Paddling Santa Cruz Island's West Side September 27, 2009

Santa Cruz Island is an amazing place. You have seen pictures of it's rugged coastline, amazing sea life and gorgeous crystal clear waters. If you haven't seen a harbor seal, an American Oyster Catcher or a feisty little sea lion from the comfort of your sea kayak you are missing out on an amazing experience.

The best part of Santa Cruz is only accessible by chartered boat. Past Prisoner's Harbor lies the Nature Conservancy - where most of the island lies. There are untold number of caves including the granddaddy of them all Painted Cave. The secluded coves provide sanctuaries for fish, migratory birds as well as more seals and sea lions than one can count. The last time we were out there we past through a pod of over 5000 dolphins - easy!

Each encounter with the caves, tunnels, arches, grottos, and blow holes is a unique blend of sights and sounds created by submarine fissures and openings, and the contorted volcanic island formations.

Enough with hanging out on the East Side it is West Side baby!

The Plan
We will meet in Marina Del Rey or other places along the way to Channel Islands Harbor where we will meet our chartered USCG inspected 6 pack boat. We will load our kayaks and make way for West Point on Santa Cruz Island.

Once there, our crew will lower us into our sea kayaks for an amazing adventure along the rugged coast. We will explore caves, coves and everything Santa Cruz's coastline has to offer.

When lunch time rolls around we will paddle over to our support boat for a wonderful, yummy and warm lunch. It will double as a chance to stretch our legs and share events of the day so far.

After lunch, the adventure continues as we continue to make our way down the coastline. The wind will pick up. No matter as it will blow us down the coastline faster.

Had your fill of paddling? We will signal our support boat to come get you and bring you on board. There is no paddling back to shore or worries about the wind - just relaxing and enjoying the adventure.

We will have you back on dry land just before dark.

Gear Provided: sea kayak, paddle, PFD, and seat back. Boat transportation, lunch and a snack are included with this adventure.

Official Website: http://www.scoaoutdoors.net/event.php?event_id=1821