Channel Islands Expeditions - Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara, California

Terri M.

This was a very fun trip and a great way to experience some of the Channel Islands. All of the crew members for this trip were so friendly, accommodating, patient, and passionate about the trip. The trip was well organized and smoothly run. Safety was emphasized and I always felt safe. It was fun kayaking through several different types of sea caves and looking at the island from the water. It was cool snorkeling among the kelp and seeing how big the kelp is underwater and the many fish that hang out in it.

Michael T.

We had such a wonderful experience on the Painted Cave tour. It truly exceeded all expectations. The tour itself was spectacular and we thoroughly enjoyed kayaking to the sea caves and enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife. What really set the trip apart was the crew. It was readily apparent that our comfort, safety, and fun was their highest priority. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable about the island and wildlife and really made the experience something unique. The meals served aboard the boat were delicious and truly something special for being cooked on a boat!
If you are looking to explore the Channel Islands this all in one package is absolutely the way to go.

Elle S.

This was an awesome trip! Even though the boat ride out was a bit gray and cold (couldn't be helped), upon arriving to the islands the sun came out! The crew was quick to get the kayaks in the water and we were off. Great instruction, gorgeous views, amazing caves, lots of wildlife, saw seals, sea lions, dolphin and tons of water fowl. The crew was careful not to leave anyone behind and gave great instruction before entering the caves. I felt safe and well cared for. We stopped for snack on the water and paddled a long way! (but was given the option to bail if need be) Back to the boat to eat our lunch and then on to snorkeling. Saw sting ray and someone else in the group had a swim with a sea lion. On the way back there was a big group of "critters" so the captain turned the boat around and it was like a party at sea. a whole group of Sea lions out swimming with Dolphins and a ton of seagulls and pelicans (not sure if we were by a school of fish or what) But it was awesome! Got us back safely on time. I would HIGHLY recommend this trip. They have another one that we are planning to do with them as well.

Amy G.

Was out yesterday, Oct 19 2024. Wow! We had such a great day! No sea fog, had a great trip to the Channel Islands. We suited up just before we arrived to the Channel Islands, kayaks were deployed and we hit the ocean. So much fun! We kayaked through sea caves that were sooo much fun. Snorkeling after kayaking was offered. The crew was amazing, very informed of the Channel Islands, attentive to everyone's safety, yet really fun. On our trip back to Oxnard we located a huge school of Common Dolphin playing and jumping. The captain got word there was a humpback whale sighting and headed toward it. We sure found it and another one with it. We even got a whale tail show! P.S...Google maps has no idea where the dock is!

Kamie H.

The crew and experience were incredible! We did the 10 hour kayak/snorkel excursion to Painted Cave and saw tons of birds, sea lions, dolphins, harbor seals, fish and we even saw a Horn Shark while snorkeling. Jelly is an excellent Chef and made sure we ate delicious food all day. I definitely recommend this experience! Thanks guys!

Ben T.

My wife and I just returned from the 4 day expedition and had an amazing time. The staff was excellent! The food was excellent! Captain Troy found still continually found still water for each of our activity locations even though it was a windy week. Kayaking, hiking, snorkeling were all fantastic. Boat is very comfortable. They are very safety minded, easy going, and share a lot of interesting info about the islands. Will do it again.

Jeff P.

Amazing experience with a wonderful crew.
My wife has been wanting to kayak the painted cave for years and I finally booked it for her birthday.
The trip was better than expected and the crew made it even better. Sean and Byron were our guides and part of the crew. I can’t say enough what a great job they do. Informative, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly are the adjectives that come to mind. They made sure we had everything we needed and we were comfortable both on the boat and in the kayaks. The Captains were amazing as well. The food was plentiful and cooked fresh. The trip even ended with fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Seriously couldn’t have asked for more.

Erin T.

We did the kayak adventure out of Santa Barbara harbor. Saw dozens and dozens of dolphins on the ride over. Food was amazing!! Great options for people with dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, etc. It was easy to meet other passengers, everyone was so friendly!

The crew were not joking when they warn you about motion sickness on the boat ride there/back, but they found sheltered areas once we got to the Santa Cruz Island.