Bird watchers travel from all corners of the world to get a glimpse of the rare Island Scrub Jay. Photo by Chuck Graham. I followed a flash of blue in the dense oak woodland while hiking a side canyon within Scorpion Canyon on Santa Cruz Island. The lone endemic island scrub jay was doing what it does best, continuing to restore island oak groves across the mountainous isle. Before or after a kayak tour with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, guests are always pointed in the right direction for a hike, or the best place to spot an island fox. There are those though, that want a glimpse at one o ..read more

From a distance, kayakers observe a cozy harbor seal soaking up some sun rays. Photo by Chuck Graham. There’s something about their sweet pushed-in faces and long whiskers, as they seemingly smile at us as we paddle onto the next toothy sea cave around Scorpion Anchorage, on the long southeast finger of Santa Cruz Island. Spotted harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are a species of pinniped frequently seen on guided kayak trips with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. They are the friendliest and most curious, but smallest of the six species of seals and sea lions that utilize the Channel Islands Nati ..read more

Winter kayaking at Scorpion Anchorage. Photo by Chuck Graham. Are you looking for a unique and memorable way to spend the holidays with your loved ones? Channel Islands National Park offers a bucket-list-worthy adventure you will remember for the rest of your life. Here are four reasons why sea cave kayaking at this stunning location is an ideal holiday getaway for families and friends: 1. Solitude With fewer visitors in the winter, the park offers an even more serene and intimate experience than any other time of year. This tranquility makes it perfect for families looking to spend quality t ..read more

As I sat in my kayak atop the canopy of giant bladder kelp, I felt the swoosh of a bald eagle as it soared overhead, two blue wing tags with A-03 attached to its impressive 6-foot-wide wingspan. I was leading an Adventure Tour for Santa Barbara Adventure Company at Scorpion Anchorage near the southeast fringe of Santa Cruz Island, and for several years now, bald eagle sightings at the idyllic natural harbor have become commonplace. A-03 arrived at Scorpion Anchorage sometime in 2020, while the new pier was constructed at Scorpion Anchorage and Santa Barbara Adventure Company was leading kayak ..read more

At this time operations are not impacted in the National Park. The National Park system is preparing for a possible Government Shutdown. This closure may affect Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s operations within Channel Islands National Park. Hopefully this matter will be resolved soon so we can get back to our job of guiding amazing trips. Stay informed about potential government shutdowns and their impact on island visits. There’s a chance of a government shutdown starting on October 1, 2023. In the event of different scenarios: Government resolution without shutdown: All trips will contin ..read more

Kayakers at Potato Harbor. Photo by Chuck Graham. Nearly finished with another circumnavigation of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, my friend Craig Fernandez and I made a pit stop inside Potato Harbor. While stretching stiff legs along the cobbled shoreline within a pocket cove inside the harbor, one of the islands’ many natural wonders arrived in the shallow waters. A giant bait ball of fish eased into Potato Harbor, swaying with the gentle ebb and flow of an outgoing tide. I suggested to Craig to get back into his kayak and gradually paddle over the bait-ball, and rest easy atop the dense ..read more

We are proud to announce that Santa Barbara Adventure Company (SBACo) has been awarded the prestigious title of “Best Kayaking Tour” in the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice. This national recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional kayak tours in the stunning Santa Barbara and Channel Islands National Park regions. It is also an undeniable reflection of the outstanding hospitality industry, breathtaking scenery, and remarkable experiences that Santa Barbara has to offer. Out of the 20 outstanding nominees for the “Best Kayaking Tour” category, SBACo proudly secu ..read more

Photo by Chuck Graham To say Aubrie Fowler wears many hats might be a slight understatement. She’s been leading kayak and snorkel tours for Santa Barbara Adventure Company (SBACo) at Scorpion Anchorage on the Southeast fringe of Santa Cruz Island at Channel Islands National Park since the Spring of 2018. She’s also on the ground (and in the water) working hard to protect our Local and State Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with partners throughout California. I recently caught up to Aubrie mid-winter. With Spring quickly approaching, she’s gearing up for another season guiding at Santa Cruz Isla ..read more

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our company has been named 2023 Hospitality Business of the Year by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce! Our team, including President Michael Cohen, attended the Annual Meeting & Business Awards on February 2nd where Michael humbly accepted the award and shared these thoughts: “My heart is full of gratitude and humility as I receive this award for Hospitality Business of the Year. 25 years ago, I started Santa Barbara Adventure Company with just five kayaks, a pick-up truck, and three credit cards. I rememb ..read more

California is back in action and just in time for summer! Check out some of our favorite places and tips for enjoying the best Santa Barbara has to offer in July. We have included as much helpful information as possible, but in case we missed anything, feel free to add details in the comments section below. Snorkel Tours at Channel Islands National Park When: Available July-Aug on most Saturdays & Sundays at 11:30am or 2:00pm Where: Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island Summer snorkel tours are now running! Explore beautiful kelp forests and sea life in a marine protected area off the ..read more