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tidy Jul 31st, 2019 05:37 AM
Channel Islands
 
We will be in Santa Barbara in November and would like to go to the Channel Islands for a day. Is it necessary to make boat reservations ahead of time? I know it depends on weather but is a rough ride or is the boat a pretty good size. When reading a couple of the posts it sounds like Sana Cruz would be the best bet. We like to hike, snorkel, explore etc. How long is the boat ride? What else can you tell me about a day trip.

socaltraveler Jul 31st, 2019 07:10 AM
November is the end of the season for the Channel Island boat tours, so Thanksgiving week is the very end. Weather at that time of year is iffy, and to be honest, there are no amenities on the islands, so if you were planning on taking your small children you may want to reconsider. If you do an internet search, you will find information about boats, etc.

tidy Jul 31st, 2019 02:15 PM
We would not have children with us then.

tidy Jul 31st, 2019 02:31 PM
So I just checked and the boat ride to Santa Cruz is closed because of repairing the pier. Santa Cruz's Prisoner's Island is available as is Anacapa. Bummed, any thougts on this.

Jean Jul 31st, 2019 07:39 PM
I've never visited in November, but I know it's unlikely you'd be snorkeling at that time of year without a wet suit. If the weather's nice and water is calm, a kayaking tour would be fun. But, timewise, in November you might have to choose between hiking and kayaking.

tidy Aug 1st, 2019 03:14 PM
Have any of you done Santa Cruz's Prisoner's Island?

Jean Aug 1st, 2019 04:24 PM
Prisoner's Harbor? I've never heard of Prisoner's Island...

I've done the Painted Cave tour from Prisoner's Harbor. Otherwise, we mostly just hike, kayak and swim (in summer).

https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvis...ings-to-do.htm

janisj Aug 1st, 2019 06:52 PM
Your trip is at the end of November - right? I personally would not plan a Channel Islands trip at that time of year.

tidy Aug 2nd, 2019 04:38 AM
You are correct, Prisoners Harbor is where the boat would dock. I believe the other place that it normally would dock will be closed.
janisj, thanks for your honesty about not going the end of November.

Jean Aug 2nd, 2019 06:56 AM
I would leave the decision until you're in the area. Late November can still be very pleasant. We live on Santa Monica Bay, and, more than once, we've gone to the beach while the Thanksgiving turkey is in the oven.

janisj Aug 2nd, 2019 07:49 AM
Originally Posted by Jean (Post 16963841)
I would leave the decision until you're in the area. Late November can still be very pleasant. . . . .
I agree -- I should have posted I would not pre-plan a Channel Islands trip for late November. Like Jean, I'd wait til I was 'on the ground'. November can be just fine . . . or definitely not.

tidy Aug 3rd, 2019 10:45 AM
thanks for all of your help. I just spoke with Island Packers and for sure we can wait and decide later.


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