Best One-Way 

Sea Cave Tours on Earth

NOW through December 25th!

25% off Gift Cards

Check off your Channel Islands National Park bucket list!

kayaking-out-of-a-cave-in-the-Channel-Islands

Kayak the world’s largest sea caves

snorkeling-in-a-kelp-forest-with-the-fish

Snorkel in underwater kelp forests

whale-breaching-off-the-coast-of-california

See 33 species of whales and dolphins

Celebrating 35 Years at  Channel Islands National Park

Guide Owned and Family Operated since 1991

If you are planning your trip to Channel Islands National Park and are overwhelmed with logistics and planning… ferries, campsites, tours, etc. you’ve come to the right place. All Explore CI trips start and stop from the same land based location on our customer expedition boats. Relax, we’ll take care of everything else you need! 

humpback whale breaching in the channel islandskayakers-in-the-channel-islands-national-parkhiking-channel-islands-national-parkA snorkeler looking for marine life in channel islands national park off the coast of santa barbara

Experience the Downwind Kayaking Difference: Vessel Supported Expeditions for Everyone!

One-way Curated Paddles | Small Groups | Experienced Guides | One Price

Dropping in kayaks off the back of the boat

Easy entry into your kayaks at Point A from the swim step of the 'mothership'

Kayakers about to go into a sea cave

Kayak through sea caves and explore the pristine coves of a remote island.

Snorkeling a kelp forest

Continue paddling downwind with boat pickup at Point B

Snorkeling Gear is included on all Day Trips

Sea Cave Day Trips

Family and Group Charters

Charter our vessel for a private day with your family or group.
Custom itineraries and catering options. 

Learn More About Chartering

Sunfish, Oxnard

The 54-foot Sunfish is purpose-built for coastal adventure, accommodating up to 49 passengers and featuring a water-level swim deck with easy ocean access, plus capacity for up to 28 kayakers and snorkelers in the water at once.

Alolkoy, Santa Barbara

The 37-foot Alolkoy combines sleek Scandinavian design, high-performance handling, and comfortable seating for up to 6 passengers, making it the perfect private charter for exploring the Channel Islands in style.

Reviews

Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

What an amazing adventure! I had the honor of going on a kayaking and snorkeling tour hosted by CIEx out of Santa Barbara. I was delighted with a boat vs dolphins race as we exited the Santa Barbara Harbor and headed towards the Channel Islands. We were escorted to the islands by a pod of dolphins HUNDREDS strong. It was like a dream! CIEx provided...

Guidance Moon
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Guidance Moon

5/5stars
Day Trip

Anacapa Tour

Definitely recommend - Truly an amazing and unique experience. Recently I had the opportunity to join on the kayak/snorkeling trip at Anacapa Island with CIX. First of all, they have an awesome crew of knowledgeable individuals who love their job. They make sure you're comfortable and taken care of while also guiding you through a one of a kind experience. I learned so much and...

Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Taylor o.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

We had the best day out with CIX on our trip to Painted Cave. The trip was a kayak and snorkel day trip. The crew was amazing, everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. The kayaking was so beautiful and it was cool to get into the caves and learn about them through the guides. The snorkeling was super pretty, and we enjoyed the day out...

Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Simone S.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

Amazing! So happy I went with this company. You can bring coolers on board & dry bags with snacks are allowed on the kayaks, & take a ball cap for helmet. Dan was our guide Super friendly, very patient, all staff was great. Went on a Thursday, the experience was more intimate, because all the caves were empty, & our group was only 5 visitors.

Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Cynthia P.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

We went out on our 20th anniversary and really enjoyed the whole trip. The crew was great Marc was very informative and helpful. Ally bubbly personality made the experience great. Our captain was awesome.

Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Chris M.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

This was a wonderful and beautiful experience. We came here on my birthday, it was my 53rd birthday. My husband is semi handicapped and we were pleasantly surprised that the group were very helpful and in helping him with the kayaking and the snorkeling so that way he can experience everything just like a full able-bodied person can. We are also gluten-free vegans which...

Nereida La Sirena Rojas
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Nereida La Sirena Rojas

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

We had the best day out with CIX on our trip to Painted Cave. The trip was a kayak and snorkel day trip. The crew was amazing, everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. The kayaking was so beautiful and it was cool to get into the caves and learn about them through the guides. The snorkeling was super pretty also! The crew was also awesome...

Simone Shomaker
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Simone Shomaker

5/5stars
Day Trip

Anacapa Tour

We signed up for the Sea Cave Combo package and it was the best trip ever. Originally we were put on a waitlist for a different (and more expensive) company that had us inconveniently book the ferry + activity separately, but then came across CIE last minute and booked through them. It was a much better choice. From start to finish the whole crew, especially...

Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Brian Owen

5/5stars
Day Trip

Anacapa Tour

My recent kayaking trip with Channel Islands Expeditions was an absolute gem. We departed from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. There was a CIEx sign set out so I knew I was in the right place to meet. Right from the start, the crew's professionalism and attention to safety made me feel secure and excited. The crossing on the Sunfish was awesome! We got...

Genelise Hazen
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Genelise Hazen

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

Once in a lifetime experience!!! The crew (John, Randy, Beth, Jake, Bryson, Savannah and Max) were all amazing hosts and guides. They have thought of everything to make this a truly unique and memorable experience. The food was incredible, the activities and tours were fun and beautiful, and the Channel Islands and it's wildlife make you feel like you're in a different...

Molly Culp
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Molly Culp

5/5stars
Day Trip

Anacapa Tour

Garrett, Phil and the other crew members who guided us through Anacapa were outstanding! I would definitely put this on your Summer bucket list. A great way to get fresh air, exercise and actually go through not one, but like 10 sea caves. Emerald Cave and Roller Coaster Cave were favorites. We even jumped out of our kayaks and swam through a cave. We also...

Tracy E.
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Tracy E.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Anacapa Tour

If you are interested in whale watching and an up close visit to the Channel Islands, we highly recommend booking with Channel Islands Expeditions. Captain Tim and First Mate Travis were top notch - Experienced, Knowledgeable, Outgoing, Patient and Accommodating. We could absolutely not have had a better day! The trip to Anacapa Island was full of wildlife encounters and the details...

Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Gail Wills

5/5stars
Day Trip

Anacapa Tour

We had such a wonderful time kayaking the Channel Islands with Channel Islands Expeditions! The crew was fun, friendly and knowledgeable and made our day perfect. The food onboard was delicious and they even took care of my weird dietary needs. Kayaking through the island caves was so beautiful and they made it easy even for those of us kayaking for the first time. Leaving...

Kristi K.
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Kristi K.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Anacapa Tour

Channel Islands Expeditions has a top notch kayak trip experience. As a native, I had never made it to the islands just a few miles of the coast of my hometown; Craig our guide and Alex the captain made sure we had a memorable experience. We kayaked the northern tip of Anacapa which is closed most of the year into sea caves and along the...

Lauren C.
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Lauren C.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

Awesome experience. Did a day trip to Santa Cruz Island and went on a guided kayaking tour. Captain Dan and his crew were all extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Also, the crew member Bailey made some delicious chocolate chip cookies with three different kinds of chocolate for everyone on board, would book this trip again just for the cookies alone.

Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Anthony L.

5/5stars
Day Trip

Painted Cave Tour

Amazing trip! I loved the boat. We had a great time kayaking. The crossing was incredible with dolphins, sea lions, and humpback whales literally breaching out of the water! We really explored the sea caves with guides so far in we could get not see without the help of the guides light. It felt like an adventure but also safe as we had a...

Robert Turner
Explore Channel Islands
117 B Harbor Way Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Rated 4.9/5 based on 16 customer reviews

Robert Turner

5/5stars

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