CHANNEL ISLANDS KAYAKING

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED. KAYAK TRANSPORTATION CAN ONLY BE RESERVED BY CALLING 805-642-1393

KAYAKING AT SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Santa Cruz Island – Scorpion Anchorage

The premier kayaking destination on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Anchorage offers a perfect launch point with its sandy and cobblestone beach. Paddle through stunning sea caves and hidden coves, ideal for adventure and exploration in crystal-clear waters.

Santa Cruz Island – Prisoners Harbor

For a more secluded kayaking experience, Prisoners Harbor provides peaceful exploration with fewer crowds. The beach’s mix of sand and cobblestone ensures easy water access, while the surrounding coves often feature excellent visibility for wildlife spotting. Though ocean waters here can occasionally be cloudy, the sheltered coves remain clear, offering fantastic opportunities to observe marine life up close.

Discover the best of Channel Islands kayaking—whether you seek vibrant energy or serene solitude.

KAYAK TRANSPORT FARES

Kayaking Guidelines for Channel Islands National Park

Before heading out on your kayaking adventure, please review the following requirements and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Before You Arrive

Check the Kayaking page on the Channel Islands National Park (CINP) website for essential rules and safety information.
Life vests and helmets are mandatory for all kayakers.

Kayak Requirements

Personal kayaks must have:
– A 6-8 ft bowline with a carabiner clip attached.
– Secure bow and stern attachment points (for towing between the boat and island).
– Island Packers reserves the right to deny misrepresented kayaks at the dock.
Previously approved kayaks may no longer fit within our kayak guidelines so please make sure your kayak fits the specifications

Reserving Kayak Transport

Add your kayak to your boat reservation by:
– Calling 805-642-1393
– Emailing [email protected] (include a photo/description of your kayak).
– Note: Some kayaks may only be approved during off-season or low camper loads.

Important Warnings

Beaches are rocky—kayak bottoms may get damaged. Do not bring special/pristine kayaks.
– Island Packers is not responsible for kayak damage.
– A Release of Liability Waiver must be signed before departure.

For the latest updates, consult National Park staff upon arrival and check posted regulations at park bulletin boards.

Plan ahead, paddle safely, and enjoy the Channel Islands!

Small Kayak

12 Feet and under in Length and Under 55lbs

$22.00

Large Kayak

13 – 16 Feet in Length and/or Over 55lbs

$30.00

*We do not transport oversized – Over 16 feet or Composite or Wood. We do not transport fishing kayaks or those with heavy pedal drivers.

Maximum Weight 75 Pounds.

Transport of any Kayaks must be approved at the time you reserve your kayak space. Please be prepared to give length, weight, make and model with the construction material for approval process

ALL KAYAK APPROVALS ARE ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

Guided Kayaking

Guided Kayak Tours – Explore with Experts
Experience the Channel Islands’ stunning coastline with professional guided tours from Channel Islands Adventure Company (805-884-9283).

Tour Details:
✔ Santa Cruz Island Tours:

Kayaks are pre-positioned at Scorpion Anchorage – no transport reservation needed for participants.
✔ Other Island Locations:

The outfitter handles all kayak transport arrangements – just show up ready to explore!

Why Choose a Guided Tour?

No logistics to manage – they handle equipment, permits, and safety gear

Expert guides share local ecology, history, and secret spots

Perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike

Let the professionals handle the details while you enjoy the paddling!

(Note: Independent kayakers must still arrange their own transport through Island Packers)

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Kayak Rentals

Kayak Rentals for Channel Islands Adventures
Pre-Trip Rentals Only:
Kayaks are available for rent through : Channel Islands Kayak Center (805-984-5995). Advance reservations are required—rentals must be arranged at least 24 hours before your departure.

Important Rental Policies:
✔ All rental kayaks meet Island Packers’ transport requirements.
✔ No kayak rentals are available on the islands—you must secure rentals before your trip.
✔ Limited Transport Space:

The National Park restricts kayak numbers to 18 per day at Scorpion Anchorage.

Reserve boat transport space with Island Packers first before booking your rental kayak.

Plan Smart, Paddle Ready:
Always confirm boat transport availability before finalizing kayak rentals to ensure a seamless adventure.

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Bring Your Kayak

Bringing Your Own Kayak to the Channel Islands
You’re welcome to bring your personal kayak to the islands, but advance planning is required due to limited transport space. All kayaks—whether personal or rental—must meet Island Packers’ transport guidelines and have reserved space on the boat.

Important Notes:

Limited Availability: Kayak space is first-come, first-served—both on the boat and on the island.

High-Demand Seasons: During summer and fall, kayak transport spots often sell out. Reserve early!

Full Compliance Required: Personal kayaks must meet all guidelines below for approval.

a body of water with a mountain in the background

Questions? Contact Island Packers at 805-642-1393 or [email protected].

To ensure a smooth and safe journey to the Channel Islands, please adhere to the following requirements when bringing your kayak:

Before Departure
Arrive 1 hour before your scheduled departure time. Late arrivals may be denied transport.

Reserve kayak space in advance—unreserved kayaks will not be accommodated.

Kayak Specifications
- Type: Plastic sit-on-top kayaks preferred.
- Wood, composite, pedal, or other types will not be transported.
- Weight Limit: Must be under 75 lbs.
- Length Limit: Should be less than 16 feet.
Bowline Requirement:
- 6-8 ft long, made of strong webbing material (NO paracord).
- Must have a spring-loaded carabiner clip attached to the free end.
Empty of All Gear: Kayaks must be completely unloaded before transport.

Biosecurity & Compliance
Follow all biosecurity protocols to protect the islands’ ecosystem.

Island Packers reserves the right to refuse transport for:
- Late arrivals
- Kayaks that do not meet specifications.
- Kayaks misrepresented at the time of reservation.
Plan ahead, comply with regulations, and enjoy your adventure!
For reservations or questions, contact Island Packers at 805-642-1393 or [email protected].

KAYAKING AT ANACAPA ISLAND

Anacapa Island is a cliff island and has no beach in the landing area. Kayaks are offloaded from the boat to the landing dock. Kayaks are then lowered to the water by rope and you must go down a ladder to get into the kayak. When you are finished kayaking, you must pull the kayak back up to the landing dock before the Island Packers boat returns for pick up of passengers and kayaks.

The waters at Anacapa Island are usually crystal clear and you can see down many feet to the ocean life below. The shoreline is pocketed with many sea caves and small secluded beaches. Anacapa Island can have stronger current along it’s shore so kayakers should be moderately experienced at ocean kayaking.

OUTER ISLAND KAYAKING

Santa Rosa & San Miguel Islands

Outer Island Kayaking at Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands require expert ocean knowledge and experience at open ocean kayaking. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this area and kayakers should be able to spot changes in swell and wind conditions. Strong wind can prevent you from returning to your original departure beach.

You must reserve kayak transport space when booking your Island Packers transportation.

Channel Island Kayak Center does not rent kayaks for these islands.

Santa Barbara Island

Outer Island Kayaking at Santa Barbara Island offers beautiful clear water and a warmer water temperature than the northern islands. There is no beach at the launch area so kayakers must carry the kayak down to the launch platform located under the pier. Sea Lions and Seals make their home on this island, so wildlife viewing is always fun.

Kayaking north towards Arch Point or south towards the Sea Lion Rookery provides great wildlife viewing, sea caves, and arches. Experienced kayakers can circumnavigate the island’s five-mile coastline. You must reserve kayak transport space when booking your Island Packers transportation.

Channel Island Kayak Center does not rent kayaks for this island.