In mid-March the National Park Service (NPS) issued a prospectus seeking proposals for operation of a sea kayak tour business in Channel Islands National Park. The concession is at Scorpion on East Santa Cruz Island, one of the national park’s five pristine islands off the coast of southern California. Public boat transportation from Ventura, California, to the 250,000-acre park island is offered by a separate concessionaire.
According to the NPS prospectus, Channel Islands National Park is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 145 that are found nowhere else on earth. It welcomed 325,000 visitors in 2024. Unlike many units of the National Park Service that have visitation concentrated in the May through September period, Channel Islands National Park continues to attract thousands of visitors during the winter months.
The 10-year concession contract requires the operator to offer guided kayak tours, sell limited retail items such as sunscreen, and offer snorkel equipment for rent. The contract allows, but does not require, the concessionaire to provide snorkeling instruction and snorkel guide service. Guided kayak tours are permitted only in a designated area off the coast where the concession is located. The contract is to take effect on March 1, 2027.
The prospectus projects first-year revenues of between $3,028,000 and $3,353,000 based on an estimate of 16,600 to 18,400 kayak riders who pay from $165 to $182. Retail and snorkel rental are expected to generate from $150,000 to $160,000 of the over $3 million in initial revenues. The concession produced annual revenues of $3,071,537, $3,159,904 and $3,517,851 during years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
NPS forecasts an initial investment of $715,000 will be required of the winning bidder. This consists of personal property, working capital, start-up costs and inventory. There is also a requirement for spending $95,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in calendar year 2031 for employee housing and kitchen upgrades, plus 2 incinerator eco-toilets. The prospectus lists a minimum franchise fee (a fee paid by the concessionaire to the national park) of 15.6 percent of gross revenues.
Important dates
April 10, 2026 - Questions due (email [email protected])
May 28, 2026 – Notice of intent to propose due
June 25, 2026 – Proposals due
Additional information is available at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/chis004-27.htm
David and Kay Scott live in Valdosta, Georgia, and are authors of “Exploring the Oregon Trail: America’s Historic Road Trip” (Globe Pequot). Visit them at blog.valdosta.edu/dlscott.
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