Channel Islands Kayaking.mp4

Sea-splunking

Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour at Channel Islands National Park

If exploring a cave is spelunking, then exploring a cave by kayak is … spelayaking?! Whatever it is, this truly unique cave-kayaking adventure at Channel Islands National Park is a wonderful way to get an in-depth perspective of the the marvelous caves here.

Kayaker inside cave at Channel Islands National Park Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour

Even if you’re totally new to kayaking, the experts at Channel Island Adventure Company will get you set up and safe on the water to spend a few hours paddling around on the Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour. It’s the most popular tour at the national park, and for good reason!

Channel Island Adventure Company guides getting kayakers ready for the sea kayak adventure tour at Santa Cruz Island

You’ll paddle into and through the magnificent sea caves at Santa Cruz Island. Once you get the hang of steering your vessel, you’ll be looking up and down and all around as you learn about the wildlife inhabiting the area, including ospreys perching high on cliffs. If luck is on your side, dolphins might coast beside you or a migrating whale may appear in the distance.

Two Kayakers on Adventure Sea Kayak Tour by Channel Island Adventure Company

The adventure is a boon of opportunity to enter caves of all shapes and sizes. Keep an eye out for California sea lions; they like to use cave shelves to dry off and warm up. Get your bragging rights photos as you course through caves, some containing blowholes for a little extra splash.

Kayaker outside a cave at Santa Cruz Island Channel Islands National Park

Cave kayaking at Channel Islands National Park, two kayakers outside a cave at Santa Cruz Island

Just don’t drop the camera—this is spelunk, not kerplunk. When you’re done, there should be enough time before the ferry departure to get in a quick hike up to Cavern Point, where you might just see the small island fox, endemic to six of the eight Channel Islands, and found nowhere else in the world. Then again, you may just be so giddy on the water you’ll be begging your guide for just one more cave “spelayak”… or whatever you want to call it!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View