caledonian canal day boat trips

Caledonian Canal Cruises

Join us on one of our

A cruise along the Caledonian Canal is a most enjoyable trip which takes advantage of Scotland’s calm inland waters whilst exploring some of her finest scenery.   

Itineraries

in 2024 we offer 3 opportunities to travel the Caledonian Canal. For two of our cruises you can join the Nova Spero in Inverness and travel down the Caledonian Canal taking either 3 or 5 days. Along the way we'll take in Dochgarroch , Loch Ness, Urqhuart Castle, Fort Augustus and Neptunes Staircase. We also offer one trip from Fort William to Inverness along the canal.

The nature of our cruises is to provide a “theme” and to make the most of the options available to us based on weather, tides, access and things like local events & festivals.

Food & Drink

We include breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise.  Our cook will use the finest locally sourced produce, fresh from suppliers to deliver mouthwatering dishes.

Dinner will be the main meal of the day and will be served between 6pm and 7pm in sheltered anchorage or in harbour.  If we are still on the move we can dine if the water is calm or wait until we reach sheltered waters.  The other meals of the day require more flexibility as the boat may be moving depending on our schedule for the day.

A bar with wines, beers and spirits will be available.

Scotland’s waters and coasts are a playground for a wide variety of wildlife from minke whales & porpoises to puffins and sea eagles.   Binoculars and cameras are recommended.

Visitor Attractions

At the start of each cruise the captain will meet with the all of the guests to discuss the planned route for your cruise which will take into account tides and weather.  We will endeavour to visit some of Scotland’s finest distilleries, castles and attractions from suitable nearby mooring.

Walking & Mountaineering

There will be plenty of opportunity to explore Scotland’s hills and mountains so bring along your walking/hiking equipment.

Cruise Dates

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Find a cruise

Come aboard Clyde Cruises for some of the best tourist boat trips in Scotland. Take a trip with us and explore the famous River Clyde, discover Aberdeen harbour or cruise along the Caledonian Canal. Select a cruise below and start exploring!

• Fish & Ships from Greenock View cruise
• Prosecco Afternoon Tea on the Clyde Clipper View cruise
• Explore the lochs View cruise
• Doon the watter View cruise

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Caledonian canal boat trips.

When we think about boat trips, many of us will automatically think about trips along some of the more better known rivers in Europe such as the Danube or the Seine. However, what about a boat trip that will take in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world? That is exactly what is on offer to those who opt for Caledonian Canal boat trips. At any time of the year, a Caledonian Canal boat trip will mean you get to view stunning beauty in breath-taking surroundings.

The Caledonian Canal was constructed by Thomas Telford at the beginning of the nineteenth century and serves to connect the east and west coasts of Scotland. Two-thirds of the 60-mile long canal was formed by four lochs – Loch Ness, Loch Lochy, Loch Dochfour, and Loch Oich. The remaining third is man-made. The reason for the construction was initially to create employment in the Highland area but, over time, it has become a tourist attraction, with more than half a million visitors coming to the region every year.

Any visit to the Highlands of Scotland would not be complete without a trip on the Caledonian Canal. Whether it be a short 1 hour cruise or 6 hours all the way from Banavie to Fort Augustus, this journey will provide you with the chance to see some amazing scenery. Take the opportunity to put your photography skills to work by snapping some of the beautiful mountains, glens, and lochs. The great thing about a cruise along the Caledonian Canal is that it is an enjoyable experience for the entire family. If you have small children, they will love the experience of being on a boat.  They can visit the wheelhouse and have their photo taken whilst “steering the boat” or keep busy with our “Little Pirates” activity sheet and crayons.  Our informative commentary will detail the most interesting parts of the history of the canal from famous Clan Battles to interesting monuments and castles . And why not enjoy a cup of tea or a cup of steaming hot fresh coffee as you travel along the peaceful canal taking in what Scotland has to offer.

The Four Lochs

The world famous Loch Ness is a place that most tourists want to visit when coming to Scotland. It is here that the supposed Loch Ness Monster can be found! Our trips go as far up as Fort Augustus, right at the entrance to this famous Loch.  Those taking Caledonian Canal boat trips will usually have their cameras at the ready in the hopes of spotting ‘Nessie’, as the mythical creature has been affectionately named, you never know she may have ventured that little bit further to explore the canal!  The loch is the second largest in Scotland after Loch Lomond,having a surface area of 56km2. Special places of interest along the loch are Urquhart Castle and a number of lighthouses, which can be seen at Fort Augustus and Lochend.

The highest point of the Caledonian Canal can be found at Loch Oich, which is located between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. This freshwater lake is home to a plethora of wildlife including the many bird species, fish, mammals, and amphibians. The loch becomes home to Atlantic salmon each autumn as it is used for spawning nests.During construction of the Caledonian Canal, Thomas Telford raised the level of Loch Oich by several feet.

Loch Lochy measures approximately 1km in width and is the third deepest loch in Scotland. It was here that the Battle of the Shirts between the Donald and Fraser Clans was fought in 1544. It was also said to be home to the mythical ‘River Horse’, a supernatural being that would emerge from the loch and then take the form of a horse so it could feed on the banks.

Loch Dochfour

Loch Dochfour is probably the least well known of the four lochs that form part of the Caledonian Canal. At its widest point it is less than a kilometre wide and the full length is approximately 2km. However, there are a couple of places of interest along its banks for those enjoying their Caledonian Canal boat trips . Dochfour House and farm can be spotted along the western bank, while on the east you can see Darroch wood, which forms part of the Ardblair Trail.

Many of us here in the UK are oblivious to the beauty on our doorstep. Scotland has some of the most amazing sights in the world. Lush green hills and mountains create stunning vistasfor these picturesque lochs and, best of all,they are onlya matter of a few hours away from most of us. Tourists from North America and Europe flock to these boat trips every year while, most of us in the UK are completely unaware of their existence. Clyde Cruises offer fantastic deals on these wonderful cruises and boat trips, and they are perfect for everyone. If you appreciate real beauty and would love some stunning snaps for your photo album then you should definitely book a boat trip sooner rather than later.

One of our recent TripAdvisor comments:

There was a running commentary offering interesting facts about the sights. There was tea and coffee aboard and little snacks. Inside seating and outside seating to choose from. It was a very pleasant trip

Most people who have experienced one of these canal trips will tell you that they plan to do another one as soon as possible!

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Caledonian Canal Video

West Highland Sailing

Boating Holidays in Scotland

Boating Holidays In Scotland - Cruising on the Caledonian Canal

Are you thinking of a boating holiday in Scotland? Boating holidays in Scotland offer a fabulous way to see Scotland’s magnificent scenery from the water. West Highland Sailing can offer you a holiday you will never forget on the beautiful Caledonian Canal, the UK’s most spectacular inland waterway.

With a large fleet of luxury motor cruisers, West Highland sailing can offer a sailing vacation to suit almost everyone. With no tides and simple navigation sailing and boating novices can charter our boats and enjoy a carefree boating holiday among Scotland’s finest scenery.

We are ideally situated in the middle of the canal amidst spectacular mountain scenery. There are no deadlines or timetables – when you go aboard you can choose to spend your first night on our pontoon or cruise off Westwards down Loch Lochy with no need to worry about locking times. Or choose to go East from our base at Laggan Locks and your route takes you through gentle Loch Oich with its tree covered shores until you reach the fabled Loch Ness, the largest of the three lochs that comprise the greater part of the Caledonian Canal.

The choice is yours, the pace is yours, the experience is unforgettable. West Highland Sailing pride themselves on their high level of repeat business and look forward to introducing you to this beautiful and unique waterway.

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Visit the Caledonian canal

Experience the 60-mile Caledonian Canal as it cuts through the spectacular Great Glen. Find out about boat trips, activities, holidays, attractions and lots more!

Keep up to date with all the latest canal works across the network.

Attractions on the Caledonian Canal

Embark on a short journey from the canalside and uncover a world of wonders. Explore magnificent landmarks, get active in the range of parks, and embrace the vibrant energy of nearby bustling cities and towns.

Neptune's Staircase

Neptune's Staircase is a remarkable series of locks on the Caledonian Canal.

The famous lake known for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, which can be explored by boat or on foot.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, located in the Scottish Highlands. It offers stunning panoramic views and attracts climbers and hikers from around the world.

Caledonian Canal Centre

Explore the rich history of the Caledonian Canal, grab a souvenir from a wide selection of Scottish gifts, or enjoy homemade, Scottish produce at the new Caledonian Canal Centre in Fort Augustus.

From a adventure down the Great Glen to a stroll around Neptune's staircase, there is a range of fun things to do on the Caledonian Canal for all the family.

Discover The Great Glen Canoe Trail

Caledonian canal walk, caledonian canal cycling.

History of the Caledonian Canal

Find out more about the challenges faced by the great engineers and their world-class innovations - resulting in this great coast-to-coast waterway.

History & heritage

Nature and wildlife

Scotland's canals are not only a testament to human engineering but also serve as thriving habitats for diverse flora and fauna. With an abundance of natural beauty, these waterways offer a unique opportunity to witness wildlife in their element.

See all the options for holidaying on the canals

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From £2,720.00 per person (April and October - From £2,400.00) - MV Glen Massan & MV Glen Tarsan

The Caledonian Canal is one of the great waterways of the world, running through the very heart of Scotland. The cruise journeys from Loch Linnhe on the west coast to Inverness on the east coast, entering the Caledonian Canal either at Fort William or Inverness. Navigating Neptune's Staircase while on board is the best way to appreciate Telford's engineering masterpiece, with the canal passing through charming villages and beautiful countryside. The scenery is superb, from viewing brooding Glencoe and the towering mass of Ben Nevis to the striking reflections in the series of pretty lochs that link the canal. The area is full of historic attractions; anchoring off Castle Urquhart and the magical beauty of Loch Ness are major highlights.

Please contact us to discuss travel arrangements if travelling by car to join this cruise.

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Well done to the fabulous crew especially Jamie on his debut! Will is an amazing chef and his food was some of the best I've ever had. Thank you for going the extra mile and looking after us. 

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Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Cruise

From £0 p/p, departs: dunstaffnage marina, oban.

One of the best ways to have a true Scottish Experience is to cruise Scotland’s Great Glen in a wee ship, sailing through Loch Ness and along the incredible Caledonian Canal. The Great Glen cuts the Scottish Highlands in half and the Caledonian Canal is an extraordinary feast of Victorian engineering that was devised by Thomas Telford to connect the east and west Scottish coasts and to allow ships to avoid the northern stormy water of the Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath.

Our six night Scottish cruises travel both ways through the Canal which connects Fort William on the west coast of Scotland, situated at the top of Loch Linnhe, to Inverness, on the east coast and the capital of the Highlands, situated on the Moray Firth. Guests can decide in which direction they wish to travel – either eastwards from Fort William or westwards from Inverness. Depending of your choice of travel through the canal we start the cruise in either Dunstaffnage Marina, near Oban (eastwards) or Seaport Marina, near Inverness (westwards). 

The Caledonian canal is some 60 miles long  and its 29 locks, 10 bridges and 4 aqueducts link the lochs of Dochfour, Ness, Oich, and  Lochy. These spectacular sea and fresh water lochs are all located in the Great Glen. Throughout the cruises there are great walks, stunning wildlife, amazing sea and fresh water lochs and picturesque Highland villages and towns and, perhaps, even a chance of seeing the elusive Loch Ness monster!

Included in the price is the Caledonian Canal’s transit fee and the transport between Dunstaffnage Marina and Inverness.

Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch. Depending upon the weather and nature’s conditions, wildlife viewing varies.  

If you wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such as whisky tasting, then please do let your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request. Excursions and visits ashore are at your own cost.

Some of the places we may visit are:

Oban: If you are travelling east (the west cruise is, of course, this itinerary in reverse) we embark our vessels at 1330 at Dunstaffnage Marina, near Oban, the gateway to the Hebridean isles.

Castle Stalker:   We head out into beautiful Loch Linnhe and cruise along the east side of the picturesque Isle of Lismore to an anchorage off lovely Shuna Island. We will see the famous Castle Stalker located on a small tidal loch and our spectacular backdrop up ahead is the Ben Nevis mountain range. We can go ashore and visit the local nature reserve on the mainland and admire the famous Castle Stalker. There are lovely walks across the causeway bridge to Port Appin.

Loch Linnhe: To arrive at the Caledonian Canal entrance we cruise up Loch Linnhe. In this stunning sea loch you will have the opportunity to see many types of sea birds, including sea eagles, as well as dolphins and seals. We are surrounded with fantastic scenery with the impressive Ben Nevis mountain becoming closer as we travel up the loch. After carefully navigating the Corran Narrows we anchor off the Canal entrance at Corpach.

Caledonian Canal:  We enter the canal and climb up through the eight locks of “Neptune’s Staircase” to rise nearly  70 feet above the sea.  You can walk along the towpath or stay on board as we climb. Then we cruise to Gairlochy and our first inland, freshwater loch which is the long and narrow Loch Lochy. In the autumn, the surrounding hills are alive to the bellows of the rutting stags and the tree-lined parts of the canal are truly magnificent in their autumn colours. We cruise on through beautiful Loch Oich to reach the town of Fort Augustus.

Fort Augustus: We can visit the bustling town of Fort Augustus with its canal side pubs, Clansman Centre and Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre. When we leave the town we begin our descent through the locks to Loch Ness.

Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle:  Lochness is a large, long (23 miles) very deep loch and is famous for golden eagles, ospreys and of course “Nessie”! We can visit the pretty village of Drumnadrochit, home to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, and surrounded by Glen Moriston and Glen Urquhart. We can anchor off the fabulous, historical Urquhart Castle for an incredibly scenic night. 

Inverness: We finally cruise to the end of Loch Ness and arrive at Seaport Marina, near Inverness. Inverness is a beautiful historic city, capital of the Highlands, and not far from the site of the famous Battle of Culloden. For the active there is the Ness Island Trail, which follows the River Ness, and you can even walk the towpath to the Canal’s end at Clachnaharry, where it enters the sea.

Dates don't suit?

Get in touch and we will do our best to meet your requirements

Reasons to book

• Extraordinary wildlife cruises
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• Maximum of 11 guests per cruise
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• A perfect adventure for all ages
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Just the best experience ever with a fantastic crew. A trip I will remember with love. Anita, April 2023

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Cruise the Highlands and Islands of Scotland with Lord of the Highlands

The newly converted boutique cruise ship, Lord of the Highlands is the latest addition to Hebridean Island Cruises’ fleet of beautiful and intimate ships. Continuing the Hebridean tradition of providing the highest quality holidays afloat, the convivial company of just 38 fellow guests creates a relaxed house party atmosphere. Cruising through the Caledonian Canal, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland’s west coast, Orkney and Edinburgh, Lord of the Highlands takes guests on a voyage of discovery through the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Lord of the Highlands Cruises

Lord of the Highlands cruises Scotland in style, visiting stunning destinations along the Caledonian Canal,…

About Lord of the Highlands

Lord of the Highlands with her convivial company of just 38 guests and dedicated crew,…

Deck Plans and Cabins

The Lord of the Highlands cruise ship has three spacious decks. The Tweedsmuir Deck is…

Dining on Lord of the Highlands

The elegant restaurant on cruise ship Lord of the Highlands takes guests on a culinary…

The Lord of the Highlands crew is dedicated to providing a truly personal service and…

TRANSFERS AND CAR PARKING

Find out all about joining your ship when you book a cruise with Hebridean Island…

Shipboard Information

Read our useful shipboard information here before joining us for a cruise board the Lord…

Guest Speakers

Experience the rich history, culture and taste of Scotland on Lord of the Highlands with…

Lord of the Highlands Gallery

Explore our gallery to get a taster of our beautiful Lord of the Highlands cruise…

Lord of the Highlands Videos

Life on board lord of the highlands.

With rich hardwood finishes, offset by cream panelling, Lord of the Highlands is reminiscent of a Pullman carriage from the golden age. The splendid and elevated upper deck affords spectacular views from the picture windows as guests dine in the Caledonian Restaurant or relax in the Panorama Lounge with a drink from the well-stocked bar. There are nineteen outward facing pictured windowed cabins , spread over two decks, including a suite and four with small private balconies.

The small, personal nature of Lord of the Highlands ensures a different style of cruising and attracts a friendly group of like-minded souls. Thirty eight fellow guests is a comfortable number to get to know, making it easy to find new friends onboard. At mealtimes , everyone eats together, and there are plenty of cosy corners to continue the conversation into the evening.

The dedicated crew is hand-picked to bring the finest service to guests. They strive day and night to ensure that this is the best holiday you have taken. As a small, boutique cruise ship, guests and crew become quickly acquainted. Stewards welcome you by name and will memorise any dietary requirements and other preferences. So sit back, relax and enjoy life on board.

Enchanting Scottish cruise holidays

Lord of the Highlands’ cruise destinations along Scotland’s Caledonian Canal, west and east coasts and the remote archipelago of Orkney, showcase this spectacular part of the world. There is no need to decide which tours and visits you would like to participate in, as they are all included in the fare. Plus, a knowledgeable guide is always on board to share information and answer your questions.

We look forward to welcoming you on board Lord of the Highlands to share with you the dramatic beauty, rich history and enchanting stories of Scotland’s magnificent seaboard. All from the comfort of our stylish, intimate and small cruise ship.

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Weekly or short-break self-charter boating holidays on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

We operate a large fleet of modern, high quality motor cruisers, all fully equipped and available for weekly or short-break self charter cruises on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal .

With 28 vessels and a  range of 10 different styles  to choose from, whichever boat you choose, you can be assured it will be the perfect vantage point to explore 60 miles of Europe’s most beautiful inland waterway . Our existing fleet is specifically designed for our unique waterway, each vessel being fitted out at our premises in Inverness. 

Our fleet is specifically designed for our unique waterway, each vessel being fitted out at our premises in Inverness…

Based in  Inverness , in the north-east of Scotland, this is both the pick up and return point for all cruises with us. Conveniently located just a few minutes drive from the city centre, we are just 2 miles from Inverness Train Station and 10 miles from  Inverness Airport . 

Instructional Videos

We hope you enjoy watching these short films. They should provide you with a good picture as to what cruising the Caledonian Canal is about.

Meet Our Team

To keep our fleet in tip top condition, we have dedicated a team who look after all aspects of maintaining the hire fleet, from the rudder, shaft and engine right through to interiors and furnishings.

Established in 1969, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2019 and during our many years of operation we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the splendours of the Great Glen. No previous boating experience or licence are necessary (approximately one third of our customers are completely new to boating) and we provide a comprehensive handover with 24 hour support service during your stay.

Customers love their holidays and come back time and again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 401 customer reviews.

Latest news & updates from Caley Cruisers

Charity Partner for 2024

We are delighted to announce our new charity partner for 2024. SNAP exists to improve the lives of young people with additional needs by providing social experiences, building self-esteem, and…

• Lindsey Randall
• 15 February 2024

New Boats to Join our Fleet in 2024

We are delighted to announce that we are adding two new boats to our fleet next year. Islay (1) (Pet Free) will join in May 2024 for Friday and Tuesday…

• 28 September 2023

Kinging-It Travel Blog

We were delighted to work with Craig and Aimee on their new blog with Visit Scotland and Scottish Canals. They tried boat life for 72 hours. Was it for them?

• 31 August 2023

The Highlands are one of the “Best of the World” destinations to visit in 2023!

It’s no surprise that the Highlands are one of National Geographic’s top 5 places to visit in the world in 2023. Check out the full story here:

• 28 October 2022

New STV advert published

We are delighted to present our latest STV promotional footage. We think this gives potential customers a real feel for what their potential holiday will be like.

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• 26 February 2024

Torridon – ‘I Wanna Know’

Eye spy with my little eye Torridon filming on a Torridon. It was great to have the guys with us at the end of last year filming their new single.…

Our beautiful  Kintail class  was featured on Channel 4’s “ Great Canal Journeys ” with Timothy West & Prunella Scales.   Kintail, and every other vessel on our fleet , was   fitted out by our own team  and is specifically designed for our unique cruising area. The spectacular scenery, combined with a beautiful cruiser and our first class service will ensure your holiday with Caley Cruisers is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. We are sure you will find the ideal boat to suit your party whether your looking for something to suit a couple, family or large group.      Established in 1970, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2020 and during our many years of operation we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the splendours of the Great Glen. No previous boating experience or licence are necessary (approximately one third of our customers are completely new to boating) and we provide a comprehensive handover with 24 hour support service during your stay. You will find a lot of detailed information about our boats, cruising area and our service contained within this website and we hope it provides the answer to any  questions   you may have. However, please please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any specific queries – we would be delighted to assist.  Book you perfect boating holidays Scotland.

  You can check  LIVE availability  on our website and place a booking this way at any time. Please note that due to the online booking system in place, the availability is subject to change at any time. We therefore recommend booking online.  We are already well booked up for 2021 and it is possible to book for 2022 (please see our  free cancellation offer for advance bookings). 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Get in Touch

The Reservations Team

Tel: 01463 236328 Email:  [email protected]

Caley Cruisers have been offering boating holidays on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal since 1970 and we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2020! Weekly or short break charter is available from April to October inclusive. No previous boating experience necessary as full training given. Cruising 60 miles of Europes most beautiful inland waterways will be one of the most memorable experiences you will ever have. So if you are looking for the perfect boating holiday in Scotland , or Caledonian Canal boat hire look no further.

Channel Islands Kayak Tours

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour

OUR MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Overview Experience the stunning beauty of Channel Islands National Park on our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. On this tour, you’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the unparalleled natural wonders of this unique area. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts.

Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am

Tour Time (~4 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~2.5-3 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 2.5-3 miles

Level of Difficulty Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ferry Tickets The 10:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 9am or earlier from Ventura Harbor. The 9:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 8am. Check-in is one hour prior to departure.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 4:30pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Questions? Visit our FAQ’s page .

Public tours: $205 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $187 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($53)* Private tours: $1,640 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,992 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,488 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

• Preparing for your trip

Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Our Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. For 1-1.5 hours you’ll kayak through stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-timers visiting the island, this tour allows you to pack in multiple experiences into one day, from hiking and snorkeling to birding and exploring endemic species. Don’t miss out on the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this national park has to offer.

Availability February-November: Most days

Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am and/or 10:30am as well as 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm (meet times depend on the ferry schedule to Santa Cruz Island – Scorpion Anchorage)

Tour Time (~2.5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 1.25 miles

Ferry Tickets The 9:30am tour requires an 8:00am ferry departure (7am check-in time). The 12:30pm tour requires a 10:00am ferry departure or earlier (check-in is one hour prior to ferry departure). Ferry options typically will be 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am. The 1:30pm tour requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Public tours: $145 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $127 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($53)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $1,160 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,032 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $3,046 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview The longest of our kayaking tour options, the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour is for the true ocean adventurer. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline.

This tour is best for 1. Intermediate-Advanced kayakers who are looking for a longer day on the water, must have 8am ferry departure and 4:30pm return 2. Campers on their 2nd day at the island, so they can enjoy a first full day exploring the island on land

Availability This tour is offered on Friday-Sunday and Wednesdays from May through November. Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~3-4 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 4-5 miles

Level of Difficulty Intermediate – Advanced

Ferry Tickets This tour requires a ferry departure of 8am (check-in at 7am) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return.

Ferry return times vary daily, departing at 4:30pm or 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 6:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Public tours: $275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $66 / children 12 and under $53)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $2,200 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,240 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $6,360 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface on our expert-led Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and the island’s pristine coastlines. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through marine ecology and the rich history of the island. Get up close with sea life and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.

This tour is best for

1. Guests who already have previous kayaking and snorkeling experience. Guests should be comfortable in the ocean and comfortable swimming with a snorkel. 2. Campers who are already on the island and want a full day of adventure on & in the water

Availability Our Snorkel & Kayak Tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am from mid-June through September 30th on days when there is an 8am ferry departure

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr 45 min – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hr – Kayaking ~15 min – Lunch ~45 min – Snorkeling ~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the tour. All guests  MUST  know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is  REQUIRED .

Includes • Snorkel & Mask* • Fins • 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit • Snorkel flotation device • PFD (personal flotation device) for kayaking • Ocean kayak** • Knowledgeable guide(s) on exploring sea caves as well as the local natural history and marine ecology

*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them. *We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so. **By default, even-numbered parties will be paired in a tandem (2-person) kayak. For single or odd-numbered parties, single (1-person) kayaks will be provided.

Ferry Tickets This tour requires an 8am ferry departure (7am check-in) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later return.

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Happy Adventurers

You have fun. We’ll handle the rest.

An Awesome Time!

Thanks for an incredible sea kayaking adventure on Santa Cruz in Channel Islands National Park! Well worth the money, especially with the wetsuits and extra outfitting that made paddling super comfy. "

One of the Best Family Days!

"Six of us went Kayaking in the Sea Caves and loved every minute. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and was incredibly enthusiastic about the adventure. On the way home, we saw two whales and two pods of dolphins. Cannot imagine a better day!"

A Bucket List Adventure!

"An awesome adventure! While the Painted Cave is the highlight of the tour all of the caves are incredible. The wildlife is amazing along with the plants and everything else. The guides were super friendly and very informative."

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439 Seaport Ct

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Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Redwood City, BluReverie Catamaran is just minutes from the tech headquarters with easy access from all South Bay locations. Whether a day sail, lunch, dinner, or weekend escape, BluReverie can be the ideal team retreat, special occasions celebration, or vacation with friends and family. We typically host weekend overnight trips between the months of April - Oct in the San Francisco Bay, and we are planning overnight itineraries in Puerto Rico between the months of Nov - Mar. BluReverie has 5 guest cabins each with ensuite bathrooms. Three cabins are configured with queen beds (1 queen bed in each cabin) and two cabins with bunk beds (2 single beds in each cabin). BluReverie can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins, or up to 12 guests if you have small children sharing a cabin. …

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Last updated: May 24, 2023

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