My wife and I had an amazing two-hour sail in Oxnard with Captain Dan and Nico. Honestly, the entire experience hinged on whether they'd be great company--and they absolutely were. Captain Dan's quiet 20 years in the Navy made us feel in expert hands, and the conversation was just as enjoyable as the sailing. We laughed, learned a bit about the sea, and left wanting more time out on the water! (J&N) read more

We took the ASA 101 Sailing Course with Capt. Dan and it was absolutely superb! Wiley is a lovely boat and the perfect vessel to train on. Capt. Dan was incredibly thorough, communicated directly, and is an excellent teacher. He also did a terrific job of tailoring the lessons to the skills of his students. Any day out on the water is a good one, but the four days we spent with Capt. Dan were truly some of our best on the water to date! Can't wait for the 103! read more

Captain Dan made this relaxing and informative! We sailed for two hours and it was heaven. Whether a special occasion or you just want to escape, Captain Dan is your man! read more

We Had An Awesome Time! June 2025 Captain Dan and his Bosun, Dennis provided an exceptional sailing trip to Anacapa Island for us. We enjoyed the sail over to the island where we anchored and had a delicious Mediterranean style lunch. We got to see a lot of Sea Lions, a few dolphins, and a huge Mola Mola Sunfish. My future daughter-in-law took her turn at the wheel and really enjoyed being able to do that! We had some pretty big waves on the sail back to the harbor but Captain Dan's and Dennis's sailing expertise navigated us back to the harbor safely. We highly recommend sailing with Sail Channel Islands read more

Our family was very pleased with Captain Dan and the Sail Channel Islands funeral at sea service/experience. Captain Dan is extremely skilled at boating and sailing which made us feel very confident. The boat is beautiful and we had wonderful weather (May 30 2025), overall it was exactly what we were looking for as we said our goodbyes to our Dad. Thank you Captain Dan and Nico! Shelley and Autumn read more

Sail Channel Islands - Ventura at sea - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

This was an incredible and unforgettable experience! Captain Dan was great! He is a very experienced sailor who taught us a lot and shared many interesting stories. He let us take turns steering the boat :) He guided us to some amazing views around Anacapa island and stopped to prepare us a delicious lunch! read more

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My friend and I took the ASA 101 class with Captain Dan and Mark. We had so much fun while learning! Captain Dan is a great instructor and a very knowledgable sailor. He gave us confidence in our skills as sailors! We will definitely continue our sailing classes with him. read more

Sail Channel Islands - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

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I've been wanting to learn how to sail for a year now and I finally got around to it! I'm so grateful that Captain Dan is my sailing instructor, he is amazing! He also allows a second person to come to the lessons and I am bringing different friends with me along the way. We are all so excited to start this new journey and opportunity of sailing The boat we are on is fantastic and Captain Dan is patient, extremely knowledgeable and so much fun! read more

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My friend and I were looking for a nice adventure and after no avail we found Dan!! Captain Dan!! We had the most amazing experience!! Dan is also such a wonderful captain and made sure we had a great trip. I definitely will be booking again and enjoy some ocean time!! Thank you Dan!! read more

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I have always wanted to try sailing on the ocean! My fiancé booked a two hour sunset sail out of Oxnard with Capt Dan and it was amazing We saw plenty of sea lions and pelicans. Capt Dan told us a lot of stories about sailing in the Pacific and in France. I really enjoyed learning how to steer the sailboat and some of the terminology. Although it was an overcast day, we caught a glimpse of the Anacapa Island further out to sea. It was a great experience all around -- oh, and Capt Dan recommended us a nearby seafood restaurant for dinner that was also fantastic! Definitely planted the seed to learn sailing and can't wait to go out for a longer sail. Highly recommend! read more

Sail Channel Islands - A bit chilly out on the water towards the evening so definitely bring a jacket! - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

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Excellent experience taking lessons with Captain Dan. He was thorough, patient, but no nonsense and fully practical. Online scheduling was quick and convenient and simple. His boats are well maintained and a pleasure to be on. I absolutely recommend Sail Channel Islands as the best of the best for lessons or charter cruising. The islands are one of a kind place and this is the expert you will want to take you there. read more

We had the BEST time with Captain Dan whose warmth, graciousness and good humor grounded us, even though we got to feel some pretty awesome swells! Felt completely safe with Dan the Man, traveling in style aboard sweet and sassy Sancerre herself. He offers so many services we are definitely returning for an island run. Thank CDan for a truly memorable trip, book with this really great guy and hit the seas! read more

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Seriously one of the best experiences I have ever had! I am almost done with getting my 103 reading... Capt. Dan has made this such a great experience! Not only is he fun to learn from but the boat, the Wiley, which I have learned on is terrific... In fact my husband and I even renewed our vows on the boat! Highly recommend this experience! read more

Sail Channel Islands - Capt. Dan right after our renewal ceremony at Anacapa - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

I consider myself richly blessed to have found Sail Channel Islands and Captain Dan Ryder's ASA Certified Sailing School. Your typical sailing student, I am not. It's a pleasure to watch a school of 12-year-olds learning to sail their dinghys in the harbor. I'm more than five time their age, too heavy, weak, and sick to learn to sail. But not at Sail Channel Islands. Captain Dan allowed me the time needed to regain lost ground on the health and fitness side of the sailing equation while slowly honing sailing skills that a youngster would have picked up instantly; I know, he trained two of my adult children to be excellent crew members right along with my lessons. Captain Dan has been a fighter pilot, a teacher, grant writer, sailor, and business owner. His unassailable integrity guides every aspect of the business. I'm very happy to have begun my sailing life under his tutelage and look forward to future adventures in the future. read more

Outstanding Sail Cruise Experience !!! Former (reformed?) sailboat owner here; spouse and I grew up crewing the sailboats our fathers owned. We also have multiple bareboat charter experiences in the BVI, Santa Barbara Channel, & San Diego. Sailing a crewed charter with Captain Dan & Boson Dennis is hands down the most relaxing, enjoyable, value add time we've ever spent on the water. Just came off our second 6-day charter with them on Sancerre, a stunningly fitted up Jeanneau 46.5 sloop, celebrating our 45th Anniversary. This itinerary became Santa Barbara Island, Catalina Harbor, and Santa Cruz's Scorpion Harbor (because weather). We've circumnavigated the western five Channel Islands (also 6 days) and just Santa Cruz (3 days) with Sail Channel Islands in the past. Plus a number of day sail trips to Anacapa Island on Wiley, the Catalina 36 they use for day trips & sailing lessons. Why a crewed charter when we have the skill and confidence to go it alone? #3: Actually completely and safely outfitted vessels, no shortcuts, no surprises. They're along for the trip so your and their safety is paramount. #2: Sleep through the night, Dan has an Anchor Alarm (two actually), uses them, & he's the one that gets up if a response is needed, no matter the weather. Your help is welcome if you desire but not expected. (True of all the sailing tasks). (drumroll) #1: NO HOLE IN THE WATER to pour money into. Yes it's a luxury level expense but still way less so than ownership, and better than fitting up a couple gear supplement duffels to take along for that bareboat (bare bones) charter experience. Guaranteed we'll be back (again)! read more

AND ADD ANOTHER 5 STARS EACH FOR: Captain Dan, Cookie/Bosun (Dennis), the good ship Sancerre. WHAT a great day. I grew up sailing (21-42 foot ships)....and haven't been sailing for years. THIS was a GREAT day on the water---off the beautiful California coast....with a stiff wind, some nice swells (not to large) and Captain Dan and Dennis couldn't have been greater hosts-sailors-you can relax and just take in the sun, water, view, or sail also. What interesting people they are-took my 18 year old grandchild-who LOVED it...I think I have a budding sailor there. I'll be back. For something different, envigorating and SO California...you gotta try this. read more

This was my second time sailing with Captain Dan, and it was just as wonderful as the first. I appreciate the organization and communication leading up to the trip, and the sail itself was magical. I knew I was in the hands of seasoned professions, and I enjoyed every minute. Thank you, Captain Dan! read more

Being out on the open ocean is great, but setting sail with Capt'n Dan was a fantastic yachting experience! We travel the pristine waters of the Channel Islands and visited with the sea life along the way. The boat was well appointed with the comforts and spoils of a royal yacht, which made a great venue for a reunion of old friends. In addition to being the host of premium marine leisure, Capt'n Dan is a dedicated and highly effective sailing instructor. Highly Recommended! read more

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BEST. DAY. EVER. Captain Dan and Skipper Dennis took my now husband and I out for the world's dreamiest and most relaxed elopement. It was so beautiful and serene, and we adored every minute of it. We went sailing for a few hours before hand in our sailing attire, and then changed inside the beautiful and immaculate cabin of the Sancerre. The company was great (i.e. Captain Dan, Dennis, the bridal party of 60 or so Seals, a few dolphins and pelicans) While we changed down stairs, Captain Dan and Dennis chased down the perfect sunset and positioned the boat perfectly for photos. The ceremony was beautiful, and Captain Dan even customized it to include a poem we adore and worked with my Fiance for an extra surprise he wanted added into the ceremony. Dennis went above and beyond making a beautiful meal, which we enjoyed in the slip so we could all enjoy as much Veuve Cliquot as desired. We honestly can't begin to thank the team at Sail Channel Islands enough for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. read more

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This was a birthday present from my girlfriend, who knows my life-long desire to learn to sail, and together with Capt. Dan they made one of my dreams come true. It was essentially a Sailing 101 course, but hands-on and in the field. Until September, I had never been on a boat with fewer than 100 people. And though I know a lot about the theory of sailing, I had never held the wheel in my hand. It was a beautiful day as we headed out to the open sea, but I have to admit that I was a bit nervous, especially when we started hitting the fairly small (4-5 foot) waves, which to a novice will seem quite intimidating. Sailboats will list to one side, and the right combination of wind and waves can occasionally cause the mast to tilt at quite a drastic angle. But after Captain Dan assured me that it is nearly impossible to capsize his boat -- its made of cork -- I got over it quickly and had fun during the two hour cruise. It wasn't too difficult to keep the boat on course with Captain Dan's instruction, even navigating back into the marina at the conclusion. I cant wait to get my sailing license. And I'll be happy to have Captain Dan as my tutor. read more

Sail Channel Islands - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

Not that Captain Dan needs any more compliments, looks like the highest scoring business on YELP actually. I concur with all listed, We sailed out with the boat loaded pretty much at capacity. There is no feeling quite like being onboard a sail boat with a confident captain and nothing but relaxation and sites to see ahead of you. We saw dolphins galore, Captain Dan kept us entertained throughout the ride and kept those of us who asked question thoroughly informed and delighted. If you are seeking a low cost way to explore the ocean and want the friendliest captain around... LOOK NO FURTHER! read more

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We celebrated my husband's 70th birthday by sailing to Anacapa with Cap'n Dan on his boat Wiley. The wind blew, but not too much; the sun shone, but not too hot; the sky was blue with a touch of fluffy white. A perfect day! Dan's easy conversation, quick laugh and extremely competent seamanship made for a congenial trip. My husband was a Marine fighter pilot and enjoyed talking flyboy stories with Cap'n Dan, a former Navy pilot. On our way over, Cap'n Dan aimed us toward some dolphins and we were treated to sea lions and dolphins leaping out of the water all around the Wiley. We ate a tasty lunch anchored near the Arch, then sailed straight back to the Channel Islands Harbor on a smooth reach. Highly recommend spending time with Cap'n Dan. read more

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What a great experience with Captain Dan! The website was easy to find and to navigate and Captain Dan was quick to return my phone call to set up a time to sail together. He is as comfortable sailing and talking about sailing as he is about breathing. It was a quick afternoon on the water sailing Wiley but the experience was fabulous and I can't wait to return. read more

Sail Channel Islands - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

Our day on the water sailing with Captain Dan was amazing. We have been power boaters for years however we have never been sailing. Our son gave my husband a day sailing as a birthday gift. The whole family went and we had a blast. We not only learned a lot about sailing but we saw some amazing sea life and anchored off the island for lunch. Captain Dan is very knowledgeable and lets you help with the sailing and navigation as much as you would like. read more

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My husband and I did a private lesson on a Monday afternoon. Cpt Dan sat with us before we set sail and took the time to walk us through key terminology and answer all of our questions. He showed us important landmarks on a nautical map and provided insight on how to read specific elements relevant to the area. Within the next hour my husband and I were both at the wheel and took turns tacking. It was a clear beautiful day and we had a blast. Cpt Dan is competent, bright, patient and easy going. We also had some good laughs along the way. I highly recommend him and we'll be booking with him again soon! read more

Sail Channel Islands - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

Capt. Dan is hands down one of the coolest guys I have ever met. We went for a 2 hour adventure with Captain Dan and it really was an experience of a lifetime. I've never steered a sailboat before and it was so much fun. I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Dan. read more

I called Sail Channel Islands to ask about doing a funeral at sea. I spoke with Captain Dan and he explained everything that was needed to make our special day happen. The sailboat was the smaller one which was perfect for our family and it was a beautiful day. Best part about our trip out to see was the hundreds of dolphins we saw on the way, Dan slowed down for us to hang out and enjoy their beauty. We really had a wonderful experience and look forward to sailing with Captain Dan again in the future. He is awesome! read more

Booked a 3 day 2 night Channel Islands excursion for my buddy's bachelor party. Captain Dan and Dennis (bosun/co-captain) were extremely accommodating to our crew of 5 right from the beginning, even emailing ahead of time and figuring out vegetarian meals since one of us doesn't eat meat. Top activities included kayaking, hiking, chasing whales and other wildlife, and sharing gourmet meals prepared by Dennis. (The wine is A+ to my untrained palate as well...) I would recommend in a heartbeat to anyone. We had the time of a lifetime, and I can't wait to head back to the Channel Islands because of these guys. read more

We had guests in from out of town and booked an all day sailing to Anacapa Island with Captain Dan. The process was super easy and quick through their website, I called Dan and he was super nice and informative, and we got emails detailing what we needed to bring and where to meet Dan. Dan was ready to go when we arrived, he met us at the dock, and off we went for a great day of sailing. We saw lots of sea creatures - both in the water and in the air, had a great lunch, saw the sights of Anacapa, and even assisted a bit with sailing and steering the boat. We had a wonderful day at sea and really enjoyed our time with Dan - who has a liberal and joyful sense of humor! read more

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We sailed with Captain Dan a few years back, and we absolutely loved it. We would highly recommend this experience. He took us out, he made us lunch, and we celebrated with a glass of wine out in the water near the Channel Islands. Breathtaking, beautiful, incredible, memorable. read more

Captain Dan and the Bosun Dennis are two of the most fantastic people you'll meet. My friends threw a bachelor party for me on the Sancerre and we had a blast!! Dennis sure knows how to cook, and they will show you the time of your life! One of my best friends is a vegetarian and Dennis somehow made the rest of us carnivores forget we ever cared for meat with his amazing cooking (breakfast chorizo! an amazing rice/spice dish I can't fully remember because I scarfed it down so quickly! some of the best lasagna I've ever had -- I think it was zucchini lasagna) Some of the awesome things we got to do: * Saw blue whales, harbor seals, and sea lions * Kayak'ed all around and into caves * Got a good hike in * Got some sailing even though there wasn't much wind on the trip * Motored about some of the most beautiful scenery and anchored in a gorgeous cove without other boats or people around * Awesome evenings around the dinner table with stories from Dan / Dennis's aviation days -- ask them about it! Will never forget our trip! read more

What a wonderful gift--to all of us--to have the luxury to reach out to "Captain Dan" and learn from his vast vault of knowledge and experience! Thank you, Capt. Dan! You're a true ambassador and asset to the sailing community! read more

Beginning sailing lesson with Capt Dan - he's a really good (& patient) teacher and explained so much. Highly recommend if you are interested in learning to sail. read more

If visiting California's own little "Galapagos" Islands is on your bucket list (as it should be), I highly recommend doing it with a private charter. I couldn't have asked for a more educated, personal and super fun experience than the one we had with Captain Dan! My friends and I recently sailed with the Captain aboard the beautiful and beautifully maintained Sancerre. From the get-go, Captain Dan was responsive and answered all my questions and worked with me to create a custom experience. We were able to Kayak without the hassle of rentals, and saw far more of the Islands than on a shuttle trip. There's always a learning opportunity on the boat, but we also had plenty of time to kick back and enjoy gorgeous ocean views and sublime sunrises and sunsets. Added bonus: The Captain can cook! You haven't really barbecued until you've done it sailing! My group left feeling like part of Cap's family, and can't wait to go again. read more

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I recently started taking sailing lessons here and I cannot say enough good things about Captain Dan Ryder. Not only is he a great guy to work with, he is also very thorough when teaching you how to handle a sailboats. I have had some sailing experience but after only 5 lessons with Captain Dan, I know know more about Seamanship than I ever have. read more

I'm here for my second review after coming to Captain Dan for sailing trips numerous times over the last 7 years. He has given me high quality lessons, and every chartered day trip I have come to him for has been incredible. We frequently see marine wild life and he has an incredible amount of knowledge to share on the topic. After our sail to the islands, the kayaks go in the water and we spend a few hours kayaking around the sea caves and exploring, while waiting for his whistle that lunch is ready. Lunch changes, but is always lovely. If you can do an overnight trip, dinners provided by Dan and Dennis are SUCH a treat. +If wine is your thing, staying up late chatting and sharing a bottle is an unforgettable life experience. Trips are always full of laughter and knowledge. Dan and Dennis both have led fascinating lives and the conversations flow easily and are dynamic and fulfilling. This is truly one of my favorite things that I have done in my time on this planet. 10/10, would recommend. read more

Captain Dan is a great sailing instructor who takes it at your pace. He gives just the right about of nudging to challenge you to do the next step. He is encouraging and knowledgeable. We had a great time on Wiley sailing, learning to skipper and to tack. I can't wait for our next lesson. read more

Fantastic day sailing with Captain Dan and first mate Dennis. We sailed out to Anacapa Island and saw seals, sea lions and dolphins. It's a beautiful boat and the crew was very knowledgeable. Highly recommended! read more

Sail Channel Islands - Fantastic day of sailing to Anacapa Island with Captain Dan and First Mate Dennis! - Sailing Near Me - Oxnard, California

My wife and I had high expectations for this trip. Captain Dan lived up to them 100%! From the beginning he was open to taking us where we wanted, feed us what we wanted, and show us what interested us from hiking and kayaking, sailing lessons, to all the wildlife around the Channel Islands. What was unexpected was what a great person Captain Dan is. He was a blast! Captain Dan is the MAN! And don't underestimate the importance of getting along with someone when you spend 3 days and 2 nights in close quarters with them. We will certainly be back for another trip! read more

Took a chance on Captain Dan and chartered him and his sailboat Sancerre for a 3 day trip in the Channel Islands. I had nothing to go on but his website and the various reviews I read. I am the type of person who can get a pretty good feel for someone, and I had a good feel about Captain Dan and Sail Channel Islands. He did not disappoint! He was quick to respond to any and all questions I had via e-mail....this didn't stop once we were sailing, he is a wealth of knowledge and I encourage you to listen...you'll learn :) I had never been sailing before (and a 3 day trip may have been a bit ambitious for my first sail) but it was a WONDERFUL experience and my husband and I are already talking about making this an annual vacation. The boat is beautiful and very comfortable for an overnight sail. Captain Dan ensured we had everything we needed and was always checking to see if we needed anything more. We ate and drank well, I highly recommend the salmon Sancerre! We lucked out with some wonderful weather and enjoyed 2 days of great sailing and 1 day of motoring. Kayaks were available for our use and Captain Dan knows all the best spots! We were even able to take a kayak over to Prisoner's Cove and Captain Dan patiently waited while my husband and I hiked for a couple of hours. We loved our experience as a quick introduction to sailing and look forward to learning more about sailing and sailing more with Captain Dan! read more