A Beginner's Guide To Visiting Santa Cruz Island, Part Of The Channel Islands National Park
With its rugged coastline, stunning vistas, and diverse wildlife, Santa Cruz Island offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Although just an hour boat ride from Ventura Harbor, time on the island unveils an untouched wonderland that gives insight to what the California coast once looked like. A simple day trip or overnight stay on Santa Cruz Island is the perfect way to experience this Park for those with limited time. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore the top hikes and activities to make the most of your visit to this accessible island sanctuary.
Getting There
Before we dive into the adventures awaiting you on Santa Cruz Island, let's talk logistics. For the average tourist, the island is accessible by boat with Island Packers, the Official Boat Concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park. Ferry services are located at Ventura and Oxnard harbors. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, as availability can be limited. Stormy weather may also delay or outright cancel scheduled boat rides.
Island Packers operate trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. At the time of writing this, roundtrip fares to Santa Cruz Island for day-trippers cost $66 and fares for overnight campers cost $88. Island Packers can take travelers to two areas on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. Scorpion Anchorage is a better option for a quick trip because it is closer to the mainland and has more variety for short hiking trails. Prisoner's Harbor is more remote, and requires much more preparation for those wanting to spend limited time there.
The boat ride is a part of the experience! Year round, you can see many different birds and dolphins in the waterway. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you may also see whale species. During our trip there was a large group of dolphins and the boat stopped for a few minutes so we could take in the sight!
Important Things to note
Plan your complete itinerary BEFORE arriving at the Island. If you are staying overnight, your campsite must be reserved ahead of time as there is hardly any service to complete the reservation while you arrive. Island Packers will check that overnight boaters have camping reservations.
There is no food for sale on the Island, so make sure to bring plenty of food and snacks to get yourself and your group by. Additionally, there are no trash services, so you will need to pack in and pack out all of your trash back to the mainland.
There is potable water at Scorpion campground where you can refill your water bottle. We didn’t have this experience, but others have said that bees and yellow jackets can swarm the water spigots.
Weather on the island varies dramatically throughout the day, so it is best to be prepared with additional layers.
When to go
Channel Islands National Park is open year round. The Summer months can see temperatures in the 80’s. In the Winter, the waterway may be impacted by storms and could consequently cancel trips. We visited in the first week of May and had beautiful, dry weather in the 60’s. Many of the plants were still green and in bloom. Rangers agreed that Spring is the best time to go if you want to see foliage while still enjoying nice weather.
Things to do
Hiking:
1. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail: This 4.5-mile loop trail starts from Scorpion Anchorage and takes you on a journey through the heart of Santa Cruz Island's rugged landscape. Beginning with a gradual ascent through Scorpion Canyon, hikers are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline. Keep your camera handy for photo opportunities of native flora such as island cherry trees and prickly pear cactus. As you continue along the trail, you'll pass by remnants of the island's ranching history, including old homesteads and corrals. The trail then descends back to the coast, offering stunning vistas of the turquoise waters below. Wildlife sightings are common along the trail, with island foxes, ravens, and lizards among the inhabitants you may encounter.
2. Potato Harbor Trail: For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Potato Harbor Trail delivers a rewarding challenge and breathtaking views. This 5.2-mile round trip trek begins at the Scorpion Ranch Campground and ascends steadily along the ridge, offering panoramic vistas of the island's northern coastline. The trail then descends into Potato Harbor, a natural amphitheater carved by the sea, where hikers can relax and enjoy a well-deserved break. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for this hike, as there are no amenities along the trail. Keep an eye out for native birds such as island scrub jays and Allen's hummingbirds, which frequent the coastal scrub habitat.
3. Cavern Point Loop: Looking for a short hike to a dramatic coastline? Hike the 1.7-mile trek that showcases the best of Scorpions Anchorage. The trail follows the coastline westward, offering stunning views of rugged cliffs, sea caves, and offshore rock formations. As you traverse the undulating terrain, keep an eye out for marine life such as dolphins and seals, which can often be spotted splashing in the waves below. The highlight of the hike is Cavern Point, a dramatic overlook perched high above the ocean, where hikers can pause to take in the awe-inspiring scenery. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and pack plenty of layers, as the weather on the island can be unpredictable, especially along the exposed coastline.
We opted to string these points of interest together and ended up hiking almost 7 miles round trip. See our approximate route here. Although we did not make it to the top of Montanñon Ridge, it was a serene and beautiful introduction to this other aspect of the island. We hope to go back and complete it one day!
Wildlife watching:
1. Island Foxes: Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable island fox, a native species found only on the Channel Islands. These pint-sized canines are known for their curious nature and can often be spotted near campgrounds and hiking trails. Because of this, use the fox boxes provided at camp, since they are known to dig, rummage, and hijack visitors goods! While they may appear friendly, it's important to admire these creatures from a respectful distance and avoid feeding them, as they are wild animals.
2. Birdwatching: Santa Cruz Island is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 species of birds recorded on the island. From seabirds such as western gulls and pelagic cormorants to land birds like island scrub jays and Allen's hummingbirds, there's no shortage of feathered friends to observe. For better chances, be sure to bring binoculars and a field guide to enhance your birdwatching experience, and keep an eye out for seasonal migrants such as warblers and shorebirds.
3. Whale Watching: Visit Santa Cruz Island during the winter and spring months for the chance to witness one of nature's most spectacular sights: the annual gray whale migration. Hop aboard a whale watching tour and keep your eyes peeled for spouts and breaches as these majestic marine mammals make their way along the Pacific coast. In addition to gray whales, visitors may also spot other species such as humpback whales, orcas, and even blue whales, the largest animals on the planet.
Other activities:
Have the energy to do more in your day? Consider going kayaking or snorkeling, too! Island Packers also offers add-on tours for these activities where you can get personal to the sea otters, harbor seals, and playful sea lions out on the water. these add-on activities.
Camping and accomodations:
For those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Santa Cruz Island, camping at Scorpion Ranch Campground is a great option. The campgrounds offer basic amenities such as potable water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and food storage lockers, allowing visitors to enjoy a rustic camping experience surrounded by stunning scenery. Campsites must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service website, and campers are required to pack out all trash and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the island's fragile ecosystems.
TLDR
Whether you're embarking on a scenic hike along the island's rugged coastline, exploring the underwater world through snorkeling and kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach with a good book, Santa Cruz Island offers something for everyone. With its pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and sense of adventure around every corner, this hidden gem of the Channel Islands National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. So pack your bags, leave the mainland behind, and embark on an unforgettable journey to Santa Cruz Island soon!
