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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1) Start by booking your campsite with the National Park Service.
You will want to stay at Santa Cruz Scorpion, part of Channel Islands National Park. The campground has an Upper Loop and Lower Loop. All the group sites are in the Upper Loop and this area is further to hike to. Print out your confirmation and take it with you on your trip. All campers are required to have camping reservations prior to their departure from the mainland. Island camping reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Campground Information:
The Lower Loop at Santa Cruz Scorpion campground is about ½ mile from the dock (the Upper Loop is further). The hike to the campground is along a flat, dirt trail and takes approximately 10 minutes. Visitors must carry all gear to the campgrounds. Camping conditions are primitive, and users must camp within designated areas. All campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and pit toilets. Potable water is available and we will provide a water container for you to fill up at the site. No trash containers are provided; campers must pack out their own trash. No fires are permitted. To prevent scavenging animals from entering your site, please store all food in the fox boxes provided.

2) Make your ferry boat reservation with Island Packers.
You will want to book your ticket from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Cove. Book your camper ferry ticket online here or call (805) 642-1393.

3) Lastly, book an amazing sea cave kayak and/or snorkel tour with us!
Whether you want to kayak/snorkel on the day you arrive, the day you depart, or someday in between, it is up to you!

Please book all three reservations as far in advance as possible as there is often limited space for camping, ferry boat seats, and kayak tours.

View Additional Camping Information.

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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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What was your last great adventure?

My last great adventure was dodging boulders while running across active landslides in India. The mountain pass that we had originally planned on crossing got snowed in so the only way back to civilization was back down the crumbling mountain in the pouring rain!

You talk to a lot of tourists and travelers, what is the most frequently asked question?

The most frequently asked question from the travelers and tourists I talk to would have to be “I’ve never kayaked, biked, surfed etc. before, will I be able to participate in your tours?” I am always happy to answer that question because I know that our tours are accommodating to all levels of experience which really seems to make people happy!

Any silly questions?

I haven’t had too many silly questions, but I have had a couple silly requests. For example, there was one time when someone called in wanting to see if we could take a group of 20+ to Big Bear for the day! Unfortunately we couldn’t make it happen with such short notice but I definitely was surprised by that request!

Thanks for sharing Mallory!

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