Channel Islands Adventure

Channel Islands Adventure Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Get acquainted with your fellow adventurers and guides during your introductory kayak lesson in the Santa Barbara Harbor.

  Our trip begins today at 3 p.m. at the REI store in Santa Barbara, California. Join fellow adventurers for a pre-trip orientation, an overview of the weekend’s itinerary, and a review of the gear list to ensure everyone is prepared for the excursion. Following light snacks and orientation, we will head on over to the “Sea Landing” dock for an introductory kayaking lesson and Santa Barbara Harbor paddle (either come dressed to kayak, or with clothes readily available to change). Following our mellow introduction, we will board the Truth and choose our bunks. Once your gear has been properly stored, you can enjoy the Santa Barbara harbor. Dinner tonight is on your own, but you may wish to join the guides and walk to the Brewhouse (local handmade food and beer) for a group excursion. Make sure you get back to the Truth before we depart for the islands at 3 a.m. the following morning. Dinner not included. Santa Barbara has a variety of cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the boat, but the Brewhouse has long been a guide favorite.

  Kayaking 1-1½ hours.

• Day 2 Experience the serenity and remoteness of the amazing San Miguel Island by paddle and foot today.

  Following the channel crossing we will wake up to the welcoming smell of cooked breakfast! Anchored off the coast of San Miguel Island, we literally wake up in the middle of seemingly nowhere with the sounds of marine mammals on the shoreline of this stunning island. San Miguel is the least visited and arguably the most remarkable. After breakfast we will suit up in our wetsuits and launch our kayaks off the back of the boat. Our guides will brief us on proper paddling techniques and other important paddling tips and then assist us into your kayaks. We plan to paddle with elephant seals and sea lions playing all around us on a nice down-wind trip around Harris Point. We'll explore the volcanic-rock coves and discover the abundant marine life of the coastline from our kayaks. As we continue to paddle, The Truth will have strategically relocated to anchor in a calm cove where we will end our paddle for the day. We will board the boat and enjoy a wonderful cooked lunch while our guides prepare us for our afternoon hike on the shore of this remarkable island. A skiff takes us over to the shore to the most incredible white sandy beaches, where we'll begin our afternoon hike up the Nidever Canyon. Our naturalist-led hike along the bluffs and coreopsis forests of San Miguel Island will be like no other you have ever experienced. Following our hike the vessel will motor to the East around the back side of Santa Rosa Island where we will spend the night. We'll enjoy an exceptional four-course meal that the galley has been preparing throughout the day, and then partake in nightly activities which include a wide variety of card and board games. All meals included.

  Kayaking: 2-3 hours; Hiking: 2-3 hours.

• Day 3 Kayak to Santa Cruz Island and explore the Painted Cave, the world's longest sea cave!

  Once again we awake to the lovely smells of a cooked breakfast. This morning we have some free time after breakfast to enjoy a swim, do some fishing, or join our naturalist guide on shore for another fascinating hike. Today we will enjoy stunning expansive views of Bechers Bay while hiking through the wondrous and ancient Torrey Pines forest, one of only two Torrey Pine forests in the world! We will skiff back to the boat in time for lunch. After lunch the vessel will motor over to the west end of Santa Cruz Island where we will load into our kayaks! This afternoon we plan to paddle alongside this outstanding shoreline, in and out of sea caves, all the while surrounded by barking seals and sea lions curious about our adventure. The highlight of the day will be kayaking into the Painted Cave, the world's longest sea cave, large enough to fit a blimp! An action-packed day will begin to wind down in the late afternoon when we get back on the boat. However, since we happen to be anchored in one of the most spectacular diving locations on the continent, this would be a great opportunity to strap on some snorkeling gear and enjoy swimming among the kelp forests right off the boat. Or you can opt to soak up the sun on the deck and enjoy the relaxation. Tonight we will fire up the grill on the back of the boat and prepare to enjoy a California style tri-tip BBQ. The galley takes great pride in this meal and hopes to make it a highlight of your trip! All meals included.

  Hiking: 2-3 hours; Kayaking: 2-3 hours

• Day 4 Explore the rugged and shoreline of Anacapa Island and awe at the natural arch as we slowly work our way back to the mainland.

  First thing in the morning the captain and crew will pull up anchor and head to our final destination, Anacapa Island. We will once again enjoy a hot breakfast while we motor to our next island adventure. Once back in our kayaks we'll visit our guide's favorite paddling destinations: the Arches at Anacapa. This adventure is designed to be a downwind paddle to Anacapa Arch all the while exploring this smaller and more rugged island's shoreline. Lunch aboard the boat will be followed by swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding! Our afternoon return journey back to the Santa Barbara Harbor will be highlighted by the sightings of whales and mega pods of dolphins, as this is one of the most biologically diverse bodies of water on the planet. We plan to be back at the dock by 5pm today. Breakfast and Lunch included.

  Kayaking 2-3 hours, Snorkeling, Diving, Stand-Up Paddling

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Professional instruction; National Park naturalist guides; all permits and fees; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; 3 nights live-aboard accommodations; kayaks and kayaking equipment; wetsuits; snorkeling equipment.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point,; California fishing license or fishing equipment (available for purchase at the Sea Landing); insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities, and items of a personal nature. Daily Parking Fee of $3.00 per day with validation ($12 without).

Santa Barbara – SBA, 15 minutes
Los Angeles – LAX, 1 hr 45 min

There are no provided transfers from the airport to our group’s meeting point. Trains, buses and taxis are available from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara airports.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] as we plan to kayak 2-4 hours per day in moderately rough conditions. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 50° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s - 60s, depending on the month. Evening temperatures can dip to 40° in early June and late September. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions including fog and wind, so adequate raingear is important.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 50° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping to 40s - 60s, depending on the month. Evening temps of 40 degrees are possible in early June and late September. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility, so adequate raingear is important.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• There are some significant Channel crossings that can be rough at times. If you are prone to sea sickness, we recommend bringing Dramamine or some other motion sickness remedy just in case.