Meet at 8:15am in Ventura Harbor to board the high-speed catamaran for the 1-hour crossing to Santa Cruz Island. As you cross the marine-rich Santa Barbara Channel, the captain and crew keep a sharp lookout for wildlife, including Humpback, California Gray, Blue, Minke, Finback and other whale species! It is a common occurrence for visitors to find themselves among megapods of dolphins as well. For total enjoyment, it is best to enjoy a very light breakfast, saving a nice snack for your arrival at the island.

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz Island, guides will show paddlers to the base camp where picnic tables, storage lockers and kayaking equipment for the day are located. Each kayaker will be issued a wetsuit that is sized to fit, along with helmet and PFD (Personal Flotation Device) prior to beginning their kayaking adventure. All Caves and Coves adventures explore the sea caves within the Scorpion Marine Reserve.

Geared up and ready to go, paddlers hit the water for adventure, exploring the nooks and crannies of the sea caves that surround Scorpion Anchorage. Guides will make sure that island adventures include information on the island wildlife, kelp forest ecology, marine and intertidal species, natural history and cultural history.

Following an unforgettable kayaking adventure, guides will hand out your sandwich and snack for you to enjoy at our picnic area. After lunch visitors typically have free time to enjoy the beach, go for a hike or try a bit of snorkeling. Several short hikes to beautiful vistas are recommended; your guide will be able to steer you in the right direction for whatever you desire most. The amount of time you have after lunch varies on your departure time from the island. The departing ferry arrives late in the afternoon to return travelers to Ventura Harbor.