SANTA BARBARA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Private Day Among the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz’s Cliffs, Caves and Kelp
A private 6- or 8-hour island cruise from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island offering coastlines, sea caves, beaches and a menu of activities—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
A Private Day Among the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz’s Cliffs, Caves and Kelp.
Embark on a private, full-day island cruise from Santa Barbara that spends extended time around Santa Cruz Island — California’s largest Channel Island — moving along steep cliffs, into large sea caves and into sheltered coves and sandy beaches. The excursion is offered as a tailored, multi-hour outing with options for snorkeling, fishing, whale watching or simply anchoring in a private cove to relax.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Steep Cliffs, Sea Caves and Sandy Beaches
Santa Cruz Island’s coastline delivers dramatic vertical rock, expansive sea caves and sheltered sandy coves — the island’s varied shorelines are the reason operators frequently head there on private cruises.
Snorkel, Fish, Whale Watch or Beach Frolic
The cruise is designed around a menu of activities: snorkeling in kelp forests, fishing, whale watching, coastline touring and beach time are all offered as part of the private itinerary.
Private, Tailored Full-Day Excursions
Offered as private 6- and 8-hour options, the island cruise is tailored to your group’s preferences, whether that means wildlife searching, exploring sea caves or anchoring in a secluded cove for food and drink.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The pace is deliberate: from a Santa Barbara departure you spend several hours around Santa Cruz Island, moving along the coastline to peer into large sea caves, thread kelp-lined waters for snorkeling, stop on beaches to stretch legs, or slow to watch for whales — all within a private, customizable 6- or 8-hour framework.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip is for—and what to confirm before you go.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tours are offered in 6- and 8-hour private formats.
Meet at 302 W. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, CA 93109 - Marina 3 Gate for departure.
Bring towels, the food and drink you want on board, and a sweater or jacket as temperatures can swing even on sunny days.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the cruises?
Private cruises are offered in 6- and 8-hour options.
Where do we meet the boat?
The meeting point is 302 W. Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, CA 93109 - Marina 3 Gate.
Which island do you visit?
Operators frequently head to Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands, known for cliffs, sea caves, coves and sandy beaches.
What activities can we do on the cruise?
Options include coastline tours, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, whale watching and beach frolicking; trips can be tailored to include any of these.
What should we bring with us?
Bring towels, any food and drink you want on board, and a sweater or jacket since temperatures can vary.
Is the cruise private?
Yes — the offering is a private island cruise tailored to your group’s preferences.