Hour by hour.
A relaxed full day at the Channel Islands. No rigid schedule, no pressure. Jump in, warm up, eat, hop back in — at your own pace. Timings vary from day-to-day but this is what you can expect on a typical day.
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8:30 AMDock
Arrive at Ventura Harbor
Your snorkel gear is already set up and waiting at your station. Grab a hot breakfast sandwich, yogurt, pastry, oatmeal, or fresh fruit and settle in.
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9:00 AMCrossing
Cast off for the islands
About an hour and a half across the channel. Finish breakfast, explore the boat, watch for dolphins and whales along the way.
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10:30 AMSnorkel
Anchor and jump in
Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island — one spot for the whole day, captain's call based on conditions. Think snorkeling with a friend who has a boat. Jump in when you're ready, warm up, take a break, then hop back in whenever you feel like it. Kids, parents, first-timers — everyone moves at their own pace.
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12:00 PMGalley
BBQ lunch onboard
Tri tip, chicken, or veggie burger off the grill, served on deck.
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12:30 PMSnorkel
Back in the water
Second session, same easy pace. Snorkel more, relax on deck, warm up in the hot tub, or just sit with the island view.
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2:30 PMCrossing
Cruise back to Ventura
Settle in for one of Spectre's famous brownie sundaes on the ride home.
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~4:00 PMDock
Back at the harbor
Tie up at Ventura. The crew helps you off-load gear. Weather depending.
Ventura Harbor Village, Dock D.
About an hour from LAX, 90 minutes from downtown LA, 30 minutes from Santa Barbara.
Departure
Free on Mondays
Park in the lot marked “Whale.” Free for our guests on Mondays — and there’s overflow parking along Spinnaker before the Whale lot.
How to show up.
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Wear your swimsuitUnder shorts and a tee. Wetsuits go on easier over a snug suit.
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Arrive at 8:30 AMThe crew needs the half hour to load the boat before we cast off around 9.
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Layer up for the rideIt gets breezy on the channel. A hoodie packs down small.
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Take a Dramamine the night beforeIf you tend to get seasick. The channel is calmest before noon.
Spend a Monday at the Channel Islands.
Bring a swimsuit. We've got the rest — gear, breakfast, BBQ, and brownie sundaes on the ride home.