CHANNEL ISLANDS EXPEDITION
MERMAIDING, DIVING, CAVE KAYAKING, PHOTOSHOOTS, ISLAND HIKING
AUGUST 14TH - 18TH 2024
Join us on this unforgettable California wilderness experience unlike any other on an immersive and magical 5 day, 4 night live aboard retreat to the Channel Islands! Escape the main land and prepare for a trip that will change your life through exciting adventures, stunning underwater worlds and captivating content.
ABOUT THE EXPEDITION RETREAT
Enjoy 5 days and 4 nights aboard the incredible vessel named the Vision! Each day is filled with diving, hiking, sea cave kayaking, wildlife, underwater photoshoots, movement and breath workshops and more. This retreat is all inclusive which means we take care of your accommodations, daily schedule and meals so that you don't have to worry about a thing! The retreat is a full bodied experience that allows you to grow and transform in ways you never thought possible while connecting with other like minded individuals. The energy of the group coupled with our highly experienced team of professionals creates a safe and welcoming environment that you are sure to enjoy. This retreat is open to everyone whether you are a diver, adventurer, mermaid or someone just looking to get away form the main land and explore the beauty of the Channel Islands! Couples are also welcome and our double beds are a perfect option! You do not need to be a diver or a mermaid to attend this retreat!
WHATS INCLUDED
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Explore Channel Islands National Park on a unique multi-sport adventure that offers world-class diving, kayaking, hiking and wildlife
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Dives through kelp forests and see abundant underwater life.
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Underwater photoshoots and coaching in the kelp
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Kayak through sea caves and arches along the dramatic volcanic coast line.
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Hike on various islands
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Option to scuba dive the kelp forests (must be certified)
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Ability to fish and hunt underwater
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Ocean wilderness experience, you’ll be in a remote area with the experts.
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Guides and naturalists share knowledge of Channel Islands National Park
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Breath work and movement workshops
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Healthy and delicious food served everyday.
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5 star galley services w/ beverage bar
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Sleeping accommodations on the boat
Whats not included: airfare, transportation to and from boat, dive and mermaid gear
Cost: $4000 per person
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Dates: Wednesday Aug 14th - Sunday Aug 18th 2024
Check in time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM GMT-5 Wednesday August 14th
Check out time: 5:00 PM GMT-5 Sunday August 18th
ACCOMODATIONS
The Vision, known as the “Queen of the Coast”, is a very comfortable and well equipped live aboard dive and expedition vessel. Built on the Santa Barbara coast with the Channel Islands in the background, she is the perfect way to spend multiple days exploring this California archipelago. This vessel has 13 oversized bunks and 17 personal sized bunks + outside pads on the sundeck. Bunks are dressed with pillows, blanket, and privacy curtains. Please feel free to bring additional blankets and pillows to your liking!
Personal bunk $4000 per person
Shared oversided bunk $4000 per person
Personal oversized bunk $4300 per person (SOLD OUT)
The vision has a cruising speed of 10 knots and boasts a spacious climate controlled bunk room, forward shower rooms with two vanity sinks and plenty of room to clean up after a day of exploring. The galley is a full sized catering kitchen ready to cook whatever meal you desire. A wrap around salon with bench seating seats 40 people comfortably for family style or buffet meals.
Where she really shines is the dive deck. Easy access to the water from 3 dive doors and the swim platform on the stern bring you closer to the water for easy on and off. Watch the islands from the sundeck while we make our way around the beautiful landscape of the National Park. The Vision has plenty of room to get away, but she’s intimate enough that all on board become family while underway.
Important Times
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Check In between 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Dinner & Orientation 6:00 PM GMT-5
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Duration: 5 day and 4 nights
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Return to Santa Barbara: by 5:00 PM GMT-5 on the fifth day
Destinations (weather dependent)
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San Miguel Island
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Santa Rosa Island
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Santa Cruz Island
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Santa Barbara Island
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Anacapa Island
CUISINE
Healthy and Delicious Food Served Fresh from our Galley
We source most of our produce from the local farmers’ markets in order to serve a seasonal, sustainable, and healthy menu.
We can accommodate the following diets and ALL severe food allergies:
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Vegetarian
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Vegan
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Gluten Free (we do not provide gluten free bread)
Departure Harbor
Santa Barbara Landing – Santa Barbara Harbor
301 West Cabrillo Blvd
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
PACKING LIST
Mermaid tail and top if desired
Mask, snorkel and fins if you want to freedive/snorkel
Wetsuit 5mm and higher (can be rented)
Eco friendly sunscreen and sun protection clothing
Reusable water bottle
Hiking shoots like boots or sneakers
Athletic, swim wear and comfy clothing
Rain or all weather jacket
Comfy shoots for on deck like crocs or slides
Any camera gear you have for content
Headphones and sleep mask
Scopolamine patches or other options for motion sickness
Sleeping bag and comforters
Alcohol will not be served on the boat but you are welcome to bring some aboard! There are some quick convenient spots nearby to the harbor you can walk to once you get settled on the boat. We will cover all the snacks, food and beverages you need but if there are specific things you want or need please feel free to bring them!
There is a local dive shop right next to the boat should you need to rent dive gear! We absolutely urge you to bring or rent a thick wetsuit. 7mm is best but 3mm and 5mm open cell wetsuits will keep you warm for long enough to enjoy the dives as well! Please be advised we will not be scuba diving on this trip but you can freedive and/or snorkel all the sites!
PHOTOSHOOTS
One professional underwater photoshoot is included in your retreat package! For those who are wanting more content we have additional photo and video shoots available in addition! Additional photoshoots are an add on of $450 and video shoots are an add on of $350.
Shoots will take place in an array of different kelp forests throughout the islands over the course of the weekend. Mermaid, freediver or conceptual themes are available for the shoots. If booking a full shoot, a complimentary 1:1 call with Brandee will be scheduled to ensure we maximize your experience and success at your shoot! You can book more than one shoot and photo/video combo shoots!
Please note you can also create your own content at any time! There will be many hands to help you get great shots if you don't want to book a full pro photoshoot!
THE SIGN UP STEPS
-Read through this page carefully
-Hit the apply now button at the bottom
-Submit your application and include full responses (we read through all applications when considering approval)
-Once you have submitted your application wait for a response
-If you receive an acceptance response you will be sent an invoice and forms to sign
-You have 24 hrs to submit a $1000 down payment and signed forms to save your spot
-You will receive a confirmation email that you have a spot on the retreat
Due to the nature of this retreat we must meet a minimum of attendees to run the expedition. If we hit our minimum, the additional full amount on your invoice is due on March 1st, 2024. If we do not need our requirements, you will receive a full refund at this time!
-If we meet our quota, you will receive a payment reminder for your remaining balance which will be due on March 1st, 2024
-Once full payment is received you will receive a welcome book with all the information and details for the trip
IMPORTANT INFO:
This retreat has very limited spots. Full payment is due upfront to take a spot!
If flying in, we recommend grabbing an uber to Santa Barbara. Ubers from LAX are normally around $160 each way and will drop you off right at the boat so you don't have to worry about anything! There is also the option of an airbus from LAX as well. We are also happy to help organize your travel to meet with other attendees and ride share back and forth! Once you arrive at the harbor, you will board the boat and we will take care of the rest until its time to end the trip. We end our expedition in the evening time so we recommend an air bnb in Santa Barbara or LAX so you can grab a ride back to the airport. SB is 2 hours from the LAX airport so please plan timing accordingly! Latest to board the boat on the 15th is 6:00 PM GMT-5!
THESE SPOTS ARE ABSOLUTELY NON REFUNDABLE!!!!
There are no conditions in which your spot and payment would be refunded to you unless the retreat is canceled by Mermaid Freedive or we do not meet our minimum requirements to run. These retreats are highly time intensive for our team and very limited in spots. We highly recommend purchasing dive trip insurance to cover you in case of an unforeseen need to cancel. Please note that everything is weather dependent.
WOHOO YOU MADE IT TO THE END! LET'S DO THIS! This is a first come first serve sign up so please be ready to pay when you hit apply!