Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Hector was an awesome guide through the sea caves of Santa Cruz Island!

We spent a wonderful day on Santa Cruz Island kayaking through amazing caves. Our guide, Janelle, was knowledge, friendly and fun!
The whole adventure was a 5 experience from the booking through the end of the trip.
Impossible to recommend more highly!

We took a sea kayaking and hiking trip to Santa Cruz island this past Saturday. We had a great time. We went out of Ventura harbor and the entire trip went incredibly smooth. Everything was very well organized, boat tickets, kayaks, wet suits, life preservers and activities. Our guide was awesome and worked well with our group and my kids. I would strongly recommend Santa Barbara Adventure Co to anyone looking for a kayaking trip to the Channel Islands. We will definitely use them again.

This is a great company, my class and I are in town from the Bay Area for a class trip and we went kayaking with them. They were very very professional and safety/​fun oriented. We did some cool team building activities in the ocean and learned a lot while having a great time.

Today we went on our first sea kayaking trip. We drove from Santa Barbara to Ventura were we caught the boat to the Channel Islands. The ocean was very rough but the captain did an great job getting us out of the harbor and safely across to the island. The pier at the island had been damaged by the last set of storms so we had to take a skiff to the shore. On the island our guides Caco and Ryan gave us lessons on how to maneuver the kayaks in the ocean, ocean safety, general information about the island and the sea caves. They were both very friendly, experienced and professional. With their help we were all able to launch our kayaks safely through the high surf. We leisurely paddled along the beautiful shoreline viewing sea birds, seals and sea lions along the way. At the caves our guides gave us a quick lesson on how to negotiate the sea caves and helped three kayaks through the narrow archways and into one of the large caves. The couple ahead of us were hit by a large wave and their kayaks capsized throwing them into the rough surf. Caco and Ryan jumped into action retrieving their kayak and helping them to get back on. When our turn came to enter the sea cave we were hit by another large wave and sent us off course and onto the rocks. We were able to stay upright and with the help of our VERY professional guides be were able to get out of a potentially dangerous situation. We are very thankful that the company hires such talented guides. We all paddled back as a group to the beach were we had lunch and free time to explore. As we hiked around the island saw the Island Fox that is only found on the Channel Islands. On our boat trip back we saw a pod of whales and a school of dolphins! This was a PERFECT day filled with thrills, excitement, the beauty of the island, wildlife and friendly people!!! I would HIGHLY recommend this trip and our guides Caco and Ryan. FABULOUS and worth every penny. A++++

SB Adventure is awesome. Did a wine tasting and mountain biking excursion with Kyle and have an amazing time. Fantastic service from a very knowledgeable guide, he took care lunch and all the gear. I highly recommend the guide and company!

SB Adventure is amazing! I went on the Santa Cruz Island sea cave kayaking trip and it was AWESOME!
They took care of everything for us from the the kayaking gear to offering snorkels and wet suits for us to use after we went kayaking.
Our kayaking guide, Aaron, took us around the island and through the caves. He was super knowledgeable about all the wildlife on the island, from different kinds of birds to the various types of kelp. Our group had a pretty big age range but everyone had a blast!
I’ve been visiting SB since I was a kid and this was my trip out to the islands. Will definitely make a point to try and go back each time I go back down there, with SB Adventure of course.

My husband and I went on a 3 hour guided kayak tour of the sea caves on Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park last weekend. Our guide, Adam, was the type of guide I always hope to get: He was a true naturalist with extensive knowledge about the ecosystem, geology, biology, culture, and history of the area. He told awesome stories that were almost as amazing as the spectacular scenery, caves, and wildlife that make up the Channel Islands National Park. He was patient, calm, helpful and encouraging to every person on our trip. I’ve been kayaking a few times previously but the information that SB Adventures gave in the brief preparation session was stuff that I didn’t know and that made our experience easier and more enjoyable. I commend Santa Barbara Adventure Company for offering such a great trip, for employing guides that are passionate advocates of this special area, and for structuring and experience that’s accessible and enjoyable to the fullest. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Took a sea cave kayaking trip to Anacapa Island and it was incredible! Our guide Adam was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience fun and memorable. Saw plenty of sea lions, fish, birds, caves, hidden grottos, snorkeling, lighthouse, etc. Too much fun!

First time kayaking and we had a great time. Matt was a great tour guide. Would recommend using this company. Our next kayaking will be to the Channel Islands.

First of all, wow! Just wow… this company did everything that they promised they would. I had concerns and called/​emailed before our day trip was planned. They reassured me of my concerns and promised I would have a fun relaxed time.
Our party arrived and we were directed by our guide, Mark to fill out the necessary paperwork and ushered to the boat that would take us to Channel Island. On the boat, we had a funny guide who pointed us some of the sea life that were swirling around us. The sea lions resting on the red buoy. The whale that was swimming nearby. So much fun information about each of these animals. It didn’t feel rushed and I felt comfortable being on the boat… even though I am notoriously seasick on boats. (One of my concerns! But advised to take dramamine an hour before we got on the boat)
We reached the island and we were herded by our guide to a separate area where they did introductions of our second tour guide, Adam. They were funny, reassuring, and taught us the basics of kayaking and what to do if we fall out, over, or through the kayak. And off we went. It was a beautiful day with calm waters and never did I feel like I was in danger or not under the watchful eye of the guides. We were a large party that were doubled up in kayaks. We explored caves and taught how to maneuver through tight spaces and choppy waters. We were never pushed into doing anything we didn’t want to do. They told us where to stay safe while they took a group into a cave. And then it was sadly over.
It was an incredible experience that I hope I can do with my daughter and husband soon. I would fully recommend this company to anyone for their caring and professionalism… but most importantly for making it a fun, happy experience for the entire party.

My husband and I are in our 60’s and we have some kayaking experience. We did the Refugio state beach and we just loved the adventure.
Our young personable and very experienced guide Hector was so caring and attentive to each and every one of us!
We loved the exciting launching and arriving onto the deserted beach where we had our tasty lunch.
This trip is highly recommended and we are looking to go with SBAC… for the Scorpion sea caves suggested by our guide.

We did the Sea Caves kayak tour on Santa Cruz island (7÷1÷2015). The whole setup is great. The kayak tour is guided, and can be followed by self-​guided snorkeling and/​or hiking. They even provide snorkeling equipment! I learned a lot about the island, and had a great time doing all three of these activities.
Another huge plus is the boat ride. We saw blue whales and a huge pod of dolphins. The boat (from a company called «Island Packers») slows when wildlife is present and the captain talks about whatever type of animal you are seeing. It’s really great that they don’t just speed by the wildlife. They take their time and teach you about it. I am truly appreciative of that.
Our Kayak guide was named Ry. He was awesome! A really happy, skilled, fun-​loving, and knowledgeable person. He let us take our time thru the caves, and even took us in a more rarely visited cave (since we were lucky enough to have calm conditions that day!) The other guides (Janelle, Laird) seemed like they would’ve been great too. All guides were very helpful in making sure we had properly-​sized gear. They were all super cool– the type of people you wish you could hang out with in real life!
Thanks Santa Barbara Adventure Company for one of the best days of my life!

What a cool, yet local SoCal trip you can take! It’s only 3 hours from San Diego, 2 hours from LA and wow it’s so worth it! We checked in at the Ventura Harbor which had plenty of parking, and boarded the Island Packers Cruise Ship for about a 45min cruise to the Channel Islands. The boat DOES have a snack bar, just FYI! We had a nice guided tour in which we learned about the sea life, and yes saw a whale! It was a gorgeous boat ride to the islands.
Once we docked, we easily found our tour guide and he explained a lot about the Channel Islands. I had no idea that there are 16 islands in total– 8 US, and 8 owned by the Mexican Government! There were also plenty of pirate stories to hear! It is a national park, camping is allowed with permits.
We decided to do the Sea Cave Kayak tour. It was about a 4 hour tour around the islands. Our guide was very informative, and he really helped direct us through some tough sea kayaking through the ocean caves! The sites around the islands were amazing, even the Go Pro couldn’t capture the beauty of all the nature that surrounded us. So much sea life, and the seals seemed to love to swim right next to us!
At the end of our sea cave excursion, we had a chance to hike up the mountains on the island that we docked on. Gorgeous 360 views, and a peaceful step onto the untouched nature, we really found inner peace just being there, besides a great days workout!
I definitely recommend putting this on your bucket list of things to do, and Santa Barbara Adventure Company was a fantastic company to guide us on this fun weekend getaway!
LYL– Live Your Life!

We did a sea kayak tour on Santa Cruz island. We got the boat from Ventura. It’s quite easy to find and plenty of parking. Arrive a little early so that you can complete forms. There are other kayak tours and campers and day hikers leaving from this spot so you have to find the right check in person. But that is no problem at all.
The boat ride over is about an hour. If u get sea sick take some Dramamine before hand. There are snacks and drinks to buy on the boat.
Once you arrive you head to the kayaks where they will go through a safety and education piece. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before there are all levels here.
You can store your stuff in a big container while you kayak. Bring some water and maybe a snack for the kayak tour. Depending on the temp u may feel cold and they have jackets and bottoms u can borrow and wear as u will get very wet and inside the caves can be chilly. We did not feel we needed them and it was overcast when we were there.
You’ll kayak for a couple of hours. It’s tiring! Be aware of this :) but so much fun. The caves are incredible and the guides are knowledgeable fun and safe. They will help you if you need it. One of our party got exhausted and one of the guides just towed them.
When you get back you can then hike or snorkel. They provide wet suits and all the gear.
There is nothing on the island, so bring food and water with you and a change of clothing, again if the temps are low u will want to have something warm to put on.
I really enjoyed this trip it was probably one of the best kayak tours I’ve done.

We went on the Painted Cave excursion and it was fantastic! Quite a long day. Left the harbor at 8am. Had some breakfast on the way over and saw two different pods of whales and lots of dolphins! The captain slowed the boat down and we hung out with our new sea friends for a bit. One of my favorite parts of the day. Arrived at Santa Cruz around 10am. Jumped straight into the kayaks with Hector and Cooper as our guides. They were awesome. Hector had few cool stories and lots of fun facts about the island. We kayaked in and out of caves down the coast and seals and sea lions were swimming around the kayaks. Hector also pointed two Bald Eagles! Painted cave is the last cave and the grand finale. Then back to the boat for some hot lunch, which was delicious. The cook made vegetarian meals for my sister and I so he gets a thumbs up for being awesome. Not to mention he baked chocolate chip cookies on the way back, and so won over my heart. We got back into the harbor around 6:30 pm.
I recommend bringing medication for sea sickness! I never get sea sick and felt a little weird on the way over. Ginger candy helps calm the stomach and is a nice distraction to chew on while you’re on the boat. And don’t forget sunscreen and a warm jacket because it gets chilly. Thanks SB Adventure Company!

Adventure for sure! So much fun. Went for a friends birthday celebration. Me my girlfriend and another couple headed out to Santa Cruz island. The guides did an amazing job! Provided everything you need for sea kayaking. From wet suits to safety gear. Also gave us some very solid suggestions on hikes that would fit into the time table we had.
I highly recommend using SB Adventure company.
If you can I would totally ask for Adam as your guide. Very knowledgeable of the island and kayaking.

We went for a kayaking tour at the Santa Cruz Island. We checked in outside the island Packers office in Ventura and then boarded the boat for the island.
After arriving at the island, we were given some instructions at the beach near the dock. Then we changed into wet suits that were provided by the SB adventure company. Our guide, Rye started us off with some instructions and finally we started with our kayak tour.
This was our first kayaking experience in the ocean and Rye took great care of us. The sea caves were amazing, we got to see some seals and some rare birds as well but my favorite part of this experience was the Scorpion Blowhole!
It was an amazing and unforgettable experience overall! The guided tour is highly recommended specially for people who are a little scared of the ocean (like me).

My friends and I originally booked Aquasport kayaking tour. However, due to rough ocean condition, we had to cancel. Aquasport guy were not available the next day, but they coordinate with this company, Kenji, and he took us kayaking tour. Very flexible and so nice!
Sea cave kayaking was awesome. Kenji is very experienced and nice, and know every single cave. We enjoyed cave, and sea animals!
Higlhy recommended!

Channel Islands Sea Cave kayaking in August was perfection. We were blessed with calm waters (lake-​like conditions!) and we’re able to enter the «back office» cave, 300 ft beneath the island! Absolutely incredible. My mother and I went tandem on a double kayak, with her in front, and me steering in back. It was a great set up, as initially she was nervous about being in the kayak. She had a wonderful time and was up for anything once we got out on the ocean.
A bit of advice: If you do the full day trip (10 hours), be sure to bring extra things with you to use on the island after the kayak trip. You will have about 4 hours to kill once you’re done kayaking. Bring a book to read on the beach, extra shoes/​socks to go hiking, etc.