![]() Winds are often calm in the early morning and increase during the afternoon. Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands have more moderate winds. Forty-knot winds are not unusual for Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. High winds may occur regardless of the forecast. The other months are subject to a much greater chance for adverse wind and seas with sudden unexpected changes. The calmest winds and sea conditions often occur August through October. Extreme weather conditions may be encountered at any time and the sea conditions may become dangerous without warning. Weather conditions vary considerably in the channel. Kayakers should obtain the latest weather broadcast provided by the NOAA Weather Service by calling (805) 988-6610, visiting Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary's Internet Weather Kiosk and by monitoring weather radio on VHF-FM 162.475 MHz (weather station 3) for marine forecasts and VHF-FM 162.55 MHz (weather station 1) and VHF-FM 162.40 MHz (weather station 2) for land-based observations. ![]() Only experienced kayakers with vessels capable of withstanding severe weather are advised to make the cross-channel passage. Refer to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Ocean Survey charts 18720, 18721, 18725, 18727, 18728, 18729, and 18756.Ĭonditions in the Santa Barbara Channel and around the islands are variable and the ocean is unforgiving. Kayaking guides and nautical charts to the Channel Islands are available from local marine stores and online bookstores. Coast Guard's (USCG) "Local Notice to Mariners" publication by contacting the Coast Guard at (510) 437-2981. Sea kayaking at San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands is recommended to only the most highly experienced (expert), skilled, conditioned kayakers with all necessary safety equipment due to the consistently extreme weather and sea conditions that regularly dominate these areas.ĭue to the many hazards of crossing the channel from or to the mainland to the park islands the National Park Service does not recommend this be attempted by sea kayakers.ĭetailed kayaking information about the channel and islands may be obtained from the U.S. This location is a world class destination for sea kayaking because of easy beach access, clear ocean waters, nearby camping, readily available concessionaire boat transportation service and a spectacular shoreline with beautiful sea cave and cliffs to explore. The area of the park that is most popular for sea kayaking is centered around Scorpion Beach on East Santa Cruz Island. To help you decide which island to visit, specific island information is available at Places To Go or from the visitor center through publications, exhibits, and the park movie. Sea kayaking opportunities are available throughout the park. The concessionaires offer year-round transportation to the islands for day visits and camping trips. Visitors with their own kayaks who would like to explore the park may contact the park concessioners, who will transport kayaks on their public trips for an extra fee. For kayak guide and outfitting services in other areas of the park (excluding Scorpion area), visit the Visitor Services List. ![]() They operate guided sea kayak tours (there are NO kayak rentals on the island), limited convenience item sales (no food items), snorkel equipment rentals, and guided snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island only. ![]() The guided trips are moderate to strenuous in nature, but some do not require previous kayaking experience.įor the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area on Santa Cruz Island visit: Channel Islands Adventure Company. The National Park Service strongly recommends for your safety that sea kayaking be done with one of the park's authorized guide/outfitters. Visitors may kayak on their own or with a park authorized guide/outiftter. Sea kayaking on your own in any area of the park should not be attempted by novice or first time kayakers or anyone who is not properly experienced, trained, conditioned and equipped. The challenging and quickly changing weather and at times extreme sea conditions and dangerous sea caves greatly add to the risks of sea kayaking in the park. Sea kayaking is a high risk activity that has caused the death of park visitors and annually numerous near fatal incidents with sea kayakers occur in the park. ![]()
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