Sail with us to Catalina on Californian

Looking for a cruise with more substance?

Join us as we set sail to the beautiful waters surrounding Catalina Island aboard the schooner Californian. Each voyage offers a unique perspective on seamanship, maritime history and the awesome beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

The Catalina adventure sail will use the tall ship, Californian, as our base camp for a kayaking adventure. Exploring by kayak is a great and fun way to get up close and personal to all of the sights. The crystal clear waters provide excellent viewing of the rugged shoreline, hidden coves and the underwater marine preserve. Colorful sea stars, flying fish and bright orange garibaldi are just some of the amazing sea creatures surrounding the island.

All onboard meals, Kayaks, life vests, paddles, safety equipment, and ACA certified kayaking instructor and tour guide are included.

Catalina adventure sail information

• July 9 to 15, 2013 - 7 days
  SD to Catalina, other Islands, Santa Barbara and return.
• August 16 to 19, 2013 - 4 days
  SD to Catalina Island and return.
• October 11 to 14, 2013 - 4 days
  SD to Catalina Island and return.
• To reserve your spot or for more information on this unique adventure, call 619-234-9153 x101 or send an email by clicking here.
• Sailing Adventure cost: $775.00 per person for the 4 day cruise, and $1095.00 for the 7 day cruise.

Optional Trip Adventures

• Zipline adventure.
• Snuba.
• Advanced reservations are required, and it is first come first served.
• To add these adventures to your trip, or get more information call 619-234-9153 x101 or send an email by clicking here.

Our Partners
Family Kayak Adventure Center.
Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour.
Catalina Scuba Luv.

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Cruise Description

Climb aboard in the early afternoon for a sailor’s welcome and orientation to shipboard life. Stow your gear, meet your fellow shipmates, set the weekend watch schedule and test your physical skills for the opportunity to lay aloft in the rigging. The captain will soon give the command to get underway and begin the voyage north towards Catalina Island. The early afternoon departure will allow you to set the sails and harness any available wind to round Point Loma. Transiting north and west means sailing against the prevailing wind and current, so motoring will become the primary mode of propulsion as you venture toward the waters around Catalina Island. Day two and three will include a multitude of activities as we drop the kayaks over the side and explore the coastline of the island, sail training, relaxation, and possible shore time concluding at anchor for a hearty sailor's dinner and time to relive the days adventures.

Sailing aboard the Californian offers an opportunity to step into the past and experience the romance of tall ship sailing. Our friendly and experienced crew will be happy to share their knowledge with you, and as an active member of the guest crew you will take your turn standing watch, hauling lines, manning the helm perhaps even going aloft.
Along with the challenge of sailing a tall ship and becoming accustomed to a more rustic lifestyle, you'll share with your shipmates camaraderie of a sort rarely found on shore. If you have an adventuresome spirit, a robust nature and a passion for the sea, then this is the trip for you!

Shipboard Life

Click here to find out about accommodations and shipboard life.


*Schedule is subject to change. Catalina Adventure Sails may be postponed or cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, mechanical problems, safety concerns or for any reason determined by Maritime Museum of San Diego staff to be sufficient cause to cancel or postpone the sail. Postponements or cancellations may occur at any time right up to departure time. Refunds will be given to those persons that have purchased tickets on a Catalina Adventure sail which is subsequently cancelled by Maritime Museum of San Diego management. Fare includes all meals while on board; must be at least 17 years old to sail aboard Californian on overnight cruises.

What to bring on a multi-day voyage:

Space is very limited shipboard. All your gear will need to fit in an open storage bin that measures 1.5 by 2 feet or be kept in your sleeping berth. Keep this in mind while you are packing!

• 1 soft duffel bag and or a daypack for all your gear, No suitcases! (at the least, a plastic bag makes a good container)
• Sleeping Bag, pillow, sheet
• Layers of clothing. Pack sparingly, and keep in mind that it is most often 15 to 20 cooler than shore temperatures. Ships work is often dirty and destructive to clothes you probably only need one "nice" out fit for going to shore.
• Wool or polartec sweater
• Long underwear
• A ski hat is a must.
• Rain Suit or Foul Weather Gear. (At night, on watch, with spray coming over the side, you will get wet and cold, if nothing else this will cut the wind. Both pants and coat are recommended.)
• Two pairs of comfortable shoes (make sure one is closed toe hiking style and has good traction)
• Sun Hat (make sure you have something that you can keep from blowing off)
• Sunscreen
• Good Sunglasses and maybe an extra pair (a strap is a good idea)
• Towel
• Flashlight or Headlamp for personal reading. Headlamp is best in a moving bunk. (Red lense preferred)
• Coffee/Thermal Travel Mug with a wide base/ non-breakable
• Ear plugs
• Toiletry Kit
• Personal medications bring more than you would normally need. (allergy/ibuprofen/etc.)
• Extra pair prescription eyewear (if applicable)
• Seasickness medication

Optional

• Sailing gloves (without fingertips) can be helpful for pulling line.
• Binoculars if you already own them.
• Baby wipes or whatever cleaning wipes to freshen-up with.
• Bathing Suit
• Camera
• Table cloth size piece of cloth to make a privacy curtain for your bunk
• Eye mask for sleeping
• 1 six pack of bottled water
• Handkerchief
• Backup ear plugs

 General information for passengers aboard the Californian

Meals: Meals and snacks will be provided on the boat. The Californian has a cook aboard, but please note that supplies are limited and some dietary restrictions may be beyond our ability to meet. If you have dietary restrictions, please make special note on your medical form. When at a harbor during a mealtime, you may desire to purchase meals on shore. For your convenience and use, please bring your own coffee mug. Both meals and cleaning are communal activities.

Standing Watch: Guests are encouraged to stand watches during this sail.

Showers and Laundry: There are no showers or laundry on the boat. While at a harbor, we will try to have available the use of the showers on shore. Often there is a coin laundry available in such situations. You can wash your hair on deck with salt water if you choose. Bring layers of clothing for all weather situations but do not expect to wear clean clothes all the time nor shower every day. The crew recommends baby wipes as a nice way to stay fresh without a shower.

Berths: The bunks aboard the Californian are a standard measurement of 6'2" x 24" . They are thickly padded and vinyl covered. While they do have accommodations for privacy curtains, they are in communal spaces. Bunk assignment is at random with the exception of persons with special needs. You must provide your own bedding supplies.
 
Electricity: The boat has batteries at 12v and a generator that runs when the motor is running that can give 110v. Access to electrical outlets is not easy, but will be normally available to people who want to charge batteries on computers or cameras. Note that not everyone will have access to electricity at any time they would like.
 
Cell Phone/ CDs/walkmans: Part of the experience of a sailboat at sea is its isolation and shipboard community. On the other hand, used sparingly there is no problem with bringing a cell phone. Note that your phone may not work well even when close to shore.
 
Smoking Policy: The greatest danger facing a wooden ship is fire. For that reason, smoking on board will take place only at times and locations specified by the captain and with his permission.
 
Seasickness: Take precautions to prevent seasickness! Nobody should think that they simply don’t get seasick. There are several wristband technologies, though for most people medication (Dramamine, Bonine, or other over the counter brand) may be more reliable. The active ingredient in Bonine can be purchased from your pharmacist for a fraction of the brand name. Ask them for guidance on interaction issues with your prescriptions.
 
Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Inappropriate Behavior: While on board the Californian all laws and regulations of the U.S. as they pertain to passenger vessels apply; alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited aboard the ship. The Captain can dismiss any participant from the trip for violations of the conduct code. Such a participant can be dropped off at any port and be expected to find his or her own way back home. The cost of the trip is not refunded. See Code of Conduct in the application package.
 
Cancellation Policy: To reserve a berth requires full payment. If you need to cancel 60 days before the date of the program, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel 30 days before the date of the program you will receive 50% refund. Cancellations less than 30 days before the date of the program will result in the forfeiture of the entire sum of the trip. If the scheduled program is cancelled by the Maritime Museum for any reason, you will receive a full refund for any monies pre-paid. All travel and hotel arrangements made by you are your responsibility. We recommend you seek travel insurance for your logistics.

For information and reservations call 619-234-9153 x 101.
Or click to send us an email.