This article explains how to plan your perfect Santa Cruz Island day trip in 2024 with ferry info, hiking trails, and top activities in Channel Islands National Park.
Santa Cruz Island, one of California’s Channel Islands National Park, is a captivating escape from the mainland and one of the off-the-beaten-path national parks. Santa Cruz is the largest of the Channel Islands and has unique wildlife, scenic trails, and a few historical sites. It is the most popular and easiest of the Channel Islands to visit. It’s a must-visit for nature and national park lovers! Here’s my detailed guide to making the most out of a day trip to this beautiful island.
If you’re wondering about the other Channel Islands to visit, NPS.gov discusses all of the options. I recommend visiting Santa Cruz first as it is beautiful and the most accessible. My second choice is Anacapa, for its small size and beautiful main hiking trail. The other islands are more difficult to visit.
Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:
A day trip to Santa Cruz Island, the largest and most accessible of California’s Channel Islands National Park, offers a blend of hiking, unique wildlife, and scenic beauty. Visitors can follow my recommended itinerary which includes exploring the visitor center and historic ranch, hiking the Cavern Point Loop and Potato Harbor Overlook trails, and choosing between additional hiking or kayaking/snorkeling activities, all accessible via a ferry ride from Ventura.
Click here to jump to my packing list, here to jump to my itinerary, and here to jump to where to stay in Ventura.
Table of Contents
How To Get To Santa Cruz, Channel Islands
Departure
- Ferry Details: The only way to reach Santa Cruz Island is via the Island Packers ferry. We took the 8:30 AM ferry from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Cove. The cost was $33 each way, which I found to be a little pricey, but it’s the only option for visiting the Channel Islands. You can see the full schedule and booking options for the Island Packers ferry here. I recommend booking your ticket in advance because they sell out.
- Check to make sure your boat is running the morning of your departure, after 5:30 AM, by calling, 805-642-1393. Select option 4 and listen to the recorded message to make sure it wasn’t canceled due to the weather.
- Timing: The first ferry to depart Ventura in the morning is at 8 am and the last ferry to depart from the island in the evening is at 5 pm. Ferry times vary from day to day.
- Entry: There is no entry cost for the Channel Islands, nor is there a timed entry reservation. The ferry ticket is the only cost to enter the Channel Islands National Park. This is one of the few parks where there is no need for your National Park Pass. The ferry does not offer any discounts if you have one.
- Accommodation: I drove from San Diego to Ventura the previous day to make the morning departure more manageable. I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton, conveniently located right on Ventura Harbor. This allowed us to walk to the boat in the morning, eliminating the need to find parking. However, upon getting to the dock it seemed like parking wasn’t an issue- there were plenty of parking spots available at that time in the morning. There were even a couple of EV charging spots that were actually available! I drive an EV so I was disappointed I missed the opportunity.
- Duration: The boat ride takes a little over an hour, providing enough time to both enjoy the scenery and get seasick if you’re prone to that sort of thing. Bring a Dramamine just in case. Although there are ferries from other locations, Ventura is the easiest and most popular option due to its accessibility and frequent schedule.
- Address: The Ventura ferry departs from 1691 Spinnaker Drive # 105B, Ventura, CA 93001.
Arrival
You can choose between taking the ferry to Scorpion Cove or Prisoner’s Harbor. Scorpion Cove on Santa Cruz Island is the most accessible and popular landing spot. I booked my ferry in and out of Scorpion Cove. I recommend it over Prisoner’s Harbor because it offers easier access to amenities and hiking trails, has more daily ferry trips, and there are bathrooms and water available on this part of the island. This makes it the ideal choice for first-time visitors and those on a day trip.
There are some other excursions available from Island Packers, but the main ferry route is between Ventura and Scorpion Cove. Make sure to book in and out of the same locations!
Return Trip
I returned on the ferry from Scorpion Cove to Ventura at 4:30 pm. I intentionally booked the second-to-last boat to leave myself some wiggle room.
Where to Stay in Ventura for Santa Cruz Island Day Trip
Unless you live in Ventura or very close by, you probably want to book an overnight so you can make the most of your Santa Cruz day trip.
There are two hotels right on Ventura Harbor that I recommend: the Four Points by Sheraton and the Holiday Inn Express. They are both great because they are walkable to the ferry! I personally stayed at the Four Points and had a nice stay, although I would probably opt for Holiday Inn Express next time because it has nicer views of the harbor.
Santa Cruz Island Day Trip itinerary
if you take the first boat in and the last boat out, you only have about 8 hours of time on the island (assuming you are not camping on the island overnight). With this constraint, you have to be a bit strategic with your time! Here is the itinerary I recommend to have the perfect day trip to Santa Cruz Island.
Activity 1 (Arrival): Visitor Center and Historic Ranch
Upon arrival, we visited the visitor center and historic ranch to gather maps and guides. This stop is essential for first-time visitors as it provides valuable information about the island’s history, flora, and fauna. The center also has info on the conservation efforts and the natural history of the island provided by helpful Park Rangers.
Santa Cruz Island is home to unique wildlife species, including the Island Fox and the Island Scrub-Jay, which are endemic to the Channel Islands. The Island Fox, about the size of a house cat, is often seen near the campground looking for food. The vibrant blue Island Scrub-Jay can be spotted around the island, but we had the best luck seeing it around the visitor center.
Keep an eye out! The foxes are very cute to watch and the blue color of the birds is striking. You can only see them on the Channel Islands! Maybe you can hear what the Channel Island Fox says 😉
Activity 2 (Morning): Hiking
Santa Cruz Island has a variety of hiking trails that showcase its diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to rolling hills. The trails are well-marked and maintained. I highly recommend doing the Cavern Point Loop and Potato Harbor Overlook and think it should not be missed. You should be able to complete this loop in a few hours. It is a great way to get a full taste of the Channel Islands in a short amount of time. Here is what you need to know:
Cavern Point Loop and Potato Harbor Overlook
- Route: From the pier, take a right and start on the Cavern Point Loop trail, which takes you up north to Cavern Point. Continue on the North Bluff Trail to Potato Harbor Overlook, then loop back to the campground via Potato Harbor Road. I included a map of the train route below.
- Distance: This loop is just under 5 miles and is fairly easy, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
- Highlights: The trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic coastal cliffs. Potato Harbor Overlook is a particularly picturesque spot, perfect for photography and wildlife watching (including migrating whales).
- Lunch: Pack your lunch and bring it with you. I ate at the overlook to enjoy the views. If you prefer, there are picnic tables down by the Visitor’s Center and campgrounds.
Insider Tip: Hiking this loop counterclockwise offers stunning coastal views. However, it can be crowded as this is the direction most people take. To avoid crowds, consider hiking in reverse (clockwise). You’ll beat everyone else to the overlook!
Activity 3 (Afternoon): Choose Between Additional Hiking or Kayaking/Snorkeling
After you complete your morning hike, have some lunch, use the bathroom, and refill your water, you have the afternoon to choose another activity. There are two popular choices: additional hiking or kayaking/snorkeling. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in the day for both.
Option 1 – Scorpion Canyon Loop
We opted for the option to do an additional hike. Here is what I recommend if you choose to do a second hike:
- Route: After a brief rest and water refill at the campground, we tackled the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail. Start at the Visitor’s Center, go up Smuggler’s Road into the mountains, then loop back down to the campgrounds via the Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail. I included a map of the train route below.
- Distance and Difficulty: This hike is about 4.5 miles and is quite steep in sections. It requires a good level of fitness but is well worth the effort for the panoramic views. Make sure to gauge how much time you have remaining until the ferry departs prior to starting this hike! You do not want to get halfway through the hike and realize you’re not going to make it back in time. Budget extra time, we cut it a little too close!
- Highlights: The trail offers diverse landscapes, from rugged mountain terrain to serene valleys. Plus, fewer people do this one so you’ll have more of nature all to yourself. The viewpoints along Smugglers Road provide stunning vistas of the island and the surrounding ocean, as well as of Anacapa Island if it is a clear day.
Option 2 – Kayaking and Snorkeling in Channel Islands
The turquoise waters around Santa Cruz Island are perfect and renowned for kayaking and snorkeling. The kelp forest by the Islands is home to some unique and beautiful species. Not to mention there are sea caves to explore! If you have had enough hiking, opt for kayaking in the sea caves and/or snorkeling.
While the weather was not ideal during our visit, these activities are highly recommended. I found that I got a great view of it all from the hikes, but there’s definitely something special about getting in the water! Here is how you can kayak and/or snorkel in Santa Cruz:
Options for Kayaking and Snorkeling on Santa Cruz Island
- Bring Your Own Kayak: The ferry can transport your personal kayak for a fee. You can add this option to your reservation when booking the ferry through Island Packers. Make sure your kayak is suitable for sea conditions and pack all necessary safety gear.
- Rental: If you don’t have your own kayak or prefer not to transport it, rental options are available. Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented from providers at Ventura Harbor before your trip or directly on the island. Renting on the island is convenient but might come with limited availability, so it’s best to check and book in advance if possible. Here is the website that Island Packers supports for kayak rental.
- Guided Tours: For a more structured and informative experience, consider joining a guided tour. These tours provide equipment and a knowledgeable guide who can enhance your experience by pointing out marine life, explaining the island’s geology, and ensuring safety during the excursion. Guided tours are available for both kayaking and snorkeling. Here is the link to a popular tour provider.
- Snorkel and Wet Suit Rental on the Island: Santa Cruz Island offers snorkel and wetsuit rentals on-site, making it easy to snorkel without the need to carry gear from the mainland. This option is useful if you decide to snorkel on a whim or need a wetsuit to stay warm in the cooler waters.
Insider Tip: if you want to snorkel, I highly recommend you buy and bring your own gear with you! You can buy a snorkel set from Amazon for the same price as renting it on the island, so might as well get one you can keep! Here is the snorkel set I use and recommend:
If you want my opinion, I found both the rentals and transport fee to be very expensive. They looked like fun, but if you’re on a budget then consider skipping it.
If you are wondering if you can paddleboard at Santa Cruz, I didn’t see anyone doing it while I was there. The waters are a little rough so they are better suited for kayaks. Although I considered bringing my inflatable stand-up paddleboard with me (which I adore), I decided against it due to the weather. I think it would have fit fine on the boat, but it would have been problematic carrying it around all day.
Camping on Santa Cruz Island
I did not camp on my trip to Santa Cruz; however, this is an extremely popular option. There is a campground available for reservation and the ferry will transport your supplies. It’s important to book ahead for this, properly plan, and bring all your food. I can imagine how wonderful the island is after everyone else leaves on the last ferry! Probably like stepping back in time. I think this is also a great way to see much more of the island rather than being confined to an 8-hour day trip.
If you want more information on camping in the Channel Islands, please refer to this link. However, I’ve included the basics of what you need to know to camp in Santa Cruz, Channel Islands here:
- Camping on Santa Cruz Island is an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of Channel Islands National Park. To camp on the island, you need to make a reservation through Recreation.gov, as the campsites are limited and can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- The cost is $15 per night.
- The main campground, Scorpion Ranch Campground, is located near Scorpion Cove and offers basic amenities such as picnic tables, food storage lockers, and pit toilets.
- There is potable water available at the campground.
- Camping gear must be carried from the ferry landing to the campground, which is a short but manageable hike. The campground provides a great base for exploring the island’s trails, kayaking, snorkeling, and observing the wildlife.
- Keep in mind that there are no stores or services on the island, so you need to bring all necessary supplies, including food, cooking equipment, and firewood, as fires are not permitted. Food must be stored properly to prevent the foxes from getting to it.
- With your extra time on the island, you can pursue more of the activities available on the Channel Islands.
Practical Tips for Visiting Channel Islands
- Weather: The weather can vary quite a bit on the islands, and the springtime sees a lot of clouds. Summer is the best time for warmth. The weather is typically mild year-round, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Check the current weather on Santa Cruz Island here.
- Wildlife Watching: The waters around the Channel Islands are teeming with marine life. Keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales during your ferry ride!
- Timing: Make sure to arrive at the ferry in both directions with ample time. I recommend being at the dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure in both directions. You do not want to get stuck on the island overnight!
- Essential Items: Pack everything you need for the day, including water, sunscreen, a bathing suit, a towel, and food. The campground has bathrooms and water refill stations, but there is NO food available on the island. Check out my packing list below.
- Safety: Download maps offline as cell service is limited on the island. Bring Dramamine if you are prone to seasickness, and wear appropriate hiking shoes for the trails.
- Parking: There is free parking at the ferry terminal in Ventura. Additionally, there are two EV chargers available at Ventura Harbor for electric vehicles.
- Offline Downloads: Download this Interpretive guide to your phone for full information on the Channel Islands. You can also download this hiking guide to make sure you don’t get lost and stick to the trails.
- National Park Service App: Did you know there is actually a National Park app that lets you download offline information on the parks? Check it out here.
What to Pack For Santa Cruz Island Day Trip
- Food: There are no food services on the island. Make sure to pack your own lunch! There are some services that will pack your lunch for you and transport it on the ferry, but they are expensive. We just got some Chipotle burritos and brought them with us.
- Water Bottle for refilling at the campground. I literally don’t go anywhere without my Camelbak. Get one here.
- Ferry tickets
- Sunscreen: I use this one when I travel.
- Hat and/or Sunglasses
- Bathing Suit and Towel: In case you decide to swim or snorkel. I like this lightweight towel for traveling because it is compact and dries quickly.
- Snorkel Gear (and wetsuit if you have one): Here is the gear that I use.
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes
- Extra Layers: The weather can change quickly.
- Map: Download offline or grab a physical copy from the visitor’s center.
- Dramamine: For seasickness during the ferry ride if you are prone to it. Buy it here.
- Camera or Smartphone
- Lightweight Backpack: I use this one from Eddie Bauer becomes it stows away very small.
National Park Safety Tips
If you have any questions while there, just ask one of the friendly National Park Rangers!
- Stay on Marked Trails: To protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure your safety.
- Carry Enough Water: Dehydration can be a risk, especially during hikes.
- Use Sunscreen: The sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch for wildlife and other hazards.
- Inform Someone of Your Itinerary: If hiking alone, let someone know your plans.
Map of Santa Cruz
Here is a map of Santa Cruz Island, including the hiking trails discussed within this guide. You can download the full-size version here.
Where to Eat in Ventura After Channel Islands Day Trip
Try “Lucky Thai Cuisine” in the downtown beach area for some great Thai dishes. Alternatively, grab dinner at “The Greek” for Mediterranean food or “On The Alley” for tacos, both located right in the harbor so you don’t need to walk or wait long!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit the Channel Islands National Park?
The best time to visit is during the fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, the island is beautiful year-round. The summer is the best time for snorkeling due to the warmth.
2. Can I camp on the Santa Cruz Island?
Yes, camping is available with reservations. The campground has water and bathrooms. It’s a great option if you want to explore more trails.
3. Are there any guided tours available to the Channel Islands?
Yes, guided tours for kayaking and snorkeling are available but can be expensive. It’s worth considering if you want an in-depth exploration of the sea caves and marine life.
4. Is there cell service on Santa Cruz Island?
Cell service is limited, so it’s best to download maps and information offline before you go.
5. What wildlife can I expect to see on the Channel Islands?
You might see island foxes, island jays, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and possibly whales. The island’s unique biodiversity is one of its major attractions.
Conclusion – The Perfect Santa Cruz, Channel Islands Day Trip
A day trip to Santa Cruz Island is the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty. With well-marked trails, unique wildlife, and stunning vistas, it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Plan ahead, pack appropriately, and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this remarkable island.
By following this guide, you’ll ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip to Santa Cruz Island, experiencing the best that the Channel Islands have to offer. Happy travels!
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