dive under them and pop up with a funny face or a big splash. They also loved hanging with the other divers when they came up and watching the bubbles. The most important part of any first trip, is to instill a love for the activity. Be amazed at what you see, even if it is only a common squirrel fish.
3. Make it educational. We talked a lot about the marine life and fish. This really peaked their interest. Children are very interested in learning about ocean ecology and adaptations, sometimes the grosser the better.
4. Get out of the water before they ask to get out. There is an old theater saying “always leave them wanting more” – well it works with kids too. If you stop the fun before they are tired and done, they immediately start asking when they can go again. Just end it a little bit early, while they are still engaged and interested. They will have a positive memory of the adventure.
5. Give lots of praise and love! Getting in the ocean is a big challenge for many people. Your children are brave for just getting wet, let em’ know you are proud of them.

At the end of the trip, we were the last family out of the water. The kids enjoyed driving the boat and watching marine life on the way back home – followed by a much needed nap. First snorkeling trip was a huge success and they can’t wait until the next time.

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Come check out the Garibaldi yourself on our Painted Cave Kayaking and Snorkeling Excursion.

Tell us what you think of these amazing shots in the comments section below.

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Book a day of Sea Cave Kayaking July 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th and enjoy camping in Channel Islands National Park on us! Come explore the sea caves with us, but don’t go home. Stay the night and enjoy a 2nd day of island life! Go on a self-guided hike, do some tide pooling or just relax and watch amazing marine life. Kayaking guests can enjoy a night of camping in our Scorpion Ranch group site. This is a fun way to meet new friends while enjoying an amazing outdoor experience.

Cost: $188 per person. (includes camper transportation fees) Trip includes: Authorized concessionaire boat transportation, double kayak, Channel Islands kayaking gear (paddle jackets, helmets and wetsuits as necessary), knowledgeable guides, kayaking lesson, natural history and marine ecology. Single kayaks are provided at an additional charge of $15 per kayak. Camping space 1 night in Channel Islands group site.

Camping space available the nights of 7/2, 7/3 and 7/4 only. Space in limited and subject to availability. There are no rain checks for this offer. SBACo will NOT provide any camping equipment, kitchens, tents or food. Channel Islands National Park is a remote destination, plan accordingly.

Please call our office direct to take advantage of this offer. If you Book Online please tell us what night you would like to camp in the comment section of your reservation and we will call you to confirm your camping spots. 805-884-WAVE or email us at letsgo@sbadventureco.com.

Want to learn more about Channel Islands Camping? Download our Channel Islands Camping Information Sheet (please note: Camp kitchens are NOT provided for the Forth of July Special. Tents can be provided at a charge of $10 per night. Guests will be staying in the group camping area which is about 1 mile from the boat dock.)

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