Channel Islands National Park
Planning your trip to Channel Islands National Park & Santa Cruz Island Camping
We’re going to discuss what you should know about Channel Islands National Park, tips for planning a trip to Santa Cruz Island and answering the question, are the Channel Islands worth visiting? Spoiler: We think they are!
Channel Islands National Park is one of the least visited National Parks in California, but one of the most unique and beautiful. It is least visited because you have to take a boat to get there, making it less accessible than the other National Parks, but a very stunning one that is just off the coast of Southern California - sounds perfect!
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Related Posts: Pinnacles National Park Travel Guide
Planning a day trip or camping trip to the Channel Islands
Channel Islands National Park requires more planning than some others because you need to book the boat & camp spot at the same time to make sure both are available if you’re going to camp.
If you are going for a day trip then you can either arrive and depart from the same cove on Santa Cruz or arrive at Scorpion Cove and hike to do a day hike to Prisoners Harbour.
There are also boat options for booking a multi-port day trip, so you can see more than one of the islands!
How much does it cost to go to the channel islands?
Boat - Ventura to Scorpion Cove (Santa Cruz Island) $42 one way ($84 total for one person) https://reserve.islandpackers.com/
Camping - Scorpion Lower Loop (Spot 001) $15 per night (There is also Del Norte Backcountry camping) https://www.recreation.gov/
Kayak Rental - Kayak Tours $120-$230
Snorkel Rental - Snorkel Rental $30-$60
Can you swim at the channel islands?
Yes, but the water is typically cold! Despite the temperatures, kayaking and snorkeling are popular things to do around the islands. You can choose to snorkel with a wetsuit and can even rent one on Santa Cruz Island from this company here.
What is the best time of year to visit the channel islands?
It depends on the island you are visiting, but generally Spring-Autumn is the best time to visit. We went in the late summer and the weather was perfect during the day and night!
Tip: Check the moon phase and plan your visit around a new moon to watch the stars or a full moon for hanging out late into the evening under the moonlight. Regardless of what moon phase you visit in, stargazing is amazing on a clear night at Channel Islands National Park.
Related Posts: Sequoia National Park Travel Guide
Channel islands national park camping
Can you camp on channel islands national park?
Yes, you can camp on all five islands. Santa Cruz has designated campsites that you can book here, as well as backcountry camping on the beach!
Santa Cruz island hiking
Best hikes that we did were the Potato Harbour Hike (5mi roundtrip) and Montañon Ridge Loop (10mi roundtrip). If you are camping at Scorpion Cove, I recommend doing the Potato Harbour hike for sunset! Just make sure you bring a flashlight.
Things to do:
Hikes - https://islandpackers.com/santa-cruz-island-hiking-guide-interpretive-guide/
Kayak & Snorkeling - https://www.islandkayaking.com/a-guide-to-snorkeling-in-california-at-santa-cruz-island/
Scorpion Ranch Historic Area - This small exhibit features an old blacksmith shop, an open visitor center and farm tools dating back to the late 1800s.
Photography/Stargazing
Tips:
Get to the boat early! If you are departing from Ventura, there are a few shops and a place to get coffee whilst you wait.
Keep your distance from wildlife! The island foxes are cute but give them space & don’t try to feed or pet them.
Don’t litter! It can get windy on the islands, try to do your best at keeping your food & belongings with you and make sure you pack out everything you packed in.
Final Thoughts: Yes, the Channel Islands are worth visiting! And you can check out our Santa Cruz Island camping video here.
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