Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Your Ocean Life Adventures

What is Your Ocean Life?

Your Ocean Life is a multi-sport ocean adventure company offering personalized, condition-adaptive excursions in California’s premier coastal locations: Monterey Bay, Catalina Island, and the Channel Islands. We combine 40 years of ocean expertise with a unique approach that adapts activities to real-time conditions and your interests. We also host “This Ocean Life Podcast,” sharing transformational ocean stories from watermen, waterwomen, and ocean enthusiasts.

Your Ocean Life Adventures are designed for seasoned water people who want to expand their skills or try new activities. This is not a beginner’s learning course or school. We expect participants to have

  • Comfort and confidence in ocean environments
  • Basic swimming and water safety skills
  • Previous experience in at least one ocean activity (surfing, freediving, paddling, etc.)
  • Willingness to adapt to changing conditions
  • Self-awareness of personal limits

If you’re new to ocean activities, we recommend starting with traditional lessons or courses before joining our adventures.

We offer a wide range of ocean activities based on conditions and your interests

  • Surfing (all skill levels, various breaks)
  • Freediving (kelp forests, marine life encounters)
  • Spearfishing (sustainable hunting, valid license required)
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) (coastal exploration, downwind runs)
  • Foiling (wing, prone, downwind)
  • Outrigger Canoeing (OC1)
  • Fishing (offshore and inshore)
  • Sailing (bareboat, catamaran)
  • Kayaking & Sea Cave Exploration
  • Marine Life Encounters (dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions)
  • Ocean Safety & Navigation

Each day’s activities are determined by real-time conditions, ensuring optimal and safe experiences.

Condition-adaptive means we don’t force a rigid itinerary. Instead, we assess real-time ocean conditions—swell, wind, visibility, tide, weather—and adapt activities accordingly. If the surf is firing, we surf. If visibility is 60 feet, we freedive. If the wind picks up, we foil or sail. This approach ensures you experience the ocean at its best, not just what was planned on paper. We flow with the ocean, not against it.

We operate in three premier California coastal locations

Monterey Bay – World-class freediving in ancient kelp forests, iconic surf breaks (Steamer Lane, Pleasure Point), abundant marine life including sea otters and sea lions. Water temp: 50-60°F. Most accessible (drive from SF or LA).

Catalina Island – Crystal-clear water with 60+ foot visibility, protected coves, warmest water (58-70°F), excellent spearfishing, island paradise feel. 22-mile boat crossing from San Pedro or Long Beach.

Channel Islands – Remote wilderness, pristine conditions, boat-access-only surf breaks, untouched marine ecosystems, multi-day camping expeditions. 25-30 mile crossing from Ventura. Advanced skills recommended.

We offer flexible adventure durations

Day Trips: 6am-4pm (8-10 hours of ocean time)

  • Most popular option
  • 3-4 different activities
  • Includes boat transportation, equipment, guidance
  • Return same day

Multi-Day Adventures: 2-5 days

  • Camping on islands (Catalina or Channel Islands)
  • Sunrise surf, all-day ocean activities, evening fishing
  • True wilderness immersion
  • Includes camping gear, meals, and extended ocean time

Custom Expeditions: 1-2 weeks

  • Designed around your goals and schedule
  • Multiple locations
  • Deep skill development
  • Ultimate ocean experience

Included

  • Expert guidance and coaching (40 years ocean experience)
  • All equipment for each activity (wetsuits, surfboards, SUPs, freediving gear, fishing gear, etc.)
  • Boat transportation between sites
  • Safety equipment and oversight
  • Photos and videos of your adventure
  • Flexible adaptation to conditions and your energy
  • Pre-trip planning and consultation

Not Included

  • Food and drinks (bring your own lunch and snacks)
  • Transportation to/from departure point
  • Accommodation (if multi-day)
  • Fishing license (if spearfishing – you must obtain)
  • Personal gear (you’re welcome to bring your own wetsuit, surfboard, etc.)
  • Gratuity (optional but appreciated)

Essential

  • Swimsuit (wear under wetsuit)
  • Towel (2 recommended)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide based – mandatory)
  • Water bottle (reusable, 1-2 liters)
  • Lunch and high-energy snacks
  • Warm layers for boat (fleece, windbreaker)
  • Change of clothes
  • Personal medications
  • Positive attitude and flexibility

Recommended

  • Sunglasses (polarized)
  • Hat or beanie
  • Waterproof bag for phone/keys
  • Seasickness medication (if prone to motion sickness)
  • Camera (waterproof or GoPro)
  • Your own wetsuit/mask if you have one (better fit)

For Spearfishing

  • Valid California fishing license (required by law)

For Multi-Day Camping

  • Tent, sleeping bag, camping gear
  • All food for trip
  • Extra water (2-3 gallons per person per day)
  • Headlamp, warm clothing

Full packing lists provided after booking.

Step 1: Contact Us

  • Fill out the contact form on our website
  • Phone: 831-251-4724

Step 2: Consultation

  • We’ll schedule a call to discuss your interests, experience level, and goals
  • We’ll recommend the best location and activities for you
  • We’ll check availability and dates

Step 3: Customize Your Adventure

  • We’ll design a personalized itinerary based on your preferences
  • We’ll discuss conditions, seasons, and expectations
  • We’ll answer all your questions

Step 4: Confirm & Prepare

  • Confirm dates and pay deposit
  • Receive pre-trip information and packing list
  • We’ll monitor conditions leading up to your adventure

Step 5: Adventure!

  • Meet at designated location
  • Experience your personalized ocean adventure
  • Create unforgettable memories

Booking Timeline: We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for peak season (June-October), 1-2 months for shoulder season.

Your safety and experience quality are our top priorities. If conditions are unsafe or significantly suboptimal, we have flexible options

Option 1: Adapt Activities

  • We’ll shift to activities that work in current conditions
  • Example: If surf is too big, we’ll freedive or explore protected coves
  • Condition-adaptive approach ensures you still have an amazing day

Option 2: Reschedule

  • If conditions are truly unsafe (storm, dangerous swell, poor visibility everywhere), we’ll reschedule
  • No penalty for weather-related rescheduling
  • We’ll find alternative dates that work for you

Option 3: Alternative Location

  • If one location has bad conditions, we may suggest another
  • Example: If Monterey is blown out, we might go to Catalina’s protected coves

Our Commitment:We’ve been reading ocean conditions for 40 years. We’ll make the call that prioritizes your safety and experience quality. We want you to have an incredible adventure, and sometimes that means being flexible with timing or location

Still have questions? Contact us!

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