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 people ages 4 and up. Our boat can comfortably accommodate wheel chairs, and we have an access ramp (please call ahead 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 Schedule:
  Eagle Cruises
    November through February
      Wednesdays - 10:00 AM to Noon
      Thursdays - 10:00 AM to Noon
      Fridays - 10:00 AM to Noon and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
      Saturday - 10:00 AM to Noon and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
      Sunday - 10:00 AM to Noon

  Wildlife Cruises
    March through October
      Fridays - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
      Saturdays - 10:00 AM to Noon and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
      Sundays - 10:00 AM to Noon

Cruise Fees:
    Adults $15
    Kids $7 (ages 4-12 year old; please no children under 4)

Reservations:
    In person at the main gate, or
    (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 1/2 hour before departure.