Join us for a truly unique sailing and kayaking experience off the coast of southern California. Your group will travel on a sailboat while all of your kayaks and paddling gear are transported with you to Santa Cruz Island. Explore Santa Cruz Island, which has earned the reputation of being its own Galapagos with over 145 native species such as the island monkey flower and the island scrub jay. Learn about this area's rich cultural history, which includes 9,000 years of Chumash Indian habitation. Experience grasslands, chaparral and pine forests while swimming and kayaking along scenic and breathtaking beaches. Come and discover one of world's best-kept secrets.
Sample Itinerary
Please note: While the itinerary presented is an accurate depiction of what your trip will be like, it is only an example. Our trips are real adventures in the outdoors--not pre-packaged tours that happen on a schedule.
Day 1 - Meet at the public landing in Santa Barbara in the morning and load gear and kayaks onto the sailboat. Spend the morning getting to know the rest of your group while underway for a 3-4 hour sail to Santa Cruz Island. The first afternoon/evening will cover kayaking basics as well as a possible short group paddle. End the evening with your first offshore dining experience.
Day 2 - Wake up and enjoy a California breakfast. Kayak and explore various islands as the weather and water conditions permit. After lunch enjoy a hike, swim, or paddle.
Day 3 - Enjoy a quick breakfast and pack gear. After breakfast you will have the opportunity for another quick swim or paddle. Depart for the Santa Barbara area in the early afternoon and arrive back in time for dinner.
Travel, Terrain, Etc...
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Channel Islands National Park is home to a wide variety of nationally and internationally significant natural and cultural resources. We will explore the beaches and harbors of Santa Cruz, which is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals. The Channel Islands offer a wide range of route options from very easy to moderate.
TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: You will travel in a 42 foot sailboat, which holds 8 to 12 people plus all necessary gear. The average day's travel will consist of 3-5 hours of paddling in sea kayaks, depending upon weather conditions.
WEATHER: Climate is mild, with little variation in temperature year round. However, be prepared for high winds, fog, and sea spray at any time.
LODGING/BATHROOM FACILITIES: This trip includes all the necessary facilities on the sailboat. At night, you will sleep below in the cabin of the boat. We make every effort to ensure privacy and cleanliness.
GROUP SIZE: The group size ranges from 10 to 12 participants, plus 2 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds and abilities, including people with disabilities.
CAMP CHORES: Our trips are cooperative in nature. WI staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however most people pitch in where they can. Part of the adventure involves learning about daily camp activities.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: If you are new to outdoor activities, you need not spend a lot of money on gear. Wilderness Inquiry will provide all necessary kayaking and camping equipment. All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing and a sleeping bag. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation. If you need to borrow personal gear, that can usually be arranged.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: No previous experience is needed to complete this trip.
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Wilderness Inquiry is proud to serve Caribou Coffee on all our trips. Great food, great coffee, and great company are just some of the ingredients that make Wilderness Inquiry trips special.
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[ Dates & Fees ]
Comprised of five southern California islands near Los Angeles, Channel Islands National Park is home to a wide variety of nationally and internationally significant natural and cultural resources. Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found within the park. However only four mammals are endemic to the islands. One hundred and forty-five of these species are unique to the islands and found nowhere else in the world. Marine life ranges from microscopic plankton to the endangered blue whale, the largest animal to live on earth. Archeological and cultural resources span a period of more than 10,000 years. The park consists of 249,354 acres, half of which are under the ocean, and include the islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. Even though the islands seem tantalizingly close to the densely populated, southern California coast, their isolation has left them relatively undeveloped, making them an exciting place for visitors to explore.
From National Park Service website for the Channel Islands. Please click link below for more information on this interesting area.
For more information, visit these links:
National Park Service Channel Islands website
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
LA Times article about Channel Islands and WI trip
[ Dates & Fees ]
WI leads trips to the Channel Islands but typically only for pre-existing groups (schools, clubs, families, friends who travel together, etc...).
If you have a group of 10 to 18 people interested, we can set up a trip to the Channel Islands just for you! Typical cost for a 3-day trip is about $595 per person, which includes everything except transportation to and from Santa Barbara or Ventura, Ca.
Please contact us if you are interested in a group trip to the Channel Islands.
info@wildernessinquiry.org
612-676-9400
800-728-0719
(Join our waiting list to be notified when WI schedules a trip to Channel Islands Sailing and Sea Kayak)
