Channel Islands Expeditions - Oxnard - Oxnard, California

Frederik Bentzen

We did the EPIC combo, and it was amazing. The whole staff was super friendly and our guide Mark was outstanding. From the little fun stories, to the cool facts about the area and to the vast knowledge of the surroundings. Always on watch for everyone and so good at explaining about what to do on kayak and such. Someone on our trip got a bit sea sick and he spotted it so fast and helped her.
The 8 hours went past in a blur. When it was time to snorkel he spotted the good places and the sea lions came by to swim with us.
Can’t thank them enough for a wonderful day. If you do one thing in the area it should be this tour!!

Samantha Romanchuk

Kameryn, Kelly, Bryan, and Cheyenne were the DREAM TEAM CREW
Passionate, amiable, knowledgeable, couldn’t ask for a better crew honestly. The trip on the boat was so comfortable, hot shower, blankets, good vibes. Saw like 8 kinds of fish, you get to swim right with them so close, and so many sea critters. Amazing experience.

The Wayward Nurse

We did the epic kayak trip to anacapa and it was amazing! The sea caves were big, some were more like sea tunnels where you went in one end and out the other. Those were my favorites. The only thing I wish was that I did this tour in the fall instead of the spring. In the fall the ocean is calmer. If you want a fun, almost white water rapid like experience then doing this in the spring will be your cup of tea! The kayaking was amazing fun and our tour guide was so knowledgeable and experienced. I felt very safe on the water with him. Would I recommend this for first time kayakers? No, not really, not at least in the spring. The waves and swells can be very challenging, and a new kayaker may not enjoy the experience as fear may be more present. That said I loved it and would totally do it again! Now this tour isn't just kayaking, it's also the boat ride out! We saw literally hundred of dolphins! We also saw two humpback whales (who showed their tails!), seals and sea lions, and the most special; a sunfish! The boat is small and intimate, the crew was awesome. If you get sea sick sit in the very back! Don't go inside the boat! Another part of the tour is snorkeling. Boy howdy is that water freezing cold! If you can stand it, you'll love it! The kelp fields are amazing! I even had a sea lions buddy swim up and tell me hi!

One problem I had was with the prior email instructions. They specifically said to not wear a bathing suit to the tour, and that they have changing rooms. When we asked why we found out what they were trying to say. What they ment to say was don't wear ONLY a bathing suit. You can absolutely wear one under your clothes. But you will also absolutely need lots of layers on top of it! The boat is very open, and the wind and sea is cold! So wear your swim suit, but add on clothes, jackets, and maybe even blankets.

All in all I'd say if you're an experienced kayaker you're going to want to do this tour! The company was awesome, and deserve all 5 stars!

Lexi Moore

The Channel Island Expeditions crew out of Oxnard, CA is INCREDIBLE!!! I can't say enough good things about this operation. The experience was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. The guides, especially our guide Craig, were so knowledgable, patient and helpful - they made my family feel like we were all experts. They gently encouraged my kids and myself to snorkel and I am so thankful that they did. The caves, the wildlife, the boat ride, the dolphins - EVERYTHING was topnotch. If you are considering an adventure to the Channel Islands, this is a great option. I was concerned about missing out on the "land" portion of the trip, but shouldn't have been. It was such a great adventure.

Carolyn Chu

What a beautiful day!! Boat was lovely and clean. Had blankets for us…such a nice touch since it can get chilly in California esp on the water!! Alex, Tim, and Craig were outstanding. The whole team was not only professional and well informed but also patient and took the time to show some beautiful wildlife. We also saw sooo many dolphins and sea lions!! Beautiful day with a great crew. Thanks again. Can’t wait to come back and see some whales!!! And bring some people to join too! Highly recommend to friends and family

Beth Huddleston

The tour was amazing! The tour guides were top notched! Marc are guide was the best of the best. We got to see more of the islands and went to the arch’s. He took us to see extra caves and really helped us navigate some great hidden gems! He was the most patient guy with some great insight into the history of the islands. Whole experience was 10/10 and highly recommended! If you get a chance pick Marc!

Suma Fong-Henry

Love this outfitter! Twice went on the weekday and had the boat to ourselves and one other couple. Yes they'll still go out! ? All the crew is knowledgeable and caring. The sea caves at both Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands are awesome and so fun to kayak. It's a little intimidating if you're unfamiliar with the coast so an expert guide eliminates any stress. We had Craig aboard the Sunfish and he checked out every cave beforehand and helped us negotiate any obstacles. Spent allot of time explaining history, plants and animals. Also had the luck to run into a large pod of Risso's crossing the channel. They are BIG dolphins that look a bit like pilot whales, rare sighting and so fortunate! I'd go back in a heartbeat and definitely will. Big thanks also to Captain Tim and Travis, you couldn't have made us feel more welcome. See you aboard next time!

Justin Rotella

Didn’t know what to expect but it was an absolutely amazing experience! Check in at the dock was easy, the boat had enough space so you weren’t cramped, the dolphins swimming with the boat along the way, the crystal blue water, bright green kelp, cool caves, TONS of wildlife, and some good exercise.

Craig and Aspen were awesome guides!! So knowledgable about the ecosystem at the Channel Islands, you can tell they really cared about the health of the oceans. Thanks Aspen for the dive recommendations!