Travel: You can see unique wildlife on Santa Cruz Island — but plan ahead

The swell was pushing in from one side then bouncing off the cliff walls and ricocheting back, making our kayak bounce around like we were in a washing machine.

Our group of four kayaks was more than 50 feet inside a cave along the coast of Santa Cruz Island, one of five islands that make up Channel Islands National Park.

The cave stretched much deeper but our guide, with safety in mind, kept us near the entrance.

The group spent a few minutes inside the cave fighting the swell and negotiating the sea walls before moving on to the next one.

Our trip had already been pushed back a day because of rough weather that was moving out of the area.

As the skies cleared we were able to enjoy 90 minutes on the water learning about the ecosystem and natural features of the island from our trained guide.

Channel Islands National Park had just over 262,000 recreation visits in 2024, making in one of the least visited in California, according to National Park Service data.

The islands aren’t easy to get to and services are limited.

The parks website says “A visit to the Channel Islands is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance”.

Those who make it to Santa Cruz after an hourlong ferry ride out of Ventura are rewarded with 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, vast sea caves and vibrant tide pools.

The island has 31 campsites each with a picnic table and an animal box for food. Potable water is available at Scorpion Anchorage but not Prisoners Harbor.

Campsites are a short 1/2-mile walk from the dock at Scorpion Anchorage and most sites have some shade.

Most of Santa Cruz Island is privately owned by The Nature Conservancy.

The eastern side, about 24% of the island, is managed by the National Park Service where day hikers and campers can explore.

The ferry brings visitors to Scorpion Anchorage where it backs up to a movable platform at the dock.

Guests then, with the help of staff, time the swell to step onto the platform and the dock.

A ranger gives a short orientation and guidance to help protect the island’s ecosystem.

The islands are home to unique plants and animals, including distinct subspecies of deer mouse and Island fox. Twenty-three creatures are endemic terrestrial animals — those found in only one geographic area and nowhere else on earth — on the islands.

The bright blue Island scrub jay is only found on Santa Cruz Island.

Compared to its mainland cousin, the California scrub jay, it is a darker blue, larger and has a unique call.

Structures from Scorpion Ranch are visible right off the boat and educate visitors on the history of the island.

From the 1850s to the mid-2000’ feral sheep and pigs as well as introduced animals called Santa Cruz Island home. Livestock ranching began in the 1850s with sheep, cattle, horses and pigs. Hay, vegetables, almonds, grapes and walnuts were also grown.

In the 1880s structures were added including ranch houses, winery, a chapel and blacksmith and saddle shops. Kilns were also added to make bricks and mortar, according to the National Park Service website.

The island was privately owned until 1997 when the it was sold to the National Park Service.

Today on Santa Cruz visitors can tour sea caves, rent snorkeling equipment or sign up for kayaking or snorkeling tours. Reservations must be made in advance on the mainland so planing ahead is key.

As the NPS website says, there are “no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived”.

If you go

Ferry reservations: Island Packers: 805-642-1393; islandpackers.com

Camp site reservations: Recreation.gov

Island tours: Santa Barbara Adventure Co.: 805-884-9283; www.sbadventureco.com