- Length
- 6 hours total (1 hr ferry each way + 3 hrs paddling)
- Departs
- Island Packers ferry from Ventura Harbor, 9:00 AM
- Group size
- Maximum 8 paddlers per guide
- Includes
- Kayak, paddle, PFD, wetsuit, dry bag, ferry tickets
- Bring
- Lunch, water, sunscreen, layers — there's no shop on the island
Packages
I
Scorpion Anchorage Half-Day
Standard route: launch at Scorpion, paddle into Cathedral Cove and a string of painted sea caves on the east shore.
$189
per person
II
Painted Cave Full Tour
Extended route to the world's largest sea cave on the northwest shore — weather-dependent, sets sail twice a week.
$249
per person
III
Private Guide
Two-person private tour with a single guide. Custom route, longer time on the water.
$480
per person
Amenities
Parking
Family friendly
Tours available
Reservations
Accepts credit cards
You don't paddle into the painted caves so much as drift; the kelp slows everything by half.
Policies
- Age
- 8+ recommended; under 12 must paddle tandem with an adult
- Weather
- Tours run rain or shine; cancelled only for unsafe sea conditions
- Cancellation
- 48 hrs for full refund; same-day cancellations are credited to a future tour
- Swimming
- Basic comfort in water required; PFD always worn
In the area.
I
Ventura Harbor Village
Lunch options for after the paddle — Brophy Bros annex is the safe bet.
At the dock
II
Anacapa Island ferry
Half-day Channel Islands alternative if you want to skip the kayak; lighthouse + arch.
Adjacent dock
III
Channel Islands Visitor Center
Park-service exhibits, ranger talks. Worth a stop before or after.
0.2 mi
Location
1691 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
