Nature Cruises
Let our Park Naturalists guide you on a 2-hour Lake Cruise aboard the Osprey. A 30-passenger pontoon boat for easy wildlife viewing and personal comfort, the Osprey explores the Lake as Naturalists follow nature's serendipity to reveal the area's natural and cultural riches.
In all seasons, Cachuma Lake is a thriving habitat for a great variety of wildlife, birds, fish, trees, and plants.
Our winter season brings out resident and migratory Bald Eagles and waterfowl from November through February. In spring and summer, wildflowers spangle the hills, resident birds can be seen displaying and building nests, and fawns appear with does.
Who would enjoy our cruise?
The tour is appropriate for all people ages 4 and up. Our boat can comfortably accommodate visitors who use wheel chairs, and we have an access ramp (please let us know so we may accommodate you).
About the Osprey:
Pontoon boats are among the gentlest and safest water vessels. All 30 seats are padded, and wildlife viewing is easy from any seat. There are viewing platforms at the front and rear of the boat. Most of the seats are shaded.
Boat Capacity: 30
Cruise Length: 2 hours
Cruise Schedules
Public Cruises
for . . . . . . . . Families, friends, singles, groups
| Winter Eagle Cruises |
|
Summer Wildlife Cruises |
| November through February |
|
March through October |
| Friday |
10 am to Noon |
& |
2 to 4 pm |
|
Friday |
|
|
3 to 5 pm only |
| Saturday |
10 am to Noon |
& |
2 to 4 pm |
|
Saturday |
10 am to Noon |
& |
3 to 5 pm |
| Sunday |
10 am to Noon only |
|
|
Sunday |
10 am to Noon only |
|
Private Cruises. . . . . . . .
Lake cruises outside of the public cruise times posted above can be arranged for your school, community, or personal group for a minimum of 15 people on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays. For more information, please call the Park Naturalist at (805) 688-4515. Please Note: The Park Naturalist cannot book reservations for regular cruise times, posted above.
Cruise Fees:
Adults $15
Kids $7 (ages 4-12 year old; please no children under 4)
Cruise Reservations:
RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED in person at the main gate, or call:
(805) 686-5050 Weekdays 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
(805) 686-5055 After 3:00 PM on Fridays and Weekends
Meet at the Marina CRUISE WAITING AREA 1/2 hour before departure. The boat departs promptly on the hour.