This was a wonderful trip for our family! The staff was helpful, friendly, professional, and experts in their field. We learned so much as we paddled in and around the island. I was concerned about missing out on the "land" portion of the trip, but shouldn't have been. It was such a great adventure. If you are looking for a way to enjoy this National Park, I highly recommend Channel Islands Expeditions!
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EPIC Sea Cave Combo
Hop on our custom expedition vessel, the 54-foot SUNFISH, and enter an ocean wilderness that tops any list!
Sea Caves - Caves around Every Bend
Anacapa has more sea caves per mile than any other island. Around every bend and turn there is another cove or cave that we explore. Paddle through the iconic Anacapa Arch, symbol of Channel Islands National Park.
Downwind Kayaking Route
Enjoy a leisurely 2-3 hour paddle down the Anacapa water trial. This is a guide favorite because the scenery is always changing and we never have to double back. This can only be done with a boat drop and pick-up.
Relaxing + Kelp Forest Snorkeling
At the completion of our kayaking trip we anchor at the island for about an hour to enjoy lunch, swimming, and snorkeling. If you want to jump in the water for a swim/snorkel we provide masks/snorkels and fins. You can use the wetsuit we provide or rent a thicker wetsuit for super comfy snorkeling!
Snorkeling is optional – if you choose not to snorkel you’ll have more time for lunch and relaxing.
Getting to the world famous Channel Islands
Check-in at Marine Emporium Landing in Oxnard
Check in starts at 7:40am for an 8:00am departure. This is an all day adventure in Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.
Whale and Dolphin Discover Crossing
As we cross the Santa Barbara Channel we enter a international Whale Heritage area that is known for over 33 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) like the Blue Whale and Orca.
Begin your kayaking journey at the Keyhole Arch
The Sunfish drops you off with your guides and you begin your downwind/down current paddle along the shore of Anacapa Island exploring the vast number of sea caves along the way.
Relax OR enjoy snorkeling in a marine sanctuary.
Anacapa Island has been a marine sanctuary with protected waters for over 40 years. During our 1 hour lunch break you can jump in the water to swim or snorkel with a mask and fins. We provide a basic wetsuit (no arms) or you can rent a wetsuit that is perfect for staying toasty warm while snorkeling.
This snorkeling is by far the best in the National Park, when it’s good.. it’s world class!
Visit the Anacapa Arch
The iconic Anacapa Arch is outstanding and we’ll get you in the perfect position for a memorable photo/selfie with you and your group!
Shorter Journey Home – Dolphin Escort
With the wind and current at our backs, the journey home is slightly shorter than the journey out, lasting about an hour. Be on the lookout for whales, sea birds or dolphin that may be playing in the wake behind our boat.
What to expect on your sea cave kayak experience!
Arrive at the put-in and start your paddle
We provide you with a kayaking wetsuit, along with a lifejacket, helmet, and paddle. We have tandem kayaks by default, but provide a limited number of single kayaks for those traveling solo. All kayaks have backrests.
A Marine Bird Sanctuary
The California Brown Pelican nests almost exclusively at Anacapa Island, and we will paddle along the cliffs just below the nests. May-August is nesting season as the chicks hatch and eventually fledge the nests on their own. It’s a really cool experience to see these young birds in the wild from a safe distance on our kayaks.
Explore sea caves along the way
Anacapa Island has more sea caves per mile than any other island that we have been to. This makes for exceptional exploration opportunities as every bend and curve has another unique feature or cave to stop and explore.
A relaxing and informative paddle with your guides
This petite island, marked by dramatic cliffs, will captivate you with its rugged beauty and rich biodiversity. Watch out for marine life along the way as you look for your next cave to explore as you twist and turn kayaking along the cliffs of Anacapa Island.
Relaxing Lunch or Snorkeling in Kelp Forests w/ Sea Lions
When conditions are good, this is some of the best snorkeling, in temperate water, on earth. North Anacapa is a marine protected area where you cannot fish or take anything from the ocean here. If you are brave enough to dive through the kelp, you’ll be greeted with a indescribable sensation of flying through an underwater forest… it’s pretty incredible.
Snorkeling wetsuits are available for rent, or you can use your kayaking wetsuit.
Enjoy a Picnic on the Sunfish
At the end of your day you’ll be ready for a sandwich and cold drink (both of which you need to bring on this trip!). We’ll park the Sunfish near the Anacapa Arch and lighthouse.
Anacapa Tour FAQ
No, you can enjoy an extended lunch while we are anchored at the islands. If you choose to snorkel, your lunch will be shortened slightly so that we can get you the most from your in-water experience.
The cost of this trip covers your kayaking wetsuit along with masks and snorkels. If you really want to enhance your snorkeling experience, we suggest renting the 5mm wetsuit we offer.
No, you do not have to purchase a ferry ticket, it’s included in the price of the trip. Explore CI is an all inclusive professional operator with our own custom built boats. Your boat ticket is included in the price of the exploration and you’ll be treated to a full experience from departure to return.
We do not provide food. However, the snorkeling on this trip is a little more intentional and takes place from the swim step after your kayaking trip is complete.
This is like an ocean river trip where we are regularly rounding another bend and finding new caves and coves to explore. The paddling is very close to a bird sanctuary and seal and sea lion rookeries which makes the wildlife very intimate.
Both are incredible trips and cannot really be compared apples to apples.
Sea Cave Trips – Payment in full is required to hold your space.
Trip Minimum
We have a minimum to run, which is 6 people per tour. If you receive a “Pending” email after booking, we have not met that minimum. You do not fall under our cancellation polices until we have confirmed your trip. You can cancel at any time and get a full refund if we have not confirmed your trip yet. Once we have confirmed, you are subject to the below polices.
- Full refund or credit up until 22 days prior to departure! You must call or email us this request.
- You can receive a 75% refund from 21-8 days prior to departure.
- No refunds for cancellations within 7 days .
- If WE have to cancel for any reason you’ll get FULL refund.
Lodging/Airlines/Other Considerations:
We understand you may be booking other accommodations on your trip. If you have a cancellation window on your other accommodations that doesn’t match with our policies, please call to discuss options. Thanks!
Snacks/Lunch – Epic Sea Caves does not include food. You are welcome to bring a cooler or lunch bag, and it will stay dry on board the Sunfish during your kayak adventure. Snacks that can be enjoyed throughout the day are a great idea!
32 ounce Reusable water bottle – can be filled onboard
Long sleeved Sun shirt
Warm Clothing – we suggest having a normal street clothing, perhaps a warmer jacket, and hooded sweatshirts. Wear pants and shoes if that keeps you warm.
Kayak 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.
Motion sickness medicine and personal medications.
Gratuity for guides and crew. 10-20% is customary.
Kayaking – You will be wearing a PFD (life jacket) at all times and you need to be comfortable in water over your head.
Snorkeling – You must be able to swim unassisted for 30 minutes in order to snorkel without a PFD (life jacket) on.
We have single kayaks for those of you traveling solo or in odd number group. Because of this, we don’t allow people to reserve single kayaks ahead of time.
Beginner Friendly – The kayaking on this trip is appropriate for beginner kayakers. Ocean conditions are always variable and some days can offer more challenging paddling conditions than other.
You must bring a lunch with you, we do not provide food and we do not have a galley. We will anchor for at least an hour after kayaking. Bring snacks and small coolers.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Drinking water is available from a tap aboard the boat.
We do not land on the island because:
- Most areas (like Anacapa Island) have steep cliffs and limited landing access.
- The boat is not permitted or equipped for passenger landings.
- Landing would take away from time spent kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring.
Yes, prices vary based on day of week and season. Please visit our Charter page and submit an inquiry.
The EPIC Sea Caves trip is a curated experience that brings you to areas that are seen by fewer National Park visitors.
- All CIEx kayaking trips are vessel-supported. Rather than launching and landing through surf at the Scorpion Ranch beach, all CIEx trips launch kayaks from our motherships with crew assistance from our accessible, water-level swim steps. On our trips, you paddle in one direction with the wind and get picked up at the end of your paddle by the mothership. You’ll have the support vessel nearby at all times to assist you if needed.
- You are our exclusive purpose. All CIEx kayak guests are here for the same reason… to kayak into sea caves! Scorpion Ranch trips require ferry transportation to get to the island paddling destination, which can result in wait times between activities.
- We paddle at areas where we barely encounter other boaters or visitors to the islands. This means less crowds and more wildlife. Scorpion Ranch is the most heavily-visited part of Channel Islands National Park – if you’re looking to get a more remote experience, join us!
Unfortunately no. We cannot pick up or drop off passengers at the Landing Cove at Anacapa. All of our paddlers need to board at Oxnard for the day. The best way to kayak Anacapa Island and see all of the amazing arches and tidepools is to have a support vessel like the Sunfish. We don’t recommend trying this on your own 🙂
5 years old is the youngest permitted to kayak. Our age limit is based on decades of experience. Younger paddlers fatigue faster and the adult paddler is left doing all of the paddling, keep this in mind when considering younger paddlers.
We cannot place two young children in a tandem kayak together; an adult or teenager must paddle with each child. Call us to discuss.
All “little ones” must wear a PFD while snorkeling.
Book Now
$285
Adults (18+)
$275
Wiser Ones (65+)
$255
Little Ones (5-17)
Group Pricing
10-30: $240/each
Trip Reviews
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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...
CIEx Trip Protect