I took an excursion trip with Channel Island Adventure Company. I took the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Beach on Santa Cruz Island. They have all the gear to suit you including wet suit, wind breaker, crocs. Bring snacks and a waterproof camera.
The first cave is the elephant’s belly. There are some caves that the seals use as a nursery, but you have to avoid them. You are not allowed to go toward the seals, but they can come to you. One seal popped his head up multiple times as we paddled in the Pacific waters.
The water is cold, but I was able to stay comfortable without a wetsuit while in the kayak. I have an aversion to wetsuits and anything that fits that tight on my body.
There is lots of brown kelp. Brown kelp is the second fastest growing plant after kudzu. It doesn’t taste bad either. There was also lots of bull whip kelp that had blown in. You hold onto the brown kelp to stay stationary. We found a clear, jelly looking thing floating in the water. Our guide though it may have been a lobster egg casing.
Our guide was a wonderfully, knowledgeable young woman who told us all about the plants and animals around the island. It was a great exper
ience!
