What to Expect on a Snorkel Day

PARKING AND DIRECTIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Plan to arrive at Ventura Harbor around 8:00 AM. When you get onboard, your snorkel gear will already be set up and waiting for you at your station. Breakfast is included, so grab a hot breakfast sandwich, yogurt, pastries, oatmeal, or fresh fruit and settle in.

We typically depart around 9:00 AM, once everyone is checked in and comfortable. The ride out to the Channel Islands takes about an hour and a half. It’s a great time to relax, explore the boat, enjoy breakfast, and keep an eye out for dolphins or whales along the way.

Once we arrive, we’ll spend the day at one snorkel location at either Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island. The captain chooses the spot based on the day’s conditions to make sure we’re somewhere calm and enjoyable.

This is where the day really opens up. There’s no rigid schedule and no pressure to be in the water the whole time. Think of it like snorkeling with a friend who has a boat. Jump in when you’re ready, snorkel for a bit, warm up, take a break, then hop back in whenever you feel like it. Kids, parents, first-timers — everyone moves at their own pace.

Lunch is served onboard around midday, featuring a BBQ with both meat and vegetarian options. After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Snorkel more, relax on deck, warm up in the hot tub, or just enjoy the island views.

We usually head back toward Ventura around 2:30 PM. On the ride home, settle in and enjoy one of Spectre’s famous brownie sundaes. We’re typically back in the harbor around 4:00 PM.

The Spectre is built for comfort, so throughout the day you’ll have access to restrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a freshwater hot tub to warm up between snorkel sessions. All snorkel gear stays onboard, which makes it easy for our crew to help with sizing or any last-minute adjustments.

The goal of the day is simple: a relaxed, full island experience where you can jump in and out of the water whenever you want, with no rush and no pressure.