Ultimate Guide: How to Get to Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park

ByJoseph Burtoni

Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands National Park, is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

This pristine island offers an abundance of hiking trails, breathtaking views, and unique wildlife. Planning your trip may seem daunting, but this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your way to this captivating island.

Whether you’re traveling by ferry, private boat, or even kayak, we’ve got you covered.

Our Santa Cruz Island, Channel Island National Park experience.

We explored Santa Cruz Island in April of 2023 and had an absolute blast. We planned to spend 3-days, 2-nights there but due to an oncoming storm we were encouraged to leave the island on our 2nd day or risk being stuck for an additional day until it was safe for the ferry to pick us up. Do you want to hear more of that story? Check it out here:

Getting to Santa Cruz Island by Ferry

The most popular and convenient way to reach Santa Cruz Island is by ferry. Island Packers, the park’s official concessionaire, operates regular ferry services to the island. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Book a Ferry Ticket Visit the Island Packers website to check the schedule and book your ticket. Make sure to reserve in advance, especially during peak travel seasons to ensure availability.
  2. Departure Points Ferries to Santa Cruz Island typically depart from Ventura Harbor or Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Choose the departure point that best suits your location and travel plans. We left out of Ventura on the 8am ferry.
  3. Parking and Check-in Arrive at least an hour before your scheduled departure to find parking and complete the check-in process. Both harbors offer ample parking facilities. We were able to park our van in their parking during our trip to Channel Islands National Park, it was really nice to know that it was safe and secure in their lot.
  4. Board the Ferry Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. The journey takes about 1-2 hours depending on weather conditions and your landing spot on the island, either Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoners Harbor. When we went the water was a bit turbulent, so be prepared for that if you get sea sick easily.

Reaching Santa Cruz Island by Private Boat

For those with access to a private boat, visiting Santa Cruz Island offers a unique and flexible travel experience:

  1. Prepare Your Vessel Ensure your boat is seaworthy and equipped for the crossing, which can be challenging due to rough waters and unpredictable weather.
  2. Navigation and Permits Utilize nautical charts and GPS for accurate navigation. No permit is needed to anchor at the island, but be mindful of marine protected areas where fishing and collecting are prohibited.
  3. Docking and Anchoring The primary landing spots are Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Be prepared to use a dinghy to reach the shore as there are no docks available.

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    Adventurous Journey by Kayak

    For experienced kayakers, reaching Santa Cruz Island by kayak is an exhilarating adventure:

    1. Launch Point Launch from Ventura or Oxnard, but be prepared for a demanding journey across open ocean waters.
    2. Equipment and Safety Equip yourself with a sea kayak, GPS, VHF radio, and essential safety gear. Always check the weather forecast and ocean conditions before embarking on your trip.

    Exploring Santa Cruz Island

    Once you’ve arrived on Santa Cruz Island, it’s important to remember there are no services available. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

    • Bring Supplies Pack sufficient food, water, and camping gear if you plan to stay overnight. The island has no shops or restaurants, so come fully prepared.
    • Enjoy Outdoor Activities Take advantage of the island’s extensive hiking trails, kayaking routes, and snorkeling spots. Keep an eye out for the unique flora and fauna that call Santa Cruz Island home.
    • Leave No Trace Follow all park guidelines to minimize your environmental impact. Pack out everything you pack in to help preserve the island’s natural beauty.

    Conclusion

    Visiting Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park is an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to travel by ferry, private boat, or kayak, the journey is part of the adventure.

    Plan ahead, come prepared, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this remarkable island. For more detailed information, visit the Channel Islands National Park website or contact Island Packers directly.

    Start planning your Santa Cruz Island adventure today!

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    Joseph Burtoni is the Co-Owner of Katie And Joe On The Go, a blog that shares their love of unique destinations, travel experiences, US National Parks, Van Life, and more.

    After 10+ years in the advertising industry as a Director of Social Media, bouncing around the globe working for some pretty cool companies like Mercedes-Benz, Ram Trucks, NIKON, and more; he realized he wanted more out of life.

    So he made the leap into full-time travel with his partner Kathryn and are now educating others how to do the same thing.