Santa Cruz Island in a Nutshell
Of the eight Channel Islands, five are in Channel Islands National Park. Of those five, the most popular island is Santa Cruz Island, the largest island off the California coast. There are two main ferry stops on Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor.
There is really only time to explore one anchorage on a day trip, so many visitors find themselves comparing activities at Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor so that they can get the most out of their day.
Both Scorpion and Prisoners are on the north side of Santa Cruz Island, so the rock is primarily volcanic and the beaches are either all rocky or rocky with sections of course black sand, depending on recent weather events.
The weather hovers around 55 degrees in the winter and 70 degrees in the summer, though it generally feels warmer the further you hike inland. The water temperature is about the same as the air temperature.
All year long there is ample opportunity for hiking and water sports at both locations as well as a good chance of wildlife encounters.
There are also restroom facilities at both locations but no trash facilities, so prepare to pack out all trash.
I’ve worked in and around Channel Islands National Park for over four years, so I can help you decide quickly which stop is best for you and the activities you’re interested in.
I have done almost every hike, kayaked through numerous sea caves, and snorkeled in countless coves and kelp forests. I’ve even napped next to the endemic island fox, gotten “mugged” by whales, and swam with spotted harbor seals.
If any of those activities sound exciting, awesome! I’ll help you decide on Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor, as well as clue you in on the best way to see it all if you can’t choose!
Once you’ve made a decision, you can click here to book your tickets!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, designed to allow The Unremarkable Climber (me) to earn a small commission if you choose to book through them, at no extra cost to you. This really helps support the site and lets me know you find this information valuable! That being said, all of the experiences I recommend, commission based or not, are genuine recommendations for some of my favorite activities, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I have! Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor: An Overview
Scorpion Cove Basics
Scorpion Cove aka Scorpion Ranch (or Scorpion Anchorage to the local boaters), is the most popular location to visit in Channel Islands National Park.
Scorpion is home to the largest campground and highest consolidation of day hike options in comparison to all other stops and islands. It also has a large visitor center and multiple potable water spigots in the campgrounds.
The transportation to Scorpion Cove takes approximately 1-1.5 hours from Ventura Harbor depending on sea conditions and wildlife sightings. You could have the most time to explore on island here as it is usually the first ferry stop.
As the most popular stop, you will also benefit from the most options for arrival and departure times.
For those who take comfort in knowing there are others around, there are plenty of helpful Channel Islands National Park rangers, Channel Islands Naturalist Core volunteer naturalists, Island Packers staff, and Channel Islands Adventure Company kayak guides around to give you advice and answer questions, and there always options for guided hikes and guided kayak tours.
You can also rent snorkel gear on island from Channel Islands Adventure Company (the guided kayak tour concessionaire).
Prisoners Harbor Basics
Prisoners Harbor is much less popular than Scorpion Cove, so activities there take a bit more planning. Your day is generally much quieter at Prisoners due to significantly less visitation, but for the same reason, there are usually only one or two park staff around on a busy day.
There are usually guided hike options, but are never guided kayak options.
In addition, there is no potable water access, so you have to bring enough with you.
You will be required to climb a ladder to set foot on the island. This ladder is sometimes upwards of 6 feet tall at a low tide.
In addition, the campground requires a hike in and there are only two day hike options— both moderate to strenuous.
Also, the only “visitor center” is in a tiny shack called Harvey’s Hut up on a bluff.
Another main difference here is that Prisoners Harbor lies on a boundary between the National Park Service (NPS) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property. TNC property is closed to the public with the exception of the Pelican Bay Trail, so you have to be a bit more cautious when exploring, but the private property is usually well marked.
Transportation to Prisoners Harbor takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings and if the ferry stops at Scorpion first. Usually the offload at Scorpion takes about 30 minutes, then the ride to Prisoners takes about 20 minutes. This means you will have less time on the island but more time looking for whales— a trade many are willing to make for a quieter day.
If it seems like there are more limitations at Prisoners Harbor, you’d be correct. However, many visitors aren’t willing to put in the little bit of extra planning required to enjoy this beautiful harbor, so you’ll feel much more secluded and engulfed in nature.
Hiking Options on Santa Cruz Island
Hiking Scorpion Cove
Hiking options at Scorpion are much more diverse than Prisoners, and can be tailored for individuals of varying athletic ability. Most have outstanding views, though none have much shade.
Beginner Hikes at Scorpion Cove
Beginner hiking is something that sets the hikes at Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor apart. While there are a few beginner hiking options at Scorpion, the hiking options at Prisoners are going to more challenging.
For those with very limited mobility, consider a walk through the lower and upper campground. Usually this is a prime location to see island foxes and Santa Cruz Island scrub jays.
Altogether you’ll walk a little over half of a mile. If you’d like to continue, you can go straight through the back of the upper campground up Scorpion Canyon until you’re ready to turn around.
For those looking for an easy trail but can handle some elevation gain, Cavern Point Loop offers the most beautiful views in the quickest time. It’s only about two miles of hiking if you complete the whole loop and offers dramatic views of Scorpion Cove and Anacapa Island right above the visitor center. There are usually guided hikes offered on this trail.
Either start the hike next to the visitor center and end at the back of the lower campground or vise versa. I recommend ending in the campground so that you can refill water as you walk back to the beach.
Moderate Hikes at Scorpion Cove
If you’ve reached Cavern Point and would like to continue hiking for a bit longer, consider extending your hike to Potato Harbor Lookout. This is an easy extension to the Cavern Point Loop and doesn’t add any difficulty, only 2.5 miles of total distance round trip.
If you’re running short on time, there is an option to cut the hike short and descend down Potato Road to the upper campground as a more straight shot to the beach.
A more inland option for moderate hiking is Scorpion Canyon Loop. This hike is definitely more challenging than Potato Harbor, but offers great views over the hilly bluffs and through Scorpion Canyon.
Usually, this hike is less crowded than the others due to the increased difficulty.
Strenuous Hikes at Scorpion Cove
For those looking to cover more ground, there are a few more strenuous options for you to explore.
I’d consider Smugglers Cove Trail strenuous for a day hike due to the pace you’re required to keep to make it back for the boat. This trail is 8 miles out and back total, and gains quite a bit of elevation.
At the end, you’ll reach a much quieter beach that is usually more protected from the wind, but otherwise, this trail honestly isn’t that interesting.
You won’t have much time here for a day hike, so I’d usually recommend this for a camping trip. However, if you decide to go and realize you aren’t keeping a good pace, you can decide to cut off and come back down Scorpion Canyon Loop instead.
Montañon Ridge Loop is quite strenuous and long, but meanders along the highest ridge line on the east end of Santa Cruz Island. I 100% recommend this for devoted hikers!
I much prefer the half of the loop that connects Montañon to Potato Harbor Trail due to the nice trail conditions and beautiful views west over Santa Cruz Island towards Prisoners Harbor. The other half has very loose and eroded sections.
If you only have time for some of the loop, my recommendation is to begin at the cutoff just before Potato Harbor Lookout— enjoying outstanding views the entire way, then turning around in time for the ferry.
Hiking Prisoners Harbor
Hiking options at Prisoners Harbor are much more limited both in number and in time on island, but one of the best hikes on the island is located here as well as a secret hike. It is important to note that both main hiking options are uphill, and both are out and back trails.
Beginner Hikes at Prisoners Harbor
Unfortunately, there really aren’t any super beginner hiking options at Prisoners Harbor. If you have limited mobility, I’d honestly reconsider traveling here at all due to the ladder you will be required to climb to set foot on the island.
If you’re mobile enough for the ladder, you’re probably mobile enough to hike up one of the hills.
Once on the island, the easiest option is a short walk to the wetland area located just past the restrooms to the left. Here you’ll find a quaint bench in the shade where you can enjoy the sounds of wetland birds and frogs and maybe even spot an island scrub jay.
The easiest hike to a beautiful view is just up the Navy Road. Within a quarter mile, you’ll rise above the trees and catch a glimpse of Prisoners Harbor from above. This trail is a fairly well maintained dirt road and features multiple little overlooks.
You can hike as far as you like and turn around anytime because this trail continues all the way to Scorpion, 15 miles away. I’d recommend hiking this way if you aren’t prepared for slippery and eroded trails, because the Navy Road provides an easier walking surface despite it being uphill in nature.
Moderate Hiking Options at Prisoners Harbor
As a moderate hiker, you can hike up the Navy Road to Del Norte Trail or Eagle Ridge Trail on the National Park Service property, or hike halfway out on the Pelican Bay Trail on The Nature Conservancy property with a signed waiver.
The Navy Road is a fairly well maintained dirt forest road that winds up a hill past two trail junctions.
The first junction is for the Eagle Ridge Trail and is 0.75 miles up the Navy Road on the right. The second junction is for the Del Norte Trail and is located 1.5 miles up the Navy Road on the left.
The Eagle Ridge Trail is currently a secret trail! Exciting right? By that I mean it is an unofficial trail that hasn’t yet been completed. It has no trail marker, but can be found on the Channel Islands National Park app.
If you do find it, it leads inland along a single track trail for a mile or so… until it doesn’t. At that point, it’s probably time to turn around since the trail work isn’t quite complete yet.
The next moderate hiking option is the Del Norte Trail, which eventually leads to Del Norte Campground and onward to Scorpion Cove. If you make it to the campground, you will have hiked about 7 miles round trip from the pier.
A third moderate hiking option is the Pelican Bay Trail. This hike is considered strenuous, but the first mile is fairly moderate. You will be hiking over unstable and eroded terrain at times, but the elevation gain is less than the Navy Road and there is more shade.
As a moderate hiker, I’d recommend stopping at marker 11 (of 21) or joining a guided hike with an Island Packers naturalist which are usually offered every day.
There is more information on the Pelican Bay Trail under the strenuous hiking section.
Strenuous Hiking at Prisoners Harbor: The Pelican Bay Trail
The Pelican Bay Trail is a beautiful hike through the canyons and along the bluffs of The Nature Conservancy property on Santa Cruz Island. It requires a signed waiver for access due to its location on private property (ask for one in the Island Packers office).
It is single track style, takes about 3 hours to complete round trip, and has more shade than any other trail on Santa Cruz Island.
I highly recommend the Pelican Bay Trail in the springtime because of the rich diversity of flowering plant species— many of which are endemic to the island.
The best months for flower blooms are April and May. During those months, this is my favorite trail on the island!
Hazards include steep and eroded sections of trail over unstable or rocky terrain and potential for contact with poison oak.
The strenuous nature of the trail begins after marker 11, and continues to the end of the trail at Pelican Bay where you will find two locations for water access. One option is a rocky beach called Tinker Beach and the next is the tide pools at Pelican Bay, just five minutes further up the trail (continue up the river bed).
Water Sports at Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor
Exploring the top of Santa Cruz Islands is incredible, but exploring under Santa Cruz Island is like entering another world! Kayaking, snorkeling, SCUBA, and even fishing are available in some capacity at both locations and allow a glimpse into the diverse kelp forest habitat that makes up half of Channel Islands National Park.
Kayaking is probably the most popular of the water sports, and can be done solo or via guided tour, depending on the location. However, my personal favorite kayak + snorkel tour on Santa Cruz Island takes you downwind along the rugged west end of the 22-mile-long island, requiring a separate full day excursion to explore!
If you’d like to spend some time on land as well, check out my recommendations below.
Scorpion Cove Water Sports
Snorkeling at Scorpion
The snorkeling in Scorpion Cove is incredible.
The kelp forests west of the pier are massive and wrap all the way around Cavern Point. Amid schools of calico bass swimming through towering kelp forests, curious spotted harbor seals hiding behind urchin-covered rocks, and bright orange garibaldi popping out of little nooks, you won’t run out of interesting things to see.
Head east and you’ll encounter Scorpion Rock and the many large sea caves to explore and swim through along the way.
Once there, you’ll find a small beach across from the rock to rest for a bit if you need a break. Scorpion rock is pretty far, but devoted snorkelers can make it on a nice day. Otherwise, plan to rent a kayak in Ventura.
You might want to stay in all day, but the limiting factor will be your core body temperature, (water temperature fluctuates between 50 and 70 degrees) so be sure to pack a 5-7mm wetsuit.
If you don’t own one, don’t worry. Channel Islands Adventure Company will rent you wetsuits and gear on island!
Kayaking at Scorpion Cove
Guided Kayak Tours with Channel Islands Adventure Company
A major factor in choosing Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor is the option to take a guided kayak tour— a service currently only offered at Scorpion Cove.
If you’d like to spend most of your Channel Islands National Park time exploring the underwater half of the park, a tour with Channel Islands Adventure Company will never disappoint!
There are a variety of sea cave kayak tours offered based on time and experience level. On the more adventurous tours, I guarantee you’ll paddle through some tight caves you wouldn’t dare try on your own— some “Get some speed, lean back, tuck the paddle, and … GO!” caves.
The guides are fun and knowledgable about the island. For this reason, I couldn’t recommend them enough! However, be sure to book in advance because these tours sell out quick! For more information or to book a tour, click here.
Kayak Rentals
If you want to venture out on your own, you can always rent a kayak in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry (as long as it’s approved by Island Packers). There are no kayak rentals on island, so take care of this in advance.
Once on the water, there is no shortage of sea caves and kelp forest to explore in both directions. Scorpion Rock to the east is really cool, as are the giant caverns of Cavern Point to the west.
Kayaking here is truly amazing, but also quite dangerous. With this in mind, be sure to wear a helmet (for the swells in the caves) and life jacket and check weather conditions and tides in advance.
I’d recommend getting an early start and checking out Scorpion Rock and caves to the east in the morning before the wind picks up. Then head west, upwind, so that you don’t end up stuck downwind and down swell in the afternoon.
The prevailing wind comes from the northwest and picks up quickly. Remember, you are kayaking in open ocean conditions.
Fishing and MPAs at Scorpion Cove
Fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity near Scorpion Cove, but it is important to respect local fishing regulations and marine protected areas. You can collect invertebrates like spiny lobster, urchins, and scallops, and try to catch fish like calico bass and rockfish.
Scorpion Marine Reserve is a marine protected area (MPA) where fishing is illegal, and it encompasses all of Scorpion Cove. It extends from Scorpion Rock (to the east of Scorpion Cove) to Potato Harbor (to the west of Scorpion Cove).
For this reason, I’d recommend renting a kayak if you plan to fish during your day at Scorpion. Be sure to clean your fish outside the MPA.
If fishing is your primary focus, maybe consider visiting Prisoners Harbor instead.
Prisoners Harbor Water Sports
Snorkeling at Prisoners
Although lacking the large kelp forests at Scorpion Cove, Prisoners Harbor still has some unique snorkeling opportunities too!
Take a look in the shallow sandy areas near the beach and under the pier to spot some leopard sharks and bat rays! Then, head into deeper water to check out some fish hiding in the eel grass habitat.
After that, continue on to the far west wall of Prisoners Harbor and explore the rocky shoreline and intertidal zone. There is a lot of exploration possible here!
For those willing to clock in some miles, my personal favorite place to snorkel is actually at the end of the Pelican Bay Trail. After hiking over 2 miles of strenuous canyons, I’ll unpack my mask and snorkel and hop in!
The snorkel is usually short-lived as the water temperature hovers between 55 and 65 degrees and I rarely bring a wetsuit, but it sure is refreshing after a long hike!
There are two options for snorkeling here: Tinker Beach and Pelican Bay.
Tinker Beach is a rocky little beach with relatively easy water access and an abundance of life along the rocky walls.
Pelican Bay itself is often almost as clear as a swimming pool with fish and urchins covering the steep rocky ledges. You can often see bright orange garibaldi (California’s State Marine Fish) from atop the bluffs.
However, the sharp barnacle-covered rocks make water access challenging for all but the most dexterous.
Both options are incredible, but make sure you leave enough time (~90 minutes) to hike back to the boat.
Kayaking at Prisoners Harbor
In contrast to Scorpion Cove, your only option for kayaking at Prisoners Harbor is to rent a boat in Ventura or bring your own across on the ferry. If you bring your own, be sure to book it in advance and check with Island Packers for size limits.
Once your boat is on the island, your potential for exploration is limitless. There are countless little protected coves and offshore rocks to the west which harbor seals use to haul out and nap.
To the east, there are long beaches and rocky outcroppings to explore. You’ll probably spot some leopard sharks and bat rays close to shore. You might find a few caves here, in contrast to the many striking caverns at Scorpion, but the draw here is the secluded beaches and protected inlets, where you most likely won’t see anyone for hours.
In terms of safety, there are no lifeguards here and your safety is in your own hands.
Kayaking here is considered open ocean conditions. Checking the weather in the morning is a must, but weather and wind can still change quickly— especially as you eat your lunch in a protected cove.
Prevailing wind comes from the northwest, so I’d recommend paddling west first to avoid getting stuck downwind as the wind picks up in the afternoon.
Fishing at Prisoners Harbor
The easiest place to fish from land on Santa Cruz Island is at Prisoners Harbor. Fishing and collecting is allowed from land and from the pier with a license, and can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, as long as you follow all local fishing regulations.
Here, you are most likely to catch halibut, calico bass, and barracuda, as well as collect mussels, urchins, and scallops.
If you choose to bring a kayak, you will have access to more area and there are plenty of small coves and beaches to bring your kayak ashore to rest and clean your catch.
Wildlife Viewing on Santa Cruz Island
If unique wildlife is what you’re after, look no further! There are over 100 different endemic species of plants and animals on the Channel Islands earning this island chain the nickname “Galapagos of the North.”
A majority of these species reside on Santa Cruz Island— surviving the introduction of countless damaging and invasive species like black mustard and fennel by the European ranchers who owned Santa Cruz Island from the early 1800s until 1980.
Now, endemic animal species like the island fox and island scrub jay are popular residents on Santa Cruz Island as well as endemic plants species like island deerweed, Santa Cruz Island monkeyflower, and island ironwood. Some species are easier to find at Scorpion Cove and some Prisoners Harbor, but you will definitely find endemic species at both locations.
Animal Sightings at Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor
If unique animal sightings are what you’re after, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor will give you ample viewing opportunities of island animals. The two most popular animals are the island fox and island scrub jay, though there are plenty of other animals to spot on both land and sea.
As a quick summary, I’d say your best chance of seeing a fox is at Scorpion and best chance of seeing a scrub jay or other specific bird species is at Prisoners, though both can be found at both locations.
The Island Fox
The island fox is incredibly cute and bold, having been the top land predator for thousands of years. They are also quite intelligent and have learned that humans are not so intelligent, so they tend to hang out near picnic tables and campsites.
You are more likely to see island foxes at Scorpion due to the larger human impact there, especially in the campground. I guarantee you’ll see a fox within 15 minutes of sitting at a bench in Scorpion Campground.
The fox encounters at Prisoners Harbor are more organic (and often more rewarding when you come across a fox hunting on trail), but more rare, though many days I will see a fox searching the picnic tables there as well.
Although you might come across a number of foxes during your day on the island, consider yourself lucky because the island fox almost went extinct back in the 1990s due indirect downstream effects of human use of DDT on the mainland—a good reminder that our decisions on the mainland have a great impact on these seemingly isolated island ecosystems.
Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay
Visitors from across the globe travel to Santa Cruz Island to catch a glimpse of the island scrub jay—one of the rarest birds in North America.
It is only found on Santa Cruz Island, and will not fly between islands. As a result, it has evolved much larger and brighter blue than its mainland relative.
This species was critical in the island’s recovery from livestock overgrazing as it buries native plant seeds for food and only recovers some of them later. Its call is loud and easy to identify, which makes finding it relatively easy as well.
The island scrub jay can be spotted pretty easily at both locations, though I tend to see the most island scrubs jays on the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor. If you aren’t up for a strenuous hike, that’s okay. I have seen plenty near the ranch house and visitor center at Scorpion as well as in the wetland at Prisoners.
Plant Life at Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor
As with the animals, there are plenty of endemic and unique (as well as invasive) plants to see at both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor. The topography of the two locations is actually quite different which lends each to some different species.
Scorpion is primarily comprised of coastal sage scrub and grasslands whereas Prisoners has more chaparral and oak woodland.
For the most diversity in plant species, I’d recommend hiking the Pelican Trail at Prisoners Harbor, especially between March and June when flowers are in full bloom. This hike will wind you through the most ecosystem diversity in the shortest distance on Santa Cruz Island.
At Scorpion, hiking to Montañon via Potato Road will give you the second most diversity in ecosystems, but it is a very long and strenuous hike, so I’d recommend hiking Cavern Point Loop or Upper Scorpion Canyon for the average visitor.
Cavern Point Loop at Scorpion is great for spotting island buckwheat, wild hyacinth, giant coreopsis, and island morning glory, but the best flower show at Scorpion Cove is in Upper Scorpion Canyon where you’ll find lots of monkeyflower, hyacinth, and deerweed.
The Pelican Trail at Prisoners is great for spotting bush lupine, island bush monkeyflower, island deerweed, and island ironwood (at marker 11).
Camping Options on Santa Cruz Island
If you just can’t fit everything into a day trip, both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor offer very beautiful and very different camping options. You must reserve a campsite as well as book ferry tickets in advance for both locations.
I’d recommend referring to both websites before booking anything to be sure that the ferry and campsite availability lines up for the days you plan to visit.
A few more things to note about the camping situation on Santa Cruz Island:
- No campfires allowed (camp stoves only)
- The wildlife can unzip bags and aren’t timid about stealing anything and everything right next to you
- Weather is unpredictable and can often cause early ferry pick-ups (or very rarely no pick-up at all)
- There is no food for purchase on the islands
- There are no trash cans on the island (pack in/pack out only)
- Cell service is patchy at best, so don’t count on it
Scorpion Campground
Scorpion campground is a large campground located about a half mile from the pier down a flat gravel and dirt path. You’ll find the sites beneath an old eucalyptus grove (the only shady campsite in the park).
The campground is broken into two sections with most of the regular sites closer to the pier and the group sites in the back. There are 25 standard sites and 6 group sites.
Scorpion campground fills up quickly on weekends and during the warmer months, and has been getting more and more popular.
Due to this stop’s popularity, rangers are always around the campground to help if you have any questions or need recommendations.
Book a campsite here!
Del Norte Backcountry Campground
Del Norte Backcountry Campground is located 3.5 miles from Prisoners Harbor Pier via a strenuous and exposed hike. There are only 4 sites, so you won’t have many neighbors, but you are required to reserve a site in advance.
It is critical to note that there is no potable water here, and very little chance you will come across any water between the pier and campground. You must bring all of your water for your stay, although you may stow extra water in the fox boxes by the pier for the next day’s activities to save weight.
Often, there will be no ranger here, so common sense is critical. A satellite GPS device isn’t a bad idea either.
Book a campsite here!
The Best Ways to Explore Both Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor
If you really just cannot decide between a day at Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor, you do have a few options to explore both destinations as long as you have at least two days to do it. Obviously, the first option is going out on two separate day trips, but for the most devoted adventurers I’d recommend camping overnight.
There are two main transportation methods between Scorpion and Prisoners: take a shuttle trip by boat or walk on your own two feet.
Backpacking Between Scorpion Cove and Prisoners Harbor
First of all, this 15 mile journey is not a day hike unless you are a devoted trail runner. Scorpion is about 15 miles from Prisoners via a trail that winds in and out of canyons and up and over mountains and bluffs.
Luckily, Del Norte Campground is three miles into this hike, which makes it a perfect spot to spend the first night.
I say first night because, if you remember, there is no water source at Del Norte Campground. Scorpion Campground does have potable water, so unless you feel like hiking 15 miles with all of your water for the trip, I’d recommend starting at Prisoners Harbor, spending the first night at Del Norte Campground, then hiking the roughly 12 miles across to Scorpion and refilling water at Scorpion Campground the second night.
A few things to note:
- Camping is only allowed in designated campsites on Santa Cruz Island. Book sites ahead of time.
- This hike is popular enough to have a well marked trail, but not so popular that you’ll encounter lines of people. Usually only a couple groups make the hike each week during peak season. You might not see anyone for miles.
- The island is much hotter on trail than by the beach, sometimes a 20 degree difference.
- There will most likely be park rangers at Scorpion, but may or may not be rangers at Del Norte. Plan for emergencies accordingly.
Purchase a Shuttle Ticket from Island Packers
If you aren’t looking to go full backpacker mode, there is another option to explore both stops on Santa Cruz Island. You can purchase a shuttle ticket from Scorpion Cove to Prisoners Harbor through Island Packers— the ferry company.
As long as the timing works out, this is an efficient and cost-effective option in comparison to making another channel crossing a different day.
Shuttle tickets also provide an option to squeeze in a day trip for those who find one of the campgrounds sold out for the night.
For available shuttle tickets, click here.
If there doesn’t seem to be a shuttle fare listed, call Island Packers directly for your best option. They are usually more than willing to work with you to help you plan your camping trip.
Important Advice from a Local!
Hazards on Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island does not have the stereotypical hazards like bears or bison, but the isolated island does have some things to watch out for. Most of these hazards can be avoided by using common sense, but it’s good to keep them in mind before beginning your adventure. Common hazards include:
- Rough seas: Whatever swell you’re picturing, double it
- Dehydration and heat exhaustion: Bring more water than you think you’ll need
- Rocky terrain: Even sprained ankles are a big deal when you’re on a trail 2 hours by boat from the nearest hospital
- Poison oak: Common in canyons across the island
- Eroding cliff edges: Don’t stand too close or throw rocks onto unsuspecting kayakers below
- Missing the boat: Plan to arrive a half hour before your departure time
- Ravens and foxes stealing your lunch, money, and/or car keys: It’s happened. They can easily unzip bags.
- Kayaking downwind and getting stuck when the wind picks up: Start your day paddling upwind
When to Visit
The next step in planning after weighing Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor is to decide when to visit. The best time to visit depends on your objectives for your trip. My personal favorite time of year is October.
- September-October: Good chance of warm weather, warm water, favorable sea conditions, and less crowded than summer.
- November-February: Least busy, cool weather, perfect for hiking, trips often cancelled due to rough seas
- March-June: Beautiful flower blooms, busier than winter but less busy than summer, often windy and cold, rough seas common
- July-August: Warmest weather, water starts warming, very busy, generally nice sea conditions
A Word on Seasickness
Seasickness always gets someone. Usually multiple someones.
Unfortunately, the only way to visit Santa Cruz Island is by crossing the wild and unpredictable Santa Barbara Channel by boat.
Unlike an airplane, there is often enough motion to make walking challenging, even on nice days. As a result, visitors often find themselves “feeding the fish,” which is perfectly acceptable on a boat.
Just please make sure to prepare yourself so you don’t end up leaving a trail behind you inside.
Remember, it might seem embarrassing to feel seasick at the time, but it’s 10x more embarrassing to puke on the floor. Here are some tips for getting through it with your ego intact:
- Take medicine: at least an hour in advance
- Eat a small but healthy breakfast: totally empty or totally full stomachs aren’t ideal
- Chew on ginger or ginger candies
- Grab a seasick bag as a precaution
- Choose a seat on the lower back deck: motion increases as you move forward and upstairs
- Sit or stand outside: fresh air and a horizon do wonders
- Stay out of the restroom: a small, confined, smelly space with no horizon or fresh air will make you fell worse than anywhere else on the boat, plus you are unlikely to hit the moving target every time which makes everyone else sick who goes in after you
- Move outside to the rail as soon as you start feeling dizzy or nauseous: ignoring it and staying put will only make it worse
You’re now ready to go explore Santa Cruz Island! Maybe you’ll seek out endemic species, maybe you’ll explore the giant kelp forests, or maybe you’ll even walk where humans have thrived for over 10,000 years. No matter which adventure you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in an exceptionally special place. I hope you love it as much as I do!
You can book your tickets here and find more information about Santa Cruz Island here.
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