"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 at the islands! The crew was also awesome at stopping on the boat ride to seek out dolphins and whales. 10/10 recommend for a lovely day out at the islands!"
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Experience the world’s largest sea cave.
Join us on our 37' Axopar as we expedition to the remote shores of Santa Cruz Island in search of giant sea caves.
Paddle into the world’s largest sea caves!
- Paddle into some of the largest and deepest sea caves on earth!
- Experience a remote wilderness area of the Channel Islands National Park.
- Highly trained guides and naturalists to share knowledge of the marine ecosystem and escort kayakers into the sea caves.
Downwind Paddle Expedition
- One-of-a-kind downwind paddling means you don’t have to paddle back into the wind and double back for half of the trip.
- Paddle with the current behind you, similar to riding a bike downhill!
Ocean Exploring
- Masks and Snorkels provided.
Boat Journey to Santa Cruz Island
Depart from Santa Barbara Harbor
Get ready for a full day at Channel Islands National Park from our dock in Santa Barbara Harbor.
Whale and Dolphin Discover Crossing
The 1 hour crossing is a great opportunity to watch for whales and dolphins. We cross a known feeding area for Blue Whales and Humpback Whales.
The Put-in along the cliffs of Santa Cruz Island
We’ll begin our downwind paddle at Blimp-hanger Cave.
Organic Mediterranean Lunch served at the end of the tour.
At the end of your paddle a hot lunch is served before we begin our journey home. We would need to know about food allergies upon boarding.
Crossing the Santa Barbara Channel
Join us on one of the fastest crossings to the Channel Islands available. We can make it to Santa Cruz Island in less than 1 hour.
At the islands, enjoy a full day of adventure!
Whale and Wildlife Crossing
Our high-speed Axopar will take you to the islands in style with efficiency. We can cross the channel in less than an hour and find wildlife along the way.
Steep Volcanic Cliffs… and caves!
Your guides will escort you downwind on the curated route we have created bringing you to the largest and most incredible sea caves at the West end of Santa Cruz Island.
Fern Grotto
One of the coves we visit on our way to Painted Cave is the gorgeous “Fern Grotto” where the lichen colors and crystal clear water are stunning.
Boomers Cave
The second largest sea cave on this stretch of island, and probably a guide favorite… Boomers delivers incredible acoustics and unmatched exploration opportunities.
Seal Secret Cave and Cove
Our last cave before we round the point and enter the darkness of Painted Cave is Seal Secret cave and cove, a great place for a break and snack. Many sea lions use the cave at the back of this cove as a haul out, and we usually get a great show!
Find your inner peace.
Painted Cave is recorded as the longest sea cave on earth, winding into the darkness more than 1,274 feet or 374 meters. We explore the depths of the cave on our quiet kayaks.
As you exit the depths of Painted Cave you’ll be renewed in spirit and energy as you look out North towards the mainland. It’s a very peaceful experience.
Snorkeling and Swimming
After we finish our paddling route we’ll head to a private cove for lunch and swimming/snorkeling.
Painted Cave Tour FAQ
No, we are all inclusive small businesses and our boat ticket is included in the price of the adventure! You stay on our boat the whole time!
The biggest differences are:
- Number of passengers. This is limited to 6 people per day. The EPIC Combo is limited to 30.
- Travel time on the boat: The crossing on this trip takes 1 hour compared to 1.5 hrs to Anacapa.
- Food service. We provide food on this trip, you must bring your own food on the Anacapa trip.
The sea caves at Painted Cave are larger and there are fewer of them, but they are really big! The snorkeling on this tour is from the kayaks, and not from the mothership. On the EPIC Combo the SUNFISH brings you to a special snorkeling spot.
Both tours have been curated to create the best experience, but they are different island on different boats from different harbors. You won’t be disappointed with either!
The minimum age on this trip is 5.
Our age limits are for your safety and enjoyment.
Reusable water bottle – can be filled onboard.
Base layers – we suggest having a lightweight base layer, a warmer jacket, and hooded sweatshirts.
Paddling clothing – bathing suits and sun tops. You will be given a Farmer John style wetsuit (like overalls). Fleece layers can help stay warm.
Sunscreen – It must be reef-safe sunscreen. Learn what makes sunscreen reef safe.
Sunglasses and sun hats. We suggest a baseball cap for use under your helmet during kayaking.
Camera – we suggest a waterproof camera or case and/or a reliable waterproof bad.
Food/Snack – The Painted Cave Trips include breakfast and lunch, but you are welcome to bring snacks aboard.
Motion sickness medicine and personal medications.
Gratuity for guides and crew.
You must know how to swim to participate in the snorkeling, and you will be wearing a PFD (lifejacket) while paddling.
Easy – This paddle is the same distance as our EPIC Combo, but this area of the islands is more exposed and you may have to paddle in choppy seas. Since we paddle downwind, you’ll be surfing those seas, but it makes the kayak tippy, so previous experience is helpful but not required.
Lunch is served at the end of the tour.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Drinking water is available out of the tap.
No, this is a NON LANDING trip.
If you would like to land and hike at the Channel Islands National Park, please visit Island Packers or call 805-642-1393
Yes, prices vary based on day of week and season. Visit our Charter page and send us an inquiry.
Full refund or credit up until 21 days prior to departure!
20-8 days before your tour:
- Change to a different date or trip with no fees.
- Refunds are available minus a 25% fee.
No refunds or credits within 7 days of your departure.
If we have to cancel for any reason you’ll get 100% refund.
Book Now
$479
Paddlers (aged 5+)
Trip Reviews
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Compare Trips
Epic Sea Caves
Stunning Sea Caves and Wildlife
Oxnard
8 hours
May - November
Ages 5+
Bring your own food and beverages.
1 hr crossing to and 1 hr return from Anacapa with whale and dolphin sightings possible.
All downwind kayaking. See more, no doubling back.
Optional Kelp forest snorkeling includes a full wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins provided at the dock. We snorkel from the Sunfish and jump directly into the kelp forest from the boat.
CIEx Trip Protect