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Santa Cruz Island Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Santa Cruz Island. We've got 391 adventures going to Santa Cruz Island, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 34 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

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250+ santa cruz island tour packages with 1,018 reviews.

• Christmas & New Year

Galapagos Experience

Genesis was one of the Best Tour Guides ever. It was very wonderful

Galápagos Express Adventure: Wilderness & Wildlife

Gustavo is the loveliest guy you could meet, incredibly knowledgeable, answered all of my many questions, and so so passionate about the islands, but his organisation could be better. It was a massive shame we couldn't do the los tunneles on Isabella, but overall I thought he was a stand up guy

• Hiking & Trekking

Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

Great destinations and friendly crew, very good food especially vegetables. Almost no questions our guide couldn't answer. The equipment could use some maintenance, and the air conditioning was insufficient for the lower bunks.

Galápagos – Central and East Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager (Cruise Only)

Magical Galapagos (5 Days)

Great experience, loved every bit

7 Days Galapagos Multisport Adventure Tour

This was such an amazing and affordable option for traveling to the mainland of Ecuador. Ecaudor has so much to offer and we feel that this tour showed us so much of it. The logistics of the itinerary were thoughtfully put together and made for such an easy time. We were given our pickup times and locations (mainly at our hotels) and someone was always there asking for us by name to take us either on a tour or a private drive to the next city. Isabel stayed on top of the tour companies that the sport activities were booked with to make sure we were taken care of at all times. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

7 Days Galapagos Expedition: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz Island

Bartolome Island and Sulivan Yacht Tour

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Galapagos Experience: 5 days

• €134 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Koln Tourist Superior Yacht - 8 Days

Galápagos Experience: 7 days

• In-depth Cultural

Ecuador - Galapagos Combined

Ecuador - Galapagos Express

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS DISCOVERY TOUR 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS

Too short, but that was our fault. They do nickle and dime you to death; $1here, $5 there for all the transport. The location was beautiful, the hotel was good. Guides were nice and helpful. The trip was overall worth it, will most likely go back.

7 Day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget

We had several guides. They were all excellent, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful!! Everything was arranged like clockwork. The couple of VERY minor hiccups were resolved in 10-15 min. The itinerary was well thought-out, with more challenging activities in the cooler morning and perhaps water activities in the afternoon. And towards the end of our 7 day tour, as we were becoming weary, we had easier activities with shorter walks. Our rooms were clean enough, though not luxury. But we didn’t purchase a luxury level tour so we were more than satisfied. The meals were surprisingly beautiful and delicious, with mostly fresh ingredients. All in all we are delighted with the overall tour.

What people love about Santa Cruz Island Tours

My tour guide was amazing! He is so passionate about The Galapagos. He took great care of us.

Great destinations and friendly crew, very good food especially vegetables. Almost no questions our guide couldn't answer. The equipment could use some maintenance, and the air conditioning was insufficient for the lower bunks.

Tours starting from Santa Cruz Island

• for 7 Days (6)
• to Latin America (8)
• to Ecuador (8)
• Ecuador Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

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Last updated: July 10, 2023

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1901 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, CA 93001

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Santa Cruz Island

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Santa Cruz Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

180° Daily Tour from Santa Cruz Island, 2024

On this 180° tour you will visit the islands of Pinzón, Daphne and Santa Cruz. You will practice snorkeling and get a chance to observe starfish, sea turtles, colorful fish, sharks, rays, sea lions and marine iguanas. On these islands, you can really enjoy snorkeling. In addition, you can see blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, ducks, pelicans and other tropical birds.

Tour details:

✔ Departure time: 8:00 am ✔ From: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island ✔ Activities: 90% snorkeling 10% walking ✔ Duration: 7 to 8 horas ✔ Navigation: 2 hours ✔ Yacht capacity: 12 people

Tour does NOT include

• Sodas • Tips

Tour Includes:

✔ Transportation to and from the hotel ✔ Certified guide (English- Spanish) ✔ Lunch ✔ Snacks ✔ Towels ✔ Snorkeling equipment

Price: $192

✔ Pay by credit card Standard-class boat

Itinerary of the 180° tour from Santa Cruz

The tour begins at 7:50 am in our offices. Our staff will guide you to the Puerto Ayora pier, where a guide will be waiting for you to get onboard a yacht bound for Pinzón Island. Pinzón Island On this island, you'll visit Penguin Bay, where you can practice snorkeling and see a variety of uniquely colorful fish, starfish, stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, and whitetip or blacktip reef sharks.

Duncan After 25 minutes of sailing around the Pinzón Island, you'll arrive at Duncan, where you can also go snorkeling. There you can see a large number of marine animals, such as sea turtles, reef fish, rays, sharks and sea lions. During the navigation, the captain of the yacht will take you to Eden Beach or Bahía Borrero, two places filled with vegetation and beautiful waters. These places are charming and ideal for relaxing. - The beach will be chosen according to the itinerary of the day. After enjoying lunch on the yacht, you'll sail to Daphne Island, where you can explore the surroundings and see blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, seagulls, frigatebirds, pelicans and other tropical birds.

Snorkeling in Piedra Ahogada

After visiting the island of Daphne, you will practice snorkeling in Piedra Ahogada, where you can spot sea lions, whitetip or blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. Finally, the yacht will go to the Itabaca Channel and a shuttle will take you back to Puerto Ayora.

Other trips from Santa Cruz Island

Trip to Bartolome Island

Trip to North Seymour Island

Trip to Isabela Island

Trip to Pinzon Island

Trip to Santa Fe Island

Tour to Floreana Island

Trip to El Chato Reserve

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Explore Adventures

• Channel Islands Tours
• Wine Country Tours
• Santa Barbara Kayaking
• Surf & Stand Up Paddle
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Channel Islands National Park Tours

The Channel Islands are a precious, protected, remote, and lightly trafficked gem just 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara.

The islands boast wildlife galore including species that don’t exist anywhere else in the world; hundreds of world-class sea caves; mesmerizing giant kelp forests; and a rich, Chumash Native American history. 

Our bucket-list adventures take place daily, year-round at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Come experience the island magic for yourself!

$145 / adult + ferry transportation ($66)

$127 / child 12 & under + ferry transportation ($53)

• Availability Most days (February - November)
• Tour Time ~2.5 hours
• Kayaking Time ~1 - 1.5 hours
• Level of Difficulty Beginner - Advanced ~1.25 miles paddling For ages 5+

$1,160 + ferry transportation (1-8 guests)

$2,032 + ferry transportation (9-16 guests)

$3,048 + ferry transportation (17-24 guests)

• CALL (805) 884-9283 *Bookable by phone only

$205 / adult + ferry transportation ($66)

$187 / child 12 & under + ferry transportation ($53)

• Availability Daily (Year-round)
• Tour Time ~4 hours
• Kayaking Time ~2.5 - 3 hours
• Level of Difficulty Beginner - Advanced ~2.3 - 3 miles paddling For ages 5+

$1,640 + ferry transportation (1-8 guests)

$2,992 + ferry transportation (9-16 guests)

$4,488 + ferry transportation (17-24 guests)

$275 / person + ferry transportation ($66 / adult) ($53 / child 12 & under)

• Availability Fri - Sun & Wed May - November
• Tour Time ~5 hours
• Kayaking Time ~3 - 4 hours
• Level of Difficulty Intermediate - Advanced ~4 - 5 miles paddling For ages 5+

$2,200 + ferry transportation (1-8 guests)

$4,240 + ferry transportation (9-16 guests)

$6,360 + ferry transportation (9-16 guests)

$151 / person + ferry transportation ($63 / adult) ($50 / child 12 & under)

• Availability Sundays (June - September)
• Excursion Time ~3 hours
• Snorkeling Time ~1 - 1.5 hours
• Level of Difficulty Intermediate - Advanced For ages 10+ Must know how to swim

$1,208 + ferry transportation (1-8 guests)

$2,256 + ferry transportation (9-16 guests)

$3,384 + ferry transportation (17-24 guests)

• Availability Tue, Wed, Thu, & Sat (June - September)
• Activity Time ~1 - 1.5 hours kayaking ~45 minutes snorkeling

$6,360 + ferry transportation (17-24 guests)

Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change at any time. Some dates may be unavailable. Additional fees may apply. 

Santa Barbara Channel Islands National Park Tours

Day Trips start at $99/adult. Kayak secluded coves, encounter dolphins, explore sea caves, and snorkel the marine sanctuary kelp forests. Best in California.

Explore Channel Islands National Park

Only accessible by boat, the Channel Islands is one of the least visited National Parks in the U.S. providing a unique experience of marine wildlife viewing as well as biologic diversity seen nowhere else on the Pacific Coast of North America.

Channel Islands National Park Expeditions

Our custom expedition fleet boats are the perfect way to see these off-shore hidden gems. We have over 20 years of guiding experience and over 20,000 happy clients!

Snorkeling Adventures from only $45 + boat trip

• Visit the world’s largest sea cave, Painted Cave on every trip.
• We have an expedition for everyone!
• Our day trips start at $79.

Largest Sea Caves on Earth

We pioneered kayaking into sea caves almost 30 years ago. Our sea cave kayak expeditions are high adventure and for those with some experience.

Discover Mega Pods of Dolphins

The Santa Barbara Channel is world famous for whale watching. Our journey to the islands each day takes us right over a feeding shelf 6 miles from Santa Cruz Island. As we encounter this shelf we experience feeding frenzies with dolphins, whales, and marine birds.

Gourmet Galley - Market Salads - Smash Burgers

We source local ingredients and always serve healthy options on our Santa Barbara vessels.

Custom Vessels for Kayaking, Snorkeling, SCUBA Diving, and Hiking

Our vessels and crew have been taking people to the Channel Islands National Park for over 20 years. A professional crew will act as naturalists and guides sharing knowledge and making your island experience rich and informational.

Whale and Dolphin Tours

Sunset cruise, channel island tours.

Channel Islands Kayak Tours

California’s Channel Islands, located just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura, are a National Park dream-come-true for marine nature lovers. The crystal clear Pacific channel waters, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. Check out our tours below!

Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour

OUR MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Overview Experience the stunning beauty of Channel Islands National Park on our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. On this tour, you’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the unparalleled natural wonders of this unique area. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts.

Availability The Adventure Tour meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am

Tour Time (~4 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~2.5-3 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 2.5-3 miles

Level of Difficulty Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Ferry Tickets The 10:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 9am or earlier from Ventura Harbor. The 9:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 8am. Check-in is one hour prior to departure.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 4:30pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Questions? Visit our FAQ’s page .

Public tours: $205 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $187 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($53)* Private tours: $1,640 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,992 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,488 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

• Preparing for your trip

Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Our Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. For 1-1.5 hours you’ll kayak through stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-timers visiting the island, this tour allows you to pack in multiple experiences into one day, from hiking and snorkeling to birding and exploring endemic species. Don’t miss out on the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this national park has to offer.

Availability February-November: Most days

Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am and/or 10:30am as well as 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm (meet times depend on the ferry schedule to Santa Cruz Island – Scorpion Anchorage)

Tour Time (~2.5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 1.25 miles

Ferry Tickets The 9:30am tour requires an 8:00am ferry departure (7am check-in time). The 12:30pm tour requires a 10:00am ferry departure or earlier (check-in is one hour prior to ferry departure). Ferry options typically will be 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am. The 1:30pm tour requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Public tours: $145 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $127 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($53)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $1,160 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $2,032 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $3,046 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview The longest of our kayaking tour options, the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour is for the true ocean adventurer. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline.

This tour is best for 1. Intermediate-Advanced kayakers who are looking for a longer day on the water, must have 8am ferry departure and 4:30pm return 2. Campers on their 2nd day at the island, so they can enjoy a first full day exploring the island on land

Availability This tour is offered on Friday-Sunday and Wednesdays from May through November. Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~3-4 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance 4-5 miles

Level of Difficulty Intermediate – Advanced

Ferry Tickets This tour requires a ferry departure of 8am (check-in at 7am) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return.

Ferry return times vary daily, departing at 4:30pm or 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 6:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Public tours: $275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $66 / children 12 and under $53)* Private tours (Phone bookings only): $2,200 (1-8 guests) + ferry transportation* $4,240 (9-16 guests) + ferry transportation* $6,360 (17-24 guests) + ferry transportation* Tours often sell out. Please book in advance. *Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart. Private tours available. Email [email protected] for pricing and more info.

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour

Overview Explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface on our expert-led Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and the island’s pristine coastlines. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through marine ecology and the rich history of the island. Get up close with sea life and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.

This tour is best for

1. Guests who already have previous kayaking and snorkeling experience. Guests should be comfortable in the ocean and comfortable swimming with a snorkel. 2. Campers who are already on the island and want a full day of adventure on & in the water

Availability Our Snorkel & Kayak Tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am from mid-June through September 30th on days when there is an 8am ferry departure

Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour Time (~5 hours) ~1 hr 45 min – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hr – Kayaking ~15 min – Lunch ~45 min – Snorkeling ~30 min – Gearing down

Level of Difficulty Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the tour. All guests  MUST  know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is  REQUIRED .

Includes • Snorkel & Mask* • Fins • 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit • Snorkel flotation device • PFD (personal flotation device) for kayaking • Ocean kayak** • Knowledgeable guide(s) on exploring sea caves as well as the local natural history and marine ecology

*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them. *We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so. **By default, even-numbered parties will be paired in a tandem (2-person) kayak. For single or odd-numbered parties, single (1-person) kayaks will be provided.

Ferry Tickets This tour requires an 8am ferry departure (7am check-in) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later return.

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

Happy Adventurers

You have fun. We’ll handle the rest.

An Awesome Time!

Thanks for an incredible sea kayaking adventure on Santa Cruz in Channel Islands National Park! Well worth the money, especially with the wetsuits and extra outfitting that made paddling super comfy. "

One of the Best Family Days!

"Six of us went Kayaking in the Sea Caves and loved every minute. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and was incredibly enthusiastic about the adventure. On the way home, we saw two whales and two pods of dolphins. Cannot imagine a better day!"

A Bucket List Adventure!

"An awesome adventure! While the Painted Cave is the highlight of the tour all of the caves are incredible. The wildlife is amazing along with the plants and everything else. The guides were super friendly and very informative."

Bay Tour Santa Cruz Galapagos island

This bay tour happens In Santa Cruz island . It consists of visiting the most outstanding points in the bay such as: Canal de Tiburones, Canal del Amor, Playa de los Perros, and Las Grietas. Santa Cruz Island has an area of 986 km2, is the tourist center of Galapagos, and is inhabited by approximately 15,000 people.

TRIP DETAILS: Departure time: 08:00 / 14:00 From: Puerto Ayora - Santa Cruz Island. Activities: 50% Hiking and 50% Snorkeling. Duration: 4 hours. Boat capacity: 16 people.

Pay with a credit card.

$60 per person.

Map with the route of the bay tour.

Bay Tour Itinerary

This tour has 2 departure times: 09:00 am or 14:00 pm. The tour boat departs from the Puerto Ayora dock to the first visitation point called the Canal de Tiburones , which is a viewpoint where you can see blue sharks from a birds-eye view, as long as conditions allow. Along the way you will perhaps see lava herons.

Continuing along the route, we will visit the beautiful Canal del Amor with its peculiar turquoise color. It is full of Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Snorkeling at Punta Estrada.

Another place we will visit is Playa de los Perros where the largest marine iguanas on the island are found and you can appreciate its beautiful landscape.

Finally, we will visit Las Grietas which is formed by lava fissures that form two giant walls and in the middle of them the water from the upper part of the island mixes with the sea water which causes brackish water. This water is crystal clear and you can snorkel and appreciate several colorful fish.

The bay tour includes:

• Transfer to the meeting point from the Grupo Galápagos office. • Certified Guide (English - Spanish) • Snacks. • Wetsuit. • Snorkeling equipment.

The tour does not include:

• Sodas. • Tips.

Tours from Santa Cruz island

Tour to Bartolome island

Tour to North Seymour island

Tour to Isabela island

Tour to Cormorant Point and Enderby Islet

Tour 180° Santa Cruz

Tour to Santa Fe island

Tour to Pinzón island

Tour to Floreana island

El Chato Reserve highland tour

Tour to South Plazas island

Copyright © 2024 Grupo Galápagos. | Powered by VISUM. Terms and Conditions.

Home » Trips » Painted Cave Combo

Painted Cave Combo

World's largest sea cave | seals and sea lions | lunch included, kayaking and modified snorkeling (farmer john wetsuits and snorkel gear provided), $375/senior (65+) $365/child (7-16) $325/person - groups of 10 or more.

Expedition Details

What your day looks like:.

• Boarding Begins: 6:30 AM*
• TRUTH Departs: 7:00 AM
• Lunch on the Truth aprox 1:30pm.
• Return to Santa Barbara Harbor: 5:30pm

You can add additional “non-paddlers” to the boat trip only if you would like.

Check-in at the Santa Barbara Landing and hop onto the Truth for the day. We take great care in making your journey comfortable.

Your Expedition Vessel – Truth

• 64′ USCG Inspected Vessel
• Bunks below deck for guest gear and napping
• Coffee and Tea all day

Destination

• Destination: Painted Cave region of west Santa Cruz Island
• Spend all day in Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary

Departure Harbor

Santa Barbara Landing – Santa Barbara Harbor 301 West Cabrillo Blvd Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Downwind Kayaking

Downwind Kayaking is unique to our day trips at Channel Islands Expeditions. We put you in a point A and pick you up at point B, meaning you generally don’t have to double back or paddle into a headwind.

Kayaking into the sea caves here at Painted Cave is like no where else in the world, these are some of the largest caves you can explore in person. They are also in a more exposed area of the islands and this can mean the seas can be rougher than they are on the EPIC Sea Caves of Anacapa Day Trip. This is why we have an older minimum age and we do recommend you have some kayaking experience or are ready for a wetter adventure!

Modified Snorkeling

Snorkeling at the Painted Cave conservation area is a great place to experience the Garibaldi fish and seals and sea lions. The snorkeling spot is in a protected cove and this means you will snorkeling from the kayaks, which makes this “modified snorkeling”. We do not provide fins since you will be wearing a PFD while snorkeling. We do provide a farmer john (overall) wetsuit that you can use while kayaking AND snorkeling.

In some cases we have to cut snorkeling short to make sure we can return home on time. If Snorkeling is something you have your heart set on, we do recommend our EPIC Sea Caves of Anacapa Combo , this trip has more dedicated time for snorkeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need boat transportation.

We own and operate a custom expedition vessel fleet, boat transportation is included in your trip!

What is the age limit?

The minimum age on this trip is 7.

Our age limits are for your safety and enjoyment.

Do I need to know how to swim?

You must be able to swim with a lifejacket on to kayak. You must attest to be able to swim unassisted in order to snorkel at the end of the tour.

If I am solo or in an odd number group will I be in a tandem kayak with a stranger?

We provide tandem kayaks by default and have single kayaks on head for solo paddlers and odd number groups. We may ask you go join a tandem if space or solo kayaks are not available, but that is not our preference. 

Can we land and hike on the island?

Sorry no, this is a NON LANDING trip. 

If you would like to land and hike at the Channel Islands National Park on a day trip, please visit Island Packers or call 805-642-1393

Do we offer private trips to Painted Cave?

Yes, prices vary based on day of week and season. Please call or email with the dates you are interested in and we’ll get you a quote.

What is your cancellation policy?

100% credit up until 10 days prior to departure.

• All sales are final unless we have to cancel due to weather.
• You can get a 100% credit for a future trip 10 days or more from your departure date.
• We do not accept changes within 10 days unless in some extreme cases.
• If you purchase CIEx Trip Protect, you can get a full refund for each ticket protected at anytime* for any reason .

*No same day cancellations please, this makes our morning very difficult as we try to locate our missing paddlers before we leave!

Customer Reviews of our Expeditions

Explore channel islands.

(805) 899-4925

Departure Location Information

Be sure to check your confirmation email before leaving for your trip, these harbors are 45 minutes from each other!

Detailed Directions for Trips:

Departing Santa Barbara Harbor

Departing Marine Emporium Landing Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard Shores

Quick Links

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© 2024 Channel Islands Expeditions.

• EPIC Sea Cave Combo Day Trip Downwind Kayaking – Kelp Forest Snorkeling Departs from Oxnard Harbor on the 54′ SUNFISH
• Painted Cave Combo Day Trip Downwind Kayaking – Modified Snorkeling Departs from Santa Barbara on the 64′ TRUTH
• 5 Day Expedition National Park Adult Summer Camp The only all island National Park cruise that checks all of the boxes!
• Call Us: 805-899-4925
• Santa Barbara Departures
• Oxnard Departures
• SCUBA Dive Charters

We are a local, family-owned company that employs professional crew with decades of experience. As owner/operators we are engaged in our daily operations. It takes a lot of human power, planning, and training to operate a safe and sound fleet and team, and we take pride in the expeditions we run.

Traveling to the Channel Islands from the mainland is a distance ranging from 11 to 45 miles (one way) depending on where we depart from and where we go. This journey consumes both time and fuel. Crew and fuel costs account for 50% of the cost of our operations. We operate in US Waters and our vessels are inspected semi-annually by the United States Coast Guard. 

In 2022 we underwent 3 USCG full-vessel inspections (top and bottom side) with ZERO MAJOR* deficiencies and one vessel with ZERO overall deficiencies (TRUTH). Our commitment to running the safest small boat expedition fleet in the world requires resources, and our safety record indicates our resources are going to the correct places. 

Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs per ticket:

The number of passengers on the vessel does affect this breakdown, and so if you’re choosing an expedition or a summer camp with a 24 passenger load, this is why your ticket cost is higher than a full capacity expedition.

Thank you for understanding and supporting these amazing California Expeditions!

CIEx Family

*Minor deficiencies must be corrected within 30 days, major deficiencies must be corrected before carrying passengers again. We correct minor deficiencies as soon as possible.

Expedition Blue Season Pass – 2023 Season

• 2 redemptions for any “Boat Trip Only” ticket per month
• 1 redemption for any “Kayak Expedition” ticket per month
• 1 redemption for any “Snorkeling Expedition” ticket per month
• 4 redemptions for “Santa Barbara Sunset Boat Cruise” per month
• 10% discount on the “Ultimate 5 Day”
• 10% discount on the “Ocean Explorers Liveaboard Camp”

Value – over $3,000 for the season!

Cost – only $399/person/year.

Only Sold Through May 1, 2023

Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is a chain of underwater pinnacles and plateaus located 137 nautical miles (nm) South by Southeast from Santa Barbara and about 40 nm Southwest of San Clemente Island. Bishop Rock is one of the peaks in the underwater mountain chain that rises to within 6 feet of the surface and is marked by a nearby warning buoy. It was named for the clipper ship Stillwell S. Bishop that struck the rock in 1855 and with a patched hull limped its way back to San Francisco. Nine Fathom spot is about 4.5 miles Northwest of Bishop Rock and rises to about 60 feet below the surface. Both are noted scuba diving locations featuring clear water and abundant sea life.

Scuba diving Cortes Bank with Channel Islands Expeditions is a truly unique experience. It is an open water seamount where currents sweep clean ocean water over the spot and invertebrates cling to the rocks. Sea palms ( Postelsia palmaeformis ) fixed to the rocks provides shelter for smaller fish and invertebrates that hide amongst its fronds. Large clusters of purple hydrocorals can be seen throughout the area as well as tuna, yellowtail, large schools of baitfish, sea lions, and occasional sharks. Large black and white sea bass are common sights as well California sheep head. Lobster divers continue to make this spot a top priority to visit during season and free divers frequent the area in the spring and summer for yellowtail, white sea bass, and tuna. Wreck diving can also be done at this location on the  Abalonia .

Diving at Cortes Bank can be spectacular but anyone who ventures out there needs to be mentally and physically prepared. On any open ocean dive location, one needs to understand that ocean swells and currents are normally present. A flat calm day is rare. When you get good conditions at “The Bank” it will be a dive you will not forget. Sometimes it can be frustrating to get to the bank, but when you do, it can be well worth the effort.

In 1969 a group of promoters bought the World War II surplus troop ship SS  Jalisco , renamed her USS  Abalonia , and sailed her to the bank intending to sink her in shallow water to form a tax-free island nation and shellfish processing plant. But during the sinking, rough seas broke a mooring line and pushed her into deeper water. Another company planned to build a platform on the bank and form a nation called ‘Taluga,’ but the US government declared that the bank was part of the continental shelf and was US territory. The wreck of the  Abalonia  today lies in three pieces in about 30 to 40 feet of water. Now, only scuba divers and the vibrant marine life are citizens of this almost-nation.

On November 2, 1985, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS  Enterprise  struck Cortes Bank about one mile east of Bishop Rock during exercises, putting a 40-foot gash in her outer hull and damaging a propeller. She continued operations then went into dry dock at Hunter’s Point Shipyard in San Francisco for repairs.

Tanner Bank

Tanner Bank is a chain of underwater pinnacles and plateaus located 120 nautical miles (nm) south by southeast of Santa Barbara, California, and 35 miles West by Southwest of San Clemente Island This bank rises within 80 feet of the surface and is considered one of the best advanced open water dive locations on the California coast. Like Cortes Banks, this seamount is open ocean with exposure to wind, current, and swell. Timing is everything when it comes to a successful day of diving this spot.

Scuba diving with Channel Islands Expeditions at Tanner Bank offers no protection from the weather so anchoring overnight is truly rare. Diving the bank is generally done on a multiple day liveaboard trip when you can take advantage of a weather window and dash out for a day. This dive location is so far offshore and exposed to the elements, so a diver can get a true feeling of open ocean diving that you cannot get next to land.

Under most circumstances this is considered advanced diving. It is deep and there can be current and surge, but the payoff can be huge. Like any other open ocean dive spot, you must be willing to roll the dice and see what Mother Nature will dish out.

This is an open water seamount, so currents sweep clean ocean water over the spot. You’ll find that everything that lives here clings tightly to the rocks. Palm kelp fixed to the rocks provides shelter for smaller fish and sea life that hide amongst its fronds. Large clusters of purple hydrocorals can be seen throughout the area as well as tuna, yellowtail, large schools of baitfish, sea lions, and occasional sharks. Lobster divers have scored well in this location at times and many a sea story have been written once aboard the Truth and Vision.

Santa Catalina Island

After Alcatraz, Santa Catalina Island is probably the best known of any of California’s islands. This island’s proximity to Los Angeles transformed it into a popular tourist destination, evidenced by its one million visitors each year. The island is 22 miles long and eight miles across at its greatest width. The highest point on the island is Mt. Orizaba 2,126 feet. The island was widely developed as a resort by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. Now, ninety percent of the island is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, with the remainder of the island under the ownership of private entities.

The island is a rugged terrain of ridges and canyons with a few valleys inland and on its coastal fringes. The island is a semi-arid with only 12 inches of rainfall each year, though the marine climate does moderate temperatures during the summer and winter. The majority of the terrain here is characterized by chapparal vegetation with pine forest interspersed in canyons and at higher elevations.

Catalina Island is well known for its calm, clear, and warm waters. Even though Catalina is the most populated dive site of any other Channel Island, it is still sought out by scuba divers around the globe. Any trip with Channel Islands Expeditions is sure to encounter verdant kelp forest full of garibaldi, yellowtail, kelp bass, white seabass, giant black sea bass, and leopard sharks, as well as many other intriguing species. Photography and sightseeing are especially good in these clear waters, though free divers enjoy the possibility of spearing yellowtail and white seabass. Channel Islands Expeditions makes this destination part of its itinerary on the southern islands multi-day dive excursions, mostly during the summer months.

Scenic coastlines and warm waters make for the perfect opportunity to paddle, swim, and snorkel away an afternoon in beautiful surroundings. Your expedition leader will choose amongst the variety of sheltered coastal paddling opportunities that may present themselves on an adventure to Catalina Island with Channel Islands Expeditions.

There are many hiking trails along Catalina Island. Beach walking is allowed for anyone, but a permit is required for any back country travel. Permits can be acquired through the Catalina Island Conservancy. A point of pride for the island is the Trans-Catalina Trail, a recently finished 37.2-mile track that spans from Avalon on the east end of the island, past the isthmus, and ending at Starlight Beach on the west end.

Human History

Archaeological evidence shows Catalina was occupied by ancient cultures at least as far back as 6,800 years ago. The most recent native peoples to occupy the island were of the Tongva culture, whose languages and traditions were distinct from the Chumash of the northern Channel Islands. The Tongva referred to the island as “ pimu ” and to those that lived there as “ pimuvit .” Large settlements dotted the coastline of  pimu , and the pimuvit were renowned for the quarrying and trading of soapstone, which they excelled in carving.

The island would be discovered on Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s foundational voyage of exploration in 1542. The colonization of California by the Spanish brought about the swift disintegration of the Tongva people, including those that resided on Santa Catalina Island. Over the years, the island would change hands and small ranchos were established, but it was not until the turn of the 20th century that anyone would have designs on turning Catalina Island into a tourist destination. A real estate developer from Michigan named George Shatto created the settlement that would become Avalon and built its first hotel and pier.

William Wrigley Jr. acquired the majority of the Catalina Island Company in 1919, when he bought the island as an investment, but was so enamored by it he decided to keep it and develop the island so as to make it accessible to anyone that might like to visit. Wrigley subsequently, invested millions of dollars in the island, building and modernizing utilities and buildings in and around the now famous city of Avalon. He made it the spring training location for the Chicago Cubs built the iconic Catalina Casino building in 1929. The Wrigleys later donated 42,000 acres of land to the Catalina Island Conservancy for preservation.

Natural History

Santa Catalina Island’s diversity in flora and fauna is second to only Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands chain. Its proximity to the outflows of the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, and Santa Ana river basins opens the island up to a higher probability of species “rafting” over to the beaches of Catalina. This naturally leads to isolation and speciation, and as a result, Catalina is home to five native land mammals: the Santa Catalina Island Fox ( Urocyon littoralis catalinae ) being the most well-known among them. It is home to a diverse array of endemic birds, reptiles, insects, and plants. Interestingly, it is the only Channel Island to have a native rattlesnake population.

DDT, a pesticide that was outlawed in 1972 wreaked havoc on California’s marine ecosystem and was especially consequential for the island’s native population of Bald eagles. DDT was absorbed by the birds’ major prey, fish, and then ingested by the eagles. It caused the eagles to lay eggs with weakened shells that cracked under the adults’ weight during incubation. DDT poisoning eventually extirpated the Bald eagle from California’s Channel Islands. The Catalina Island Conservancy and the Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) have been working in a long-standing relationship to restore Bald eagles to the island for decades. To assist the eagles, IWS biologists began retrieving the fragile eggs, hatching them off-site in incubators and returning healthy chicks to the nests, where the parents accepted them back and raised them. In 2007, DDT levels had finally decreased enough to allow bald eagles to successfully hatch eggs in the wild, when five eagle chicks hatched naturally – the first time an eagle had successfully hatched in over 50 years! By 2009, all nests on Catalina were left to natural hatching and incubation, and in 2014 and 2020 four more Bald eagle chicks hatched and fledged in nests around the island.

A herd of American Bison were supposedly first imported in 1924 for the silent film version of Catalina Island resident Zane Grey’s western novella, “The Vanishing American,” still roam the island. Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600 individuals, though the Catalina Island Conservancy concluded that a population of 150-200 individuals would reduce the impact of these non-native animals on the native flora and fauna to a sufficient degree. The herd was managed to the point where only 100 animals remained in 2020. To bolster the herd’s genetics, the Catalina Island Conservancy introduced two pregnant females in 2020.

SANTA BARBARA ISLAND

Santa Barbara Island (639 acres) is 1.67 miles across at its longest point and lies 73 nautical miles (nm) Southeast of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Island is the smallest of all of California’s Channel Islands and the southern-most member of the Channel Islands National Park. Like most of the Channel Islands, it can be seen from the mainland on exceptionally clear days usually in winter, though the island’s profile is markedly lower than those of its bigger counterparts. The highest peak on the Santa Barbara Island is Signal Hill, at 634 feet. Despite its volcanic composure of Miocene basalts, Santa Barbara Island is not a volcano. The steep wave-cut cliffs of its shoreline indicate that erosion is still in its formative processes; this is one of the younger Channel Islands. Signs of a rising and falling ocean are marked into the basalt cliffs. Six wave-cut marine terraces can be found, an indication of both changes in sea level as well as tectonic uplift and subsidence (called porpoising). A 130 ft. arch dominates the aptly named Arch Point on the northeast corner of the island. Extensive colonies of birds reside on the volcanic cliffs of Santa Barbara Island as well as the two nearby offshore rocks: Shag Rock off the northerly shore (1 acre), and Sutil Island off the southwest end (12 acres). The steep cliffs and isolation from mainland predators provide safe breeding sites for thousands of sea birds. Santa Barbara Island, although small by any standard, boasts an impressive diversity in its habitats, with a few narrow rocky beaches, six canyons, and a badlands area.

Santa Barbara Island is known for its large rookery where you can spend hours diving with sea lions. Photographers get more opportunities to photograph these animals up close here than any Channel Island. The playful, curious pups will pose and frolic in front of a diver’s lens as long as one can stay in the water.

Diving Santa Barbara Island with Channel Islands Expeditions will take you to a host of incredible sites around the island, including the famous undersea “Arch.” The top of the reef just breaks the surface at low tide and the bottom of the arch lies in 40 feet of water. One of the more unique underwater arches in the world it makes the perfect backdrop for photographers. In addition to the “Arch,” there are many offshore pinnacles that are home to shear walls along with some of the largest clusters of purple hydrocoral found anywhere.

Santa Barbara has long been a prime destination for spearfishing. Warm southern currents coupled with lush kelp beds make this island attract a wealth of game fish. Calico bass, white sea bass, yellowtail, and an occasional tuna are among the species that can be found in the waters surrounding this island. As with all Channel Islands, a healthy spiny lobster population makes this a favorite destination during season.

Santa Barbara Island can offer some of the best scuba diving found in Southern California but if conditions are rough there are not many places to go.

Similar in many ways to Anacapa Island, kayaking Santa Barbara Island offers the perfect setting for this water sport. Weather permitting, your expedition leader may decide to attempt a complete circumnavigation of Santa Barbara Island. Wind and swell can be a factor, so attempting this trip is best done on one of Channel Islands Expeditions multi-day adventures. Kayaking long distances with a support vessel offers an added layer of safety for an unforgettable journey around this hidden gem of the Pacific.

Hiking on Santa Barbara Island will provide you with one of the most remote island hiking experiences of any of the Channel Islands. Don’t be fooled, the steep incline of this island can offer a challenge to just about anyone, but just beyond that you will find five miles of hiking trails with gentle rolling hills and breathtaking panoramic ocean views.

Though is thought to have never been permanently inhabited, Santa Barbara Island may have played a crucial role in the lives of the island peoples who occupied the surrounding Channel Islands for well over 10,000 years. Archeological evidence suggests that Santa Barbara Island may have been a convenient stopover on inter-island trade routes, a testament to its central location in the Channel Islands chain. The rich marine life found here may have drawn people to seasonally harvest the shores of this island for shellfish, seals, and fish. Recent studies indicate this may have begun about 4,000 years ago.

The first European visitor to the Channel Islands in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer, made no mention of this island. Sixty years later, the island was named by Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who visited the island on December 4, 1602, the feast day dedicated to Santa Barbara. The island was infrequently visited in subsequent years, owning largely to its sparse vegetation and lack of a reliable water source. Santa Barbara Island did play host to an assemblage of seal hunters, squatters, fishermen, and the occasional whaling ship off its shores.

A few notable individuals eked out a living here, chief among them the family of Alvin Hyder. After a winning bid of $250 in 1916, Hyder and his family assumed ownership of the island and were the first to establish a residence of any permanence there. Hard work and a constant struggle to maintain a supply of fresh water were trademark features of a tough existence on this island. Santa Barbara Island would become a part of the Channel Islands National Monument in 1938 and was utilized as Coastal Lookout Station during WWII. Santa Barbara Island became part of the Channel Islands National Park upon its establishment in 1980.

Santa Barbara Island is home to a large sea lion rookery and seabird nesting colonies, including three species of storm-petrel, three species of cormorant, and the once-endangered California brown pelican. It is also home to the largest breeding colony for the Scripps’s Murrelet, a threatened seabird species. Scripps’s murrelet is listed as vulnerable, and is mainly threatened by oil spills, as the population exists in such a small area and is adjacent to the heavily trafficked shipping lanes that connect to the Port of Los Angeles. Spring rains bring out the flowering plants, such as the Giant coreopsis, the endemic Santa Barbara Island live-forever (Dudleya traskiae), shrubby buckwheat, sea blite, and an annual poppy. There is a visitor contact station and museum on the island with exhibits, dioramas, and murals of the natural and cultural resources.

San Nicholas Island

San Nicolas Island is the most remote of California’s Channel Islands lying 78 nautical miles (nm) south by southeast from Santa Barbara and 53 miles from the nearest coastline. Rising out of the rolling Pacific swells, the 14,500 acre (23 square miles) island is defined by wave cut terraces and windswept, grassy hills. It is currently controlled and operated as a weapons testing and training facility by the United States Navy. The island has a small airport and the several buildings supporting the naval operation are affectionately referred to as ‘Nictown.’ Landing on the island is strictly prohibited and one of the offshore water areas is restricted from transiting or anchoring.

Channel Islands Expeditions travels out to San Nicolas Island during the summer and early fall to dive the iconic Begg Rock and some of the island’s nearshore reefs. Begg Rock is a small rock lying almost 8 miles to the west from the island and it is one of California’s most pristine dive locations. This is open ocean diving so wind, swell, and currents can make this a difficult area to scuba dive. When the conditions are right, this dive will not be forgotten. Shear walls covered in corynactis anemones paint this dive in a rainbow of colors. In the fall, the island itself is a popular lobster diving area when they are in season. Its remote location means that a trip to San Nicolas implies a chance of encountering unstable weather. A day of unfavorable conditions can result in tough diving in this open ocean environment. However, or those up for the adventure, a good day of weather will result in one of the most unique and unforgettable dive experiences you can have at the Channel Islands.

No kayaking is available due to a mandatory 300-yard distance from shore regulation.

No island hiking available as landing is prohibited.

San Nicolas Island shows signs of habitation that date back over 10,000 years. The native peoples that most recently occupied the island are referred to as “Nicholeños,” who had their own distinctive language and culture, though they were probably related to the Tongva people who lived on Santa Catalina Island. The name the Tongva have for San Nicholas is ‘Haraashngna.’ We do not know much of the language or history of the Nicholeños, as the large majority of their population was evacuated and assimilated into the California mission system. Their language became extinct soon after.

The person who would become the most famous resident of San Nicholas Island was left behind by the Franciscan padres who took the rest of the Nicholeños to the California missions. Juana Maria, as she would be known (though her real name was never found out), was the last surviving member of the Nicholeños. She lived alone on the island for 18 years, subsisting on shellfish and seal fat from the Northern elephant seals. Captain George Nidever found Juana Maria on the island in 1853, living in a crude whalebone hut. She was brought back to Santa Barbara, and was the object of much curiosity, becoming well-known for the beautiful songs she would sing. This would be short-lived though, as she died only seven weeks after her arrival to the mainland. Her story was the basis for Scott O’Dell’s Newbery Medal-winning 1961 novel Island of the Blue Dolphins. Academic curiosity about the “Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island” still persists, and after a 20-year search, archaeologists may have uncovered the cave she lived in in 2012.

The ecological diversity of San Nicholas was heavily impacted by sheep ranching for a period of over 80 years. The sheep removed much of the native ground cover until their removal in 1943. This in turn increased the rates of erosion and promoted non-native plant species to spread. Despite the degradation, three endemic plants are found on the island:  Astragalus traskiae ,  Eriogonum grande tamorum , and  Lomatium insulare .

The isolated beaches of San Nicholas are anything but lonely during the breeding season of one of the world’s largest seals. The Northern elephant seal ( Mirounga angustirostris ) hauls out here to breed each season, with an estimated 23,000 individuals occupying the beachfront to mate and give birth to pups. A bull elephant seal can weigh in at over 8,000 pounds and measure at up to 16 feet from nose to tail. The female is distinctively smaller, “only” weighing in at 2,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet in length. The island is home to about 30 percent of the wide-ranging California population

The dominant plant community on the island is coastal bluff scrubland, with giant coreopsis ( Coreopsis gigantea ) and coyote brush ( Baccharis pilularis ) the most visible components. The few trees present today, including California fan palms ( Washingtonia filifera ) were introduced in modern times. However, early written accounts and the remains of ancient plants in the form of calcareous root casts, known as ‘caliche,’ indicate that, prior to 1860, brush covered a portion of the island.

There are only three species of endemic land vertebrates on the island; the Island night lizard ( Xantusia riversiana ), deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus exterus ), and island fox ( Urocyon littoralis dickey ). Two other reptiles, the common side-blotched lizard ( Uta stansburiana ), and the southern alligator lizard ( Elgaria multicarinatus ) were at one time thought to be endemic, but an analysis of mitochondrial DNA indicates that both species were most likely introduced in recent times.

San Nicolas Island is home to large populations of nesting birds. The two largest nesting populations are the Western gull ( Larus occidentalis ) and Brandt’s cormorant ( Phalacrocorax penicillatus ). These birds, along with the Island night lizard were threatened by a large population of feral cats, but after extensive eradication efforts by the US Navy and other organizations, the island was declared free of cats in 2012. The birds and once endangered Island night lizard populations immediately rebounded, and the night lizard was consequently taken off the endangered species list in 2014.

San Clemente Island

San Clemente Island is the southernmost of all eight of the Channel Islands and is located 113 nautical miles (nm) from Santa Barbara. It is 21 nm long and is 4-1/2 nm across at its widest point, with a total area of 57 square miles. The U.S. Navy acquired the island in 1934 and it has been owned and operated by various naval commands. San Clemente is also home to an auxiliary naval airfield, United States Navy SEALs training facilities, and the southern end of the island is the Navy’s only remaining ship-to-shore live firing range.

San Clemente Island is made of up of volcanic materials dating back to 5 million years ago. The terrain varies between exposed marine terraces and steep canyons dotted sparsely with freshwater springs. The island can be described as being on a ‘tilt;’ the north side rises dramatically out of the ocean (the highest point, Mt. Thirst, is 1,965 ft), while the south side has a much gentler slope to its rocky shores. With a frost-free, semi-arid climate, the island typically gets less than 6 inches of rain in a year.

Diving conditions at San Clemente Island are known for the clearest, warmest waters of all eight Channel Islands. Located in the southernmost region of California this island receives the warmest waters from the tropical currents from the south. Giant kelp beds, schools of fish, coral banks, and shear walls make this a diver’s paradise. Waters in the summer can reach over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and photographers flock to this island for some of the best wide-angle photography available in California.

Most of the prime scuba diving is located at each end of the island. The east end of the island is more protected and offers pinnacles, shear walls, and protected shallow kelp covered coves. San Clemente’s west end is more exposed to the westerly winds and swells but has some of the more prolific areas found off California. Nine Fathom Reef (it rises to 6 ½ fathoms) is a rocky structure with shear walls covered in purple hydrocoral. This is an open ocean diving location and is swept by currents and swells so diving this area can be tricky. Once dove, it is never forgotten.

Because of the military presence at the island, kayaking can be enjoyed near the boat only. As any on any of the Channel Islands, lush kelp beds, volcanic rock formations, and sea lions make kayaking well worth the effort. Generally, kayaking is done during one of Channel Islands Expeditions regularly scheduled liveaboard dive trips.

San Clemente Island is one of the best documented archeological settings in California. Archeologists have found traces of human occupation on the San Clemente Island dating back 10,000 years, a remarkable figure for an island 55 nautical miles out to sea, but consistent with results on other Channel Islands. The native inhabitants here called the island ‘ Kinipar ,’ and bore many cultural similarities to the nearby Nicholenos on San Nicolas Island. Travel between the islands was facilitated by the ‘ ti’at, ’ a plank canoe that enabled the islanders to cross wide channels and open ocean. Inhabitants here left trade materials from the northern islands and from the mainland, including Coso obsidian from the Mohave high desert. It has not been established what tribe the recent inhabitants belonged to, although the Tongva, from Santa Catalina Island and the Los Angeles Basin, are the most likely candidates. The Chumash who occupied the northern Channel Islands may have influenced the inhabitants.

The island was named by the mapping expedition Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who spotted it on November 23, 1602; known as Saint Clement’s feast day in the Catholic tradition. The first actual visit happened much later in 1769, when the  San Antonio  of the Portola expedition anchored in Pyramid Cove on the south end of the island. Natives rowed out in ti’ats and exchanged gifts with the expedition, including two otter-fur robes. It was later used by ranchers, fishermen, and smugglers during the 19th century and into the 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s the factory ships Lansing and California anchored off San Clemente Island, processing blue and fin whales, among other species, caught by their own fleets of steam-driven whale catchers.

In recent years effort has been made by several conservation organizations, including Channel Islands Restoration, to remove invasive species from San Clemente Island and promote the re-emergence of native and endemic flora and fauna. The removal of invasive ice plant has encouraged native plants, like the boxthorn ( Lycium spp .) to flourish. This is especially important as many endemic species of birds and reptiles use this native plant as cover and nesting habitat.

The San Clemente Island Loggerhead Shrike ( Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi ) is an endangered species that the Navy is taking steps to protect. The Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ) and San Clemente Island brodiaea ( Brodiaea kinkiensis ) are notable examples of endemic species on the island. Feral goats roamed the island for centuries, reaching a population of 11,000 in 1972 when their effect on indigenous species was realized. By 1980 the population had been reduced to 4,000 and a plan for shooting remaining goats was blocked in court by the Fund for Animals, so the goats were removed with nets and helicopters.

Anacapa Island

Anacapa is a small volcanic island located 28 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The smallest of the northern Channel Islands, Anacapa was discovered by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. Later, in 1793, Captain George Vancouver christened the island Anacapa, a name derived from the Chumash Indian word, “’anyapax,” which means translates to ‘illusion’ or ‘mirage.’ The island’s name, the only one of the Channel Islands chain to maintain its original etymology, suits the place very well. The low rises of the sea cliffs can often be shrouded by marine haze or fog giving the island an air of mystery.

Anacapa is composed of three islets: East Island, Middle Island and West Island. Altogether, the islets make up a narrow island that is 5 miles long and only a ¼ mile wide. Ocean waves have eroded the perimeter of the island, creating steep sea cliffs towering hundreds of feet in height and exposing the volcanic origins of air pockets, lava tubes, and sea caves. At the east end of the island a natural bridge has formed in the ocean. The forty-foot-high Cabrillo Arch is a trademark of Anacapa and the Channel Islands National Park. The highest peak is Summit Peak 2 on West Island at 930 feet.

ATTRACTIONS

Lurking serpent.

• Anacapa is the only island to retain its Chumash nomenclature, “Eenapah” meant “island of illusion”. This was due to the inversion layer of the atmosphere that sits near the horizon some days and makes the island look much larger than it is. To us it looks more like a lurking serpent out on the Channel on clear days. Either way, the island is mysterious and has an interesting history.

Chumash Camp

• Anacapa doesn’t have fresh water and therefor the Chumash didn’t make permanent settlements there. However, there are very large “middens” or trash piles of shells and such that suggest that the Chumash did in fact camp there when making their trade journeys to the mainland.

Navigation Hazard

• The Chumash most likely used Anacapa as a navigational aid and resting point while traveling, however, the mysterious rock has met it’s share of unintended visitors, including the 300+ people aboard the  Winfield Scott in 1853 when it went aground at Middle Anacapa .

USCG Lighthouse

• In 1932 the Anacapa lighthouse was completed on the Eastern island, almost 20 years after it was begun. This light has been keeping sailors from meeting similar fates of the Winfield Scott since that time.

National Park And Marine Sanctuary

• In 1980 congress signed into law the Channel Islands National Park which included Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands. It also established Marine Sanctuaries around both islands. 23 years later, in 2003, 13 marines protected areas were established, including the Anacapa Marine Reserve with more protection and enforcement.This protection has allowed fish species to rebound in diversity and density. Kayaking and snorkeling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is a profound example of how this protection has been effective and is important for overall ocean health.All of the kayaking and snorkeling on our tours take place in MPAs so you’ll get to see for yourself!

Diving at Anacapa Island is known for warmer waters as it is at the southern edge of the Northern chain of Channel Islands that receive tropical currents from the south. Many species that are found at the Southern chain of Channel Islands can be found at Anacapa. Lush kelp beds, Garibaldi’s, brittle stars, giant black sea bass, leopard sharks, and sea lions are common sights while scuba diving.

Photographers enjoy the clear waters and many student divers get their first island dive in its temperate conditions. Anacapa Island generally has calmer conditions as it is further to the east of the prevailing Northwest winds generated off Point Conception. Because of its proximity to the mainland, Anacapa is visited by more divers than any other island in the Northern chain of Channel Islands.

Kayaking at Anacapa is often the exclamation point at the end of a trip with Channel Islands Expeditions. Steep cliff faces, secluded coves, inlets packed with marine life, and beautiful sea caves are among just some of the sights you can explore with our expert guides. Kelp forests and sea grass flourish along this rocky coast, which serve as home and feeding ground for an abundance of wildlife. Though small in stature, Anacapa provides perhaps the most diverse sea cave experience of any of the Channel Islands. The basalt cliffs of the island are easily eroded over time by the sea, leaving spectacular geological formations that you’ll have to see to believe.

Landings are done at a pier in the landing cove at East Island. There is a staircase leading out of the cove up a steep cliff side that brings you to a figure eight-shaped trail system that is about 2 miles long. This trail will lead out to one of the most sought-after sea-scape overlooks in the national park, Inspiration Point. An interpretive trail guide is available on the island to interpret island resources. Middle and West Anacapa are not open to hiking as they are set aside for the island’s recovering sea bird populations.

Sea birds are the most conspicuous wildlife on the island. The largest breeding colony of the once-endangered California brown pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis californicus ) is located on West Anacapa. Other sea birds include Western gulls ( Larus occidentalis ) and several species of cormorants. Scripps’s murrelets ( Synthliboramphus scrippsi ) and Cassin’s auklets ( Ptychoramphus aleuticus ) nest in sea caves and on isolated rocky shores. Anacapa’s rocky shores provide resting and breeding areas for both California sea lions and Harbor seals, two species you have a high likelihood of encountering while on the water with Channel Islands Expeditions. Springtime brings colorful flowers, including the strange tree sunflower called coreopsis ( Coreopsis gigantea ), a plant found only on the Channel Islands and a few isolated areas on the mainland.

On the night of December 2, 1853, the sidewheel steamer  Winfield Scott  running at full speed crashed into the rocks off Middle Anacapa in dense fog and sank. Invasive ship rats ( Rattus rattus ) are thought to have been introduced to the island from the wrecked ship. They had devastating consequences for the island’s seabirds and other native species, but were successfully eradicated in 2001–2002. With the rats gone, the number of nesting Scripps’s murrelets has increased by more than 80 percent in the last two decades. This is one of many recoveries following invasive species eradications from the Channel Islands.

A U.S. Coast Survey team visited the island in 1854 and concluded that although the island’s position at the eastern entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel was a natural choice for a lighthouse “it is inconceivable for a lighthouse to be constructed on this mass of volcanic rock – perpendicular on every face, with an ascent inaccessible by any natural means.”

As approximately nine-tenths of all vessels trading up and down the Pacific Coast passed inside the islands of the Santa Barbara Channel, the American Association of Masters, Mates and Pilots petitioned for a proper fog signal on the island. Funds for what would be the last major light station to be built on the west coast were finally allocated in the late 1920s.

The construction of the station was carried out in two phases and commenced in the spring of 1930. A landing dock, a hoisting crane and roads were added first, and then work began on the various station buildings. A thirty-nine-foot, cylindrical tower and a fog signal were built near the highest point on the eastern end of the island. Four Spanish-style, white stucco houses with red tile roofs were provided for the keepers and their families. Today, there is a museum on the island which houses the original crystal and brass Fresnel lens from the light beacon.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the largest island off the continental United States. Located 23 nautical miles (nm) off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, the island is 22 miles long, from 2 to 6 miles wide, and is 97 square miles in area. The Chumash that inhabited this island for well over 11,000 years call this island ‘limuw,’ meaning “in the ocean.” The island Chumash consider this island to be the cradle of their civilization; the birthplace of their people. The scenic beauty of Santa Cruz is reflected in its many landforms including its two rugged mountain ranges. The highest peak on the island is Devil’s Peak, at 2450 feet. Deep canyons, year-round springs and streams, plus 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools, expansive beaches, and a central valley are features of the unique island. The central valley splits the island along the Santa Cruz Island Fault with volcanic rock on the north and older sedimentary rock on the south. Lying directly on the boundary between cold northern and warm southern waters, this island hosts unique plant, animal, and marine communities representing nearly 1000 miles of marine diversity from California’s coastline.

Diving at Santa Cruz Island is probably the most diverse of all eight Channel Islands. Being on the break of the warm southerly and colder northern currents creates marine habitat for many different species. Being the largest of California’s Channel Islands, there is a wide variety of different dive spots to explore around Santa Cruz Island, each with its own unique characteristics.

The northwest section of the island is volcanic with steep faces and hosts some of the world’s largest sea caves. The southeast section is more sedimentary with large plateaus and thick kelp beds. Santa Cruz offers more places to find good diving during rough weather periods than any other island due to its size and many coves. Seals, sea lions, bat rays, and many schools of fish are common sights while scuba diving with Channel Islands Expeditions along this island’s shores.

Given it’s ample 77-mile coastline, Santa Cruz Island has vast number of kayaking destinations that you are able to visit with Channel Islands Expeditions. In fact, traveling with CIX is the only way to see a vast majority of the island’s scenic shoreline, as most of the island itself is closed to conventional tourism.

Santa Cruz Island has huge variety of flora and fauna that live on and around it’s craggy cliff lines and giant sea caves. The west end of Santa Cruz Island is where you’ll find one of the world’s biggest sea caves, Painted Cave – so named for the vibrant lichen growth on the cave walls. Measured at a towering 160 ft at its entrance, Painted Cave stretches back into the basalt cliff for over a quarter-mile before you reach its terminus. Expect to see plenty of playful sea lions and seals as well as a host of bird life here or anywhere else you paddle on Santa Cruz Island.

There are several hiking trails and roads that traverse the eastern portion of Santa Cruz Island that is part of the Channel Islands National Park. While visitors may explore this section, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property to the west without first obtaining a permit. Landings onto Santa Cruz are either by pier or by skiff. Potential landing areas include Prisoners Harbor and Smugglers Cove.

Once on the Santa Cruz, a well-marked trail system will take you to several scenic overlooks of the island’s coastline, as well as to areas of natural and historical significance. Consult your Channel Islands Expeditions trip leaders as to what may be possible on your expedition, as there is such a vast array of options to explore on this island. Wherever you go, be sure to keep a sharp eye out for some of the island’s many endemic species found here and no where else in the world, including the Island scrub jay and the Island fox.

Archaeological investigations indicate that Santa Cruz Island has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years. Chumash of limuw had their largest village, swaxil, located near present day Scorpion Anchorage. The island had over 10 villages and was home to over 1,200 people. They developed a highly complex society dependent on marine harvest and craft specialization. The island Chumash produced shell-beads that they used for currency. This formed the backbone of an intricate inter-island and cross-channel trading system with the counterparts on the mainland. Their trade was made possible by  tomols , plank canoes constructed from driftwood and sealed with tar and pitch. In teams of as many as ten people, the Chumash would paddle across the channel and trade shell-bead money and island goods for food staples and other goods from the mainland.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his men made first contact with the Chumash of limuw in 1542. The journey would eventually be Cabrillo’s demise, as he is rumored to have died in the winter of 1543 on San Miguel Island, though some postulate we very well could have died on Santa Cruz. The explorers and missionaries that visited after him discovered the complex aboriginal society of the Chumash. Legend has it that on one such visit during a gift exchange, a staff with an iron cross atop of it was forgotten. The next day, the Chumash paddled in a tomol to the expedition’s ship and return it. From that day, the island was called “La Isla de la Santa Cruz,” meaning “the island of the sacred cross.”

By the early 1800’s the Chumash were said to have ‘voluntarily’ moved to the Santa Barbara and Santa Buenaventura missions. Thus ended 10,000 years of habitation by the Chumash on Santa Cruz Island. The Mexican government claimed the island as its own territory in 1821 before California’s independence movement began in 1838. Santa Cruz Island was gifted to Andres Castillero for his role in brokering a shaky peace in California. He would be the first of many private owners who would shape the island into what it is today.

The ranching period on Santa Cruz began with a small sheep ranching operation managed by James Barron Shaw and grew to be one a well-recognized operation by the 1860’s. Ownership of the ranch passed on to the businessman Justinian Caire in 1886, who had a vision to establish both sheep and cattle ranching on Santa Cruz Island as well as one of California’s first commercial vineyards. Caire’s legacy of ranching and land husbandry would remain until the National Park Service bought the east end of Santa Cruz Island from Caire’s descendants in 1980 and the last of the flocks of sheep were taken off the island in 1999. The Nature Conservancy came into full ownership of the west end of the island, including Main Ranch in the central valley in 1987.

Today, Santa Cruz Island is divided between The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the western 76% of the island; the eastern 24% is owned and managed by the National Park Service.

Permanent and seasonal water sources, plus a number of microclimates, support over 650 species of plants and trees in ten different plant communities, from marshes and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Owing to millions of years of isolation, eight of these plants are “endemic”-they grow nowhere else in the world. Springtime is a patchwork of blooming annuals, sometimes seen from the mainland as bright splashes of color. Over 140 land bird species have been identified here. The Island scrub jay ( Aphelocoma insularis ), a Santa Cruz Island endemic, is a living example of “gigantism,” whereby some island animals evolve to a larger form. This bird is one-third bigger and much bluer than the mainland scrub jay. Other animals, like the Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ) and Island spotted skunk ( Spilogale gracilis amphialus ), tend toward “dwarfism,” growing smaller over the ages. Eleven other mammal species including nine bats, deer and harvest mouse, three kinds of amphibians including the Channel Islands slender salamander ( Batrachoseps pacificus ), five reptiles including the Side-blotched lizard, Southern alligator lizard, Western fence lizard, Western yellow belly racer, and Gopher snake, might be seen by visitors.

Bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) were once numerous on California’s Channel Islands, but because of eggshell thinning caused by the illegal dumping of the pesticide, “DDT,” and other factors, the last known successful Bald eagle nesting in the northern Channel Islands was in 1949. By the 1960’s, Bald eagles could no longer be found on any of the Channel Islands. Soon after, Golden eagles ( Aquila chrysaetos ) began nesting on the islands, and began hunting Island foxes until native fox populations declined to a threatened status. After successful trapping and relocating of the Golden eagles, the Institute for Wildlife Studies started a program in 2002 to reintroduce Bald eagles to the California’s Channel Islands funded by money from a $25 million fund to deal with the lingering effects of DDT dumped by the Montrose Chemical Corporation into the ocean near Los Angeles.

Between 2002 and 2006, 61 young bald eagles have been released on Santa Cruz Island. On March 17, 2006 wildlife biologists for the Institute announced that for the first time in over 50 years there has been a successful hatching on Santa Cruz Island. In April 2007, the Nature Conservancy announced another successful chick hatching. The chick broke free of its shell on April 13, 2007. The parents were one of the two nesting pairs who had returned to the island after making history the previous year. Both pairs were born in captivity. This second birth represented a turning point in the struggle to return the eagles to their former habitat on the island. Three nests have now been documented on Santa Cruz island as of the 2008 breeding season.

Painted Cave

Santa rosa island.

Santa Rosa Island is the second largest of the Channel Islands and lies about 26 nautical miles (nm) from Santa Barbara. The island is nearly 17 nm long, 10.75 nm wide at the widest point, and 53,000 acres or 83 square miles in total area. The island has a relatively low profile with the exception of a rugged central mountain range.

The highest peak in the range is Vail Peak, at 1589 feet.

It is a diverse island of grass-covered rolling hills, steep canyons, creeks, rocky inter-tidal areas and sandy beaches adorned with sand dunes and driftwood. The Chumash, the native peoples who inhabited the Channel Islands for well over twelve millennia called this island “wima,” the Chumash word for “driftwood.” It is thought that the island is so named for the driftwood (sometimes redwood) logs that would wash ashore here. They would use these logs to craft dugout canoes called “ tomols ” with which they would travel and trade from island to island and to the mainland.

In the 1970’s and 80’s scuba divers flocked to Santa Rosa to take advantage of the many species of game fish available. Talcott Shoals, which lies off the northwest section of the island, is a large plateau that offers various terrains for divers. The western section of Talcott becomes more dramatic in its topography and offers not only hunting opportunities for game-divers, but great underwater photography opportunities as well. The shipwreck of the Aggie , which lays in 25 to 50 feet of water along a ridge, is readily accessible to divers at Talcott. The east end of Santa Rosa has a wonderful assortment of pinnacles that are covered in corynactis (strawberry anemone) and large schools of fish. Santa Rosa Island lies at an intersection of warm-water and cold, nutrient-rich currents. A diverse web of marine life can be found and enjoyed in these pristine waters.

Kayaking at Santa Rosa Island is a fascinating way to experience a wild California seascape. The sandy beaches and cliffs are breeding and resting areas for sea birds and seals and sea lions. Kayaking will often give you views and access to wildlife that you might not get in any other way. However, being a wild place means that we are at the mercy of the wind and waves. There may be times when the conditions are not favorable for kayaking, or when kayaking at particular location may require you and your group to be experienced paddlers.

Hiking with Channel Islands Expeditions on Santa Rosa Island will lead you down some of the several trails and roads traverse the island, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular scenery Santa Rosa provides. These trails and roads range from the relatively flat route to Water Canyon Beach to the rugged, mountainous path to Black Mountain.

A variety of Torrey Pine ( Pinus torreyana var. insularis ) grows on the island. The population of this endangered species is estimated at approximately 1000 trees. This ancient grove is just a remnant of a much larger forest of Torrey pines that once existed in the Pleistocene era, some 12,000 years ago. A trail that leads to this exceedingly rare species of pine tree can be accessed from Becher’s Bay, the island’s main landing.

Keep a sharp eye out for the Island fox, Spotted skunk, and Munchkin dudleya ( Dudleya gnoma ); one of the six endemic plant species on the island. 

Archeological and paleontological sites are abundant on the island. In 1994, the world’s most complete skeleton of a pygmy mammoth ( Mammuthus exilis ) had been excavated; a dwarf species related to the Columbian mammoths. In 1960 archaeologists discovered humans remains dating back 13,000 years at Arlington Springs on Santa Rosa Island. These remains are among the oldest human remains in the Americas and were discovered by Phil C. Orr, curator of anthropology and natural history at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Orr believed the remains were those of a 10,000-year old man and dubbed them the “Arlington Springs Man”.

Santa Rosa Island was originally part of a Spanish land grant. The island was used as a sheep ranch during the mid-1800s by the More family. Then during the cold war the United States Air Force maintained a radar base on the island. In the late 1970s Mobil Oil Corporation was granted exploration rights on the island. Both explosive and vibroseis exploration methods were used. Extensive surveys and geological maps were made at that time. Finally, in 1980, Santa Rosa Island was included within Channel Islands National Park.

San Miguel Island

Wind-battered San Miguel Island is the westernmost of California’s Channel Islands lying 45 nautical miles (nm) from Santa Barbara. San Miguel is the sixth largest of all eight offshore islands at 9,500 acres or 14 square miles, including offshore islands and rocks. The island at its furthest extent is 8 miles long and 3.7 miles wide. The highest peak is San Miguel Hill, at 831 feet. Its maritime location makes San Miguel subject to high winds and lots of fog. The cold, nutrient-rich water surrounding the island supports a diverse array of sea life that is not found on the southern or eastern counterparts.

Channel Islands Expeditions can take you to this windswept tableland of lush grasses and wildflowers, with 27 miles of jagged, rocky coastline dotted with sandy white beaches. An impressive Caliche forest (sand-castings of an ancient forest) near Cuyler’s Harbor reminds us that San Miguel once supported much more varied plant life than it does now. The westernmost beach, Point Bennett, is the only place in the world where up to five different species of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) can be found. When the weather permits, scuba diving and kayaking with these creatures is a truly unique experience.

San Miguel has some of the most spectacular scuba diving found anywhere off the coast of California. On a given day the water can be 10 to 15 degrees colder at San Miguel so proper equipment (7 mm wetsuit minimum or drysuit) is needed to enjoy this remote dive location. The topography at its offshore pinnacles makes a diver feel small. Mountainous pinnacles can go from 20 feet of water to 200 on some walls. More varieties of seals and sea lions can be viewed here than any other Channel Island. Protected coves, banks, offshore rocks and pinnacles make this a sought-after destination for scuba divers. Weather protects this island from too much human visitation so patience is needed to dive here on a nice day. A nice day at San Miguel is about as good as it gets.

Weather, weather, weather. Anyone who sets out to enjoy a day of kayaking around San Miguel Island needs to understand that the weather at this remote island can change in a minute. Generally, it would be considered a more advanced area to kayak but good weather periods do happen. The remoteness and wildlife at this island make kayaking incredibly unique. Large seal and sea lion colonies are spread out along the shores. Many varieties seabirds call this home and dolphins and whales are commonly sighted near shore. Special arrangements can be made on private charters for island to island kayaking. Advanced kayakers have found the downhill run in a northwest wind to be invigorating. Attempting this should be done by only those who have the skill and endurance along with support vessel assistance supplied by Channel Islands Expeditions on its multi-day liveaboard excursions.

There are several trails that traverse San Miguel Island providing a variety of hikes. Many parts of the island are closed to protect wildlife, fragile plants, and geological features, so hikes outside of the Cuyler Harbor beach, Cabrillo Monument, and Lester Ranch site are done with a qualified naturalist or Park Ranger. Longer hikes are available on Channel Islands Expeditions multi-day liveaboard excursions to San Miguel. A vigorous 16-mile hike to Point Bennett will take you to see one of the most spectacular wildlife events on our planet. Over 30,000 seals and sea lions can be hauled out on the point at certain times of year.

There is no pier on San Miguel Island so all landings are done by inflatable skiff at Cuyler Harbor. Landing on the island can be an exciting experience as the surf can make the landing challenging. Channel Islands Expeditions has developed a “launch line” procedure that has made this operation much safer for our passengers.

Being the most westerly of the Channel Islands, San Miguel Island is more prone to receive the brunt of any weather systems that move through the area. Most of the time a strong northwest wind blows across the island and these winds typically exceed 25 mph and can surpass 50 mph. When strong high pressure is over the mainland, the winds often cease creating a surreal environment. On warmer days the fog will burn off only to have the strong northwest wind blow in additional fog from the open ocean. On foggy days the temperature will rarely exceed 55°F.

The National Park Service maintains two airstrips, a ranger station and a research station on the island. San Miguel is normally staffed by a ranger who enforces park laws, while also sometimes providing interpretive services for public visitors. The island also hosts scientists that study pinnipeds and manage the Island fox (Urocyon littoralis) captive breeding program that is conducted on the island. Volunteer interpretive rangers often fill in for regularly paid rangers due to budget deficits within the park. Park employees and researchers are flown to the island by Channel Islands Aviation. Public visitors are not permitted to fly in.

Archaeological research has uncovered over 600 fragile and relatively undisturbed sites belonging to the native peoples that once lived here. Some have been radio-carbon dated to 11,600 years ago. Because the northern Channel Islands have not been connected to the adjacent mainland in recent geological history, the paleoindians who first settled the island clearly had boats and other maritime technologies. Rough seas and risky landings did not daunt the Chumash who lived there in later times, nor did they deter the first European explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, in 1542, who first claimed the island for the Spanish crown, named it “La Posesion.” San Miguel is also rumored to be Cabrillo’s burial place (there is a monument there in his honor).

Ranchers raised sheep from 1850 to 1948. One of the longest homesteaded ranching families were the Lesters, a family of four that parted their way from the island during Pearl Harbor due to the dangers the war posed on them. The detailed information was written and published in a book called “The Legendary King of San Miguel Island,” by Elizabeth Sherman Lester. Later, the United States Navy used the island for a bombing range.

San Miguel is world famous for its pinniped viewing. In the winter, as many as 30,000 individual seals and sea lions of five different species can be seen at one time on Point Bennett, where they breed and birth their pups. Other wildlife includes the Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ), a species that is found only on the Channel Islands. Over one third of the bird-life in the Channel Islands National Park lives here on San Miguel Island. Species like the California brown pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis californicus),  cormorants, and Cassin’s auklets all breed on the island and its surrounding islets. Terrestrial birds include the Western meadowlark ( Sturnella neglecta ), Channel Islands song sparrow ( Melospiza melodia graminea ), and Peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus ).

A geologic feature called the caliche forest attracts many people. This ghost forest was formed by caliche sand castings of plant roots and trunks. Today the plants are long gone, leaving behind the eerie stone replicas. Come springtime, San Miguel’s wildflowers are spectacular due to the abundance of fog and moisture. Any one of these natural features is stunning in its own right. Together, they make for a photographer’s paradise.

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Getaway Compass

Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park: Santa Cruz Island

A day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island, is a perfect way to spend a vacation day. Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of California and is made up of five islands: Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island, and Santa Barbra Island. The islands were formed by plate tectonics, underwater volcanoes, and changing sea levels. Santa Cruz Island is the largest island in Channel Islands National Park with 61,972 acres, measuring 22 miles long and 2-6 miles wide.

We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because at only about an hour away from the mainland it offers a lot of things to do and see and is possible to visit on a day trip. Anacapa Island is closer than Santa Cruz Island, however it is very small and offers less options for hiking. The other three islands are a 3-4 hour boat ride away, which makes it difficult to visit on a day trip unless you are willing to spend a lot of money on a flight with Channel Islands Aviation. Follow this guide for how to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island.

When to Visit Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is open year round. We visited in September and had hot weather in the 80s. Many of the plants had dried up during the summer so the island wasn’t very green in September. Spring is the best time to do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park if you want to see more foliage while still enjoying nice weather.

Do you want to visit more national parks in California? Check out our guide to a weekend in Death Valley National Park

How to Get to Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

To get to the Channel Islands, you can take an Island Packers boat, book a flight with Channel Islands Aviation, or use a private boat. Flights are extremely expensive, and most of us don’t have a private boat, so the best option is to book a trip with Island Packers. Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. It costs about $60 per person roundtrip to Santa Cruz Island. There are two locations that Island Packers goes to on Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Anchorage. Scorpion Anchorage is a better option for a day trip because it is closer and has more short hiking trails that you can do in one day as well as kayak and snorkeling tours. 

The Island Packers boats leave from Ventura Harbor in California and take about 1 hour to get to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz. You should book your trip ahead of time on the Island Packers website  because boats do fill up. There are Island Packers boats leaving Ventura at in the morning (around 8-9 am) and returning in the afternoon (around 4- 4:30 pm). If you do your day trip to the Channel Islands with Island Packers, you will have about 6-7 hours to spend on Santa Cruz Island.

Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. We got there about 30 minutes before and still had plenty of time to check in and wait before boarding the boat. If you want to make sure you get the best seats you could arrive earlier to get in line sooner. 

The boat is fairly large, and has indoor seating, outdoor seating in the back, and second floor seating with both covered and uncovered parts. There are two bathrooms on the boat which aren’t bad, but I wouldn’t recommend going when the boat is moving since it can get bumpy. The boat also has a counter with snacks and drinks you can buy. If you are prone to sea sickness or aren’t sure, I highly recommend taking sea sickness medication like Dramamine at least 30 minutes before the boat ride.

The boat ride is part of the experience of the day trip to the Channel Islands, as you can see many different birds and animals on the way. We were lucky to spot a big group of Dolphins and spent time watching them swim around the boat. 

FREE Southern California Coast Google Maps List with 80+ Destinations

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Where to Stay Near Ventura Harbor

The Island Packers boat to Santa Cruz Island leaves early from Ventura Harbor, so I recommend booking accommodation nearby for the night before. Booking.com is a great site to search accommodation near Ventura Harbor. You can find accommodations in Ventura or nearby cities such as Camarillo , Thousand Oaks , and Malibu .

Things to Know for Your Day Trip to Santa Cruz Island

• There is no entrance fee to Channel Islands National Park but you will have to pay for the round-trip boat ticket with Island Packers .
• There is no food on any of the Channel Islands, so make sure to bring food with you and a bag to carry your trash out.
• There is potable water on Santa Cruz Island in the Scorpion campground where you can refill your water bottle. Be careful because the water spigots tend to have a lot of yellow jackets around them.
• It can get cold on the boat on the way to and from Santa Cruz Island so be prepared with additional layers.
• Make sure to decide on your Channel Islands itinerary for the day before you leave as there will be no service on the island to do any research. If you want to book a kayak or snorkeling tour you will have to do that ahead of time.

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Santa Cruz Island

• Dry Bag : Make sure to bring a dry bag if you plan on going kayaking. I always use this 10L dry bag for all my kayaking adventures.
• Snorkel Gear : If you prefer to use your own snorkel and mask, this snorkel set is a perfect option for snorkeling in the Channel Islands.
• Water Bottle : Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle with you which you re-fill at Scorpion campground. This Stanley Water Bottle is really light to carry and stays cold for 12 hours.
• Bathing Suit : If you would like to swim or snorkel, make sure you bring your bathing suit.
• Beach Towel : This quick dry beach towel is light and compact so it is a great option to bring on your day trip to the Channel Islands.
• Dramamine or Sea Sickness Medicine : If you normally get sea sick or you aren’t sure, I recommend taking Dramamine or another sea sickness medication ahead of the boat ride.
• Sunscreen : A must when visiting the Channel Islands as the sun can be strong especially on a clear day.
• Sunglasses:  When we visited Santa Cruz Island it was so bright it was hard to see without sunglasses. Don’t forget to bring a pair with you!
• Binoculars : Bring binoculars with you so you can spot animals on the boat ride to Santa Cruz such as dolphins and whales.
• Underwater Camera : If you are planning on snorkeling, capture your underwater adventure with a waterproof camera.
• Snacks : There is no food on Santa Cruz Island, so make sure you bring food with you for the day. You can also purchase snacks on the boat ride to the island.
• Extra Layers : The boat can get cold during the ride especially on a windy day so make sure to bring extra layers.

Best Things to Do on Santa Cruz Island

There are a lot of things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. A unique experience you can book on Channel Islands is this  Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour (2.5-3 hours). After kayaking you should hike the recommended path below along the coast to Cavern Point and Potato Harbor.

We spent the day doing a long hike but we wish we would have spent the money and done the kayak tour. Hiking Santa Cruz Island was incredible, but we felt like the first loop was enough for us to get a good taste of the island by land. It definitely seems worth it to spend time exploring the nearby sea caves. If you don’t want to spend the money on the kayak tour (yes, its pricey), you could spend your day at Channel Islands National Park doing one or both of the hikes below, and then snorkeling on your own with your extra time.

For another island adventure check out the 20 best things to do on Oahu

Hike on Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island has a few beautiful hiking trails. One of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Island is to hike to Potato Harbor Overlook where you can see a beautiful view of the clear blue water below. If you arrive to Scorpion Anchorage I recommend hiking at least the blue loop above. If you have more time you can combine multiple hikes and do both the blue and green loops. Both of the outlined hikes combined will total about 7 miles so it will take up most of your day on Santa Cruz Island.

Are you spending time in San Diego? Check out these activities on Get Your Guide  including a Brunch Cruise , Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise , and a sea kayaking tour in La Jolla .

Cavern Point and Potato Harbor Loop

Hike Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise and then continue on North Bluff Trail to Potato Harbor overlook . If you start Cavern Point Loop counterclockwise, the trail starts about a 5 minute walk up from the pier, past the bathrooms. You will see the museum ahead of you and a small sign on the right that says Cavern Pt Loop Trail. Follow this path up and you will see incredible views of Scorpion Anchorage, the nearby Anacapa Island, and the large cliffs. As you continue hiking the trail there will be more breathtaking views of the large cliffs and you will also be able to spot sea caves. 

The point where you turn around is Potato Harbor Overlook (pictured in the last photo above), where you will see this amazing view of the clear blue water and can also see sea lions. A day trip to Channel Islands National Park is not complete without visiting Potato Harbor Overlook. To get back, head town the trail on the right (Potato Harbor Road). Once you get to the campground if you have more time you should continue to Scorpion Canyon . On the way down the trail, near the campground, we saw a few island foxes. This species of island fox evolved from the mainland gray fox.

Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail

The second loop, Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail , is marked in green in the map above. This hike is a significantly steeper climb and is only recommended if you are planning to spend the entire day in Santa Cruz Island hiking. You will continue this part of the hike at the campground, where you should first fill up your water at the spigot (watch out for yellow jackets!). There are bathrooms located at this campground if needed. On the southwest corner of the campground you will see the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail. There is barely any shade on this trail so make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail is a nice hike through and up the canyon with different views of the island, the nearby Anacapa Island, and the ocean. This hike would be the best in the spring when Santa Cruz Island has more foliage since it is mostly internal through the canyon.

Spend more time in Southern California with a  Weekend Getaway to Temecula Wine Region

Kayak Around Santa Cruz Island and Explore Sea Caves

One of the best things to do while visiting Santa Cruz Island is to kayak and explore the sea caves. You will find many unique sea caves near Scorpion Anchorage, making Santa Cruz Island a unique place to kayak. Channel Islands Adventure Company offers kayak tours that range from 2.5-5 hours long where you can explore the sea caves. In the longer tour you will get to kayak to Potato Harbor. The other option is you could bring your own kayak or rent a kayak from Channel Islands Kayak Center for the day and pay a fee to Island Packers to transport it for you. You would need to contact Island Packers ahead of time to make sure they have space to transport the kayak. Bringing a kayak with you to Santa Cruz Island would be the cheaper option but would take more effort to coordinate.

Snorkel at Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island

Snorkeling is another fun activity you can do on your Santa Cruz Island day trip. You can snorkel at Santa Cruz Island in Scorpion Anchorage on your own or with a guided tour. I recommend purchasing your own snorkel gear ahead of the trip and bringing it with you so you can snorkel off the rock beach at Scorpion Anchorage. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent snorkel gear from Channel Islands Adventure Company  when you arrive at Santa Cruz or ahead of time on their website. They have a small store located about a 10 minute walk from the pier, past the restrooms and museum. 

From June to September Channel Islands Adventure Company also offers guided snorkeling tours on Saturdays and Sundays. The snorkel tour is significantly more expensive than buying or renting snorkel gear, so opt for snorkeling on your own if you are looking to save money. You can reserve snorkel gear or a snorkel tour and see the most updated prices on the Channel Islands Adventure Company website .

Read More: Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary

Learn About Channel Islands National Park in the Museum

On your Channel Islands day trip don’t miss the museum where you can learn more about the Channel Islands. The museum walks you through how the Channel Islands were formed, the history of ranching in Santa Cruz, the different animals that adapted to the island, and the conservation efforts of the park today. Santa Cruz Island used to be one big ranch which provided food, hay, grain, pasture, sheep, cattle, wine and more.

Boat Ride Back to Ventura: Look for Animals!

End your day trip to Santa Cruz Island with a nice boat ride back to Ventura. Look for animals on your way back such as dolphins, whales, and birds. The captain will point out animals that they spot and slow down the boat so everyone can see.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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TRIPS TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR TRIP:

You must select the correct ticket type on both your departure and return trips. You will not be guaranteed transportation if you book the incorrect ticket type. We have very strict inventory control with camper / day trip passenger allocations

• DAY VISITORS: People departing and returning to a mainland port without an overnight stay.

• CAMPERS: People staying overnight one or more nights.

Is your date fully booked?

Join our Standby List and we’ll notify you if it becomes available!

SELECT YOUR TRIP:

Ventura → scorpion cove.

*You must purchase your departure trip AND return trip

• One way trip from Ventura to Scorpion Cove, Santa Cruz Island
• Return trip from Scorpion Cove back to Ventura

Day Fares – One Way:

• Adult (13-54): $33.00
• Senior (55 and up): $30.50
• Military: $30.50
• Child (3-12): $23.50
• Infant (under 3): $0.00

Camper/Overnight Transport Fares – One Way:

• Adult (13-54): $44.00
• Senior (55 and up): $41.50
• Military: $41.50
• Child (3-12): $32.00
• Users All Ages
• Clock 1.25 Hours (times are approximate)

VENTURA → PRISONERS HARBOR

• One way trip from Ventura to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island
• Return trip from Prisoners Harbor back to Ventura
• Disembarking at Prisoner’s Harbor requires passengers to climb a ladder of 2- 8 rungs depending on the tide, and to descend the ladder when reboarding.
• Clock 2 Hours
• Info Prisoners Harbor Information >>

VENTURA → PAINTED CAVE EXCURSION → PRISONER’S HARBOR → VENTURA

Painted Cave excursions originate on select departures to Prisoner’s Harbor. Crossing time to Prisoner’s is approximately 1.5 hours, more if we find wildlife in the channel. After a brief stop at Prisoners, the boat continues to Painted Cave along the north shore of Santa Cruz. Our 64′ catamaran will enter the first chamber of the cave to view one of the largest known sea caves on the planet. There is no landing at Painted Cave, but the photos and memories should be unforgettable.

After visiting Painted Cave, passengers return to Prisoner’s Harbor to disembark and spend the rest of their time ashore. Disembarking at Prisoner’s Harbor requires passengers to climb a ladder of 2- 8 rungs depending on the tide, and to descend the ladder when re-boarding. Passengers have approximately 3+ hours to spend the remainder of their day hiking, picnicking and exploring Prisoner’s Harbor. Prisoners Harbor has a recently renewed wetlands area. The National Park and The Nature Conservancy together recovered this area once lost to ranching needs.

BOOKED YOUR TRIP? - LEARN MORE BEFORE YOU GO!

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North Seymour Island Day Tour

North Seymour is one especial site. It is a hotspot for wildlife. In this excursion you will have the amazing opportunity to visit three breeding colonies of seabirds , a sea lions’ colony , among other animals and endemic plants . The main attraction on Bachas Beach is to snorkel with Galapagos green sea turtles and to find the American flamingos . The order of these visits depends on the boat itinerary been authorized by the GNPS.

Naturalist guide

Key Features

Seabird breeding colonies: Frigate birds, blue footed boobies and swallow tail gulls.

Galapagos land iguana.

American Flamingos.

Description

You will start your 45 minutes sailing from the Itabaca Channel to the North Channel (North of Baltra). To visit North Seymour , you disembark on a semi natural duck (dry landing). You may do a short dingy ride before or after your landing. Since you put your eyes in this piece of land, you will start enjoying the wild life : sally lightfoot crabs welcome you, then some swallow tail gull (the only nocturnal gulls). The trail is a loop, one part is following the coast and then gets inland. Your guide will decide which way to go. Here you will have the unique opportunity to find the two species of frigate birds , and the regular bag of these males trying to get the attention of a female. Also, you might see a glamorous blue footed booby dance, and chicks, sometimes few or several, depending on the season. Then you will return to the boat, to get ready to snorkel in North Seymour , if the sea conditions allow. Then back on board to have lunch while you sail to the North coast of Santa Cruz to have a disembark on a beautiful white sandy Bachas beach , there you will walk with your guide to a brackish lagoon to look after flamingos , and you will have time to swim or snorkel (especially if the conditions in North Seymour were bad). The beach to be visited ( Bachas or Mosquera ) depends on the authorization of the Galapagos National Park on the day of your journey.

This agile bird got bad fame. They been known as “the pirates of the sea”. We must clarify that we have two native species: 1) The magnificent frigate-bird that is a klepto-parasite (steal for living) getting catch from other birds (gull, boobies, tropicbirds and others). The great frigate-bird, that acts mostly as a scavenger, they follow predators like sea lions or orcas and getting the leftovers from the surface of the sea. Both species don’t like to get wet and can fly very high some of them reaching 2,500 m it means over 8,200 ft.

Blue in nature is a very unusual one, and the blue kind of booby feet its incredible. Scientist had found that the tone of blue matters, it is important since reveal how healthy, mature and well feed is a booby. The best is a kind of bright turquoise, no too dark purple, not too light-blue. Apparently, the couple dance, that involve to show each other their feet, helps to pick the right partner, in something that is call “sexual selection in both sides”.

This endemic bird only breeds in the Galápagos, but its fishing areas are in the open ocean mainly in front of the coast of Chile and Perú. They catch the prey (small fish and squids) using its hooked bill from the water surface. It is the unique species of its genus, because is the only nocturnal gull all over the world, they have bigger eyes than other gulls. They also have a tapetum lucidum in the back of the eye that reflects light back through the retina, increasing the amount of light available to the photoreceptor cells.

About 74 of this endemic iguanas were brought to North Seymour from Baltra, by Captain Hancock in 1934. Since they were struggling there with several introduce animal. He never came back to see how they were doing. But this action save them from extinction. Only two males survive in Baltra once the US army gave back this island to Ecuador. Baltra was used for eight year as an strategic base in the South Pacific to patrol the Panama Channel. In 1981 the iguanas returned to Baltra, once that the GNPS eliminated all the large introduce goats, they seem ok, but the breeding success was almost zero, because of the cats, rats and ants. In 2014 Baltra was one of the first island to be declared cats free, after 10 years of survey since the elimination of this species. The rats and ants were controlled, and nowadays is quite common to see land iguanas in Baltra.

North Saymour Day Tour

• Birth Watching
• Amazing Views

North Seymour

JP47+4R Seymour, Ecuador

North Seymour Island

We will meet at the meeting point to take you to the Itabaca Channel (north part of Santa Cruz). You will be taken to the boat by a dingy or a “panga”. You will sail for about 45 minutes, depending on the sea conditions. Once you arrive to the first visit there you disembark, after which you will be going back to the boat to have a snack onboard, before next activity.

Bachas Beach or Mosquera Islet

Then you will be enjoying a second visit, in North Seymour you will walk for about one hour and a half. In Bachas beach or Mosquera islet; you will spend about 45 minutes to one hour, there you can do some snorkel, go for a swim or just relax in the sand. In between these two sites you will have lunch, first to the Itabaca Channel and then to your hotel.

North Seymour loop path will be about 2 km or 1.2 mile.  Bachas, the two beaches walk are about 1 km (0.6 mile)

We strongly recommend to protect yourself from the sun, even if you have a cloudy day, in out latitud the perpendicular sunlight could still burn your skin. Use longslives, sunglasses and huts. The best way to use the sunscreen is putting in the morning on your dry clean skin and reused every 2 to 3 hours. Don’t forget to drink enough water, but consider that we don’t have washrooms on the visit sites. 

For the snorkel during the cold season (June to November) try to bring or rent a wetsuit. The best option is a 2.5 mm. During sailing, keep your eyes in the water you might see sea birds, jumping rays or even whales and dolphins

Information

Tour details.

Bilingual guide

Transportation

Snorkel Equipment

• Reviews (7)

7 reviews for North Seymour Island Day Tour

Silvana Delgado (verified owner) – January 8, 2022

Es impresionante estar tan cerca de estos hermosos pájaros con sus vistosos colores y hermosos comportamientos, vimos bebés fragatas con su plumaje blanco que parece de algodón, fragatas adultas con sus grandes e infladas bolsas rojas, iguanas amarillas y los famosos Piqueros de Patas Azules!! Extraordinario !!

Grace – January 25, 2022

Que gusto que disfrutaron de nuestras aves irónicas de Galápagos.

Brishnananda Garcia Delgado (verified owner) – January 15, 2022

Excellent service, they picked us up with a van to us to the port, went on a nice yate to a couple islands, tons animals, snorkeling with sea lions and so on, really recommend it!

Our pleasure

Alberto García Botero (verified owner) – January 26, 2022

Se pueden ver toda clase de aves… piqueros de patas azules, fragatas, baby fragatas, gaviotas , etc. Además leones marinos en su habitat. Olas hermosas que revientan en una playa de rocas donde focas focas juegan y duermen. Infaltable.

Franzi D. (verified owner) – February 3, 2022

I never have seen a Sealion so close, nor I hadn’t had the chance to swim or to snorkel with these amazing animals. Also, we got to see an amazing variety of birds, like piqueros de pata azules or fragatas with their incredible inflatable red chest. Such an extraordinary experience .

Michael Garcia (verified owner) – February 5, 2022

we did a tour with 2 stages: the baltra island with all the birds, and then the beach with snorkeling with sealions. And in this tour, yet again, Galapagos made me feel like transported to an alien world. The entire baltra island tour feels like arriving in a giant bird nest, where we got to see these amazing fragatas with red chest in their habitat. There were some fragata chicks (with white feathers) in the nests, and the whole place had a wonderland feeling to it. Our tour guide was very knowledgable, and balanced our individual needs with the need to keep schedule and protect the environment very well and gracefully. Couldn’t be better. And the 2nd part of the tour, where we got to swim with baby sealions, that was the highlight of the day. At some point I turned my head underwater to a baby sealion, and he started flipping around in water, playing with me, and even caressing my hand. Unforgettable. Thank you so much!!

Grace – February 21, 2022

Certainly one of the top things to do in Galapagos. Happy to have helped :).

[email protected] (verified owner) – April 5, 2023

The tour was really great. Highlight was the north seymour walking tour seeing all the Boobies, Iguanas, and Frigates in action. Glad we took the tour.

Julia Meyer (verified owner) – October 29, 2023

A great tour from beginning to end. Our tour guide Martin was excellent. He was enthusiastic and full of information about the island and animals. Also extra kudos to him for having to give all the information in both English and Spanish due to a mixed group. He did an awesome job at pacing the tour so that it never felt like we were waiting around while he was talking to the Spanish speaking group. The wildlife itself was of course awesome, we were able to get super close to the Boobies and Frigatebirds and their babies! We also got really lucky on the way to North Seymour and spotted a pod of hundreds of dolphins! The boat we took, the Altamar was comfortable and spacious. Lunch was delicious and filling and the beach we went to after the tour was beautiful. No complaints at all, highly recommended.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this tour may leave a review.

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12 Best Tours from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands: Day Trips+

Julia September 5, 2023 Ecuador Leave a Comment

Find the best side trips from Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, ranging from 1 – 7 days each.

Santa Cruz Island is one of the most notable islands in the Galapagos archipelago. It’s the most populous island and also home to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. While Santa Cruz itself offers many fascinating attractions, it’s also a launchpad for numerous day trips to neighboring islands and sites.

These day trips from Santa Cruz promise unforgettable encounters with the archipelago’s unique flora and fauna, making Santa Cruz the ideal base for exploring the Galapagos Islands.

Let’s dive into some of the incredible day trips from Santa Cruz Island that might just make it onto your Galapagos itinerary.

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from Santa Cruz

Besides spending time on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll want to use the island as a hub to explore nearby islands. Many of these side adventures can only be visited by day tours from Puerto Ayora or on a multi-day Galapagos cruise.

1. Santa Cruz Island Day Trip: Giant Tortoises, Lava Tubes, & Los Gemelos

Simplify your trip to Santa Cruz Island by joining a hassle-free 3-hour afternoon tour to three of the island’s top attractions . Together with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the impressive Los Gemelos volcanic formations, visit the local wildlife at the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve, and capture memories as you journey through a lava tube.

Secure your spot in advance for this Santa Cruz Island tour. You’ll travel comfortably in air-conditioned transportation with a small group. Additionally, this trip includes complimentary entree to the Giant Tortoise Reserve.

2. Isabela Island Day Trip: Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos

Head to Isabela Island on a guided tour from Santa Cruz . On this tour, you’ll cruise the bay to spot Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies up close.

Then you’ll disembark on “Las Tintoreras,” an islet teeming with marine iguanas. You’ll head out on a nature walk to the shark channel, one of the favorite resting spots for whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions.

Next, you’ll visit a remote white sand beach inhabited by sea lions, and enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, sharks, rays, and possibly penguins. Then, stroll through Isabela Island’s wetlands, spotting Galapagos flamingos, birds, and marine iguanas.

Explore the coconut palm beaches and observe marine iguanas, crabs, and birds at Playa Puerto Villamil. Lastly, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Arnaldo Tupiza to witness various tortoise life stages. The tour includes admission fees, providing the ultimate Isabela Island experience.

3. Santa Fe Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Take a look at this unforgettable tour to Santa Fe Island . It’s a prime snorkeling destination in the Galapagos. A short 45-55 minutes boat ride brings you to this tranquil bay with beautiful turquoise waters that resemble a natural swimming pool.

Dive into the water to encounter sea lions, as the lively and playful younger ones join snorkelers, creating a one-of-a-kind interaction. Beyond the sea lions, the underwater world in the Galapagos is filled with sea turtles, sharks, tropical fish, and eagle rays.

The birdlife is abundant too, with sightings of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, mockingbirds, and possibly even the Galapagos hawk. The island’s unique landscape contrasts the turquoise waters with dark lava rocks, cacti, and a white sand beach filled with sea lions.

After a delicious lunch, you’ll disembark at Hidden Beach, a quite stretch of white sand. Here, you can unwind, swim, or take a guided discovery walk to spot marine iguanas, pelicans, and mangroves. The return journey even offers the chance to try your hand at fishing from the boat. It’s a full day at Santa Fe!

4. Pinzon Island Day Trip: Snorkeling & Fishing

Set off on an exciting tour to Pinzon Island . Here you’ll have the chance to snorkel at one of Galapagos’ most breathtaking spots, revealing a mostly untouched underwater world.

Enjoy either two snorkeling sessions or one extended session, starting in a natural swimming pool before venturing into deeper blue waters. The water is teeming with diverse species, like sharks, sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, and more.

As the second part of the tour, you’ll have the option for another snorkeling activity at La Fé or embark on a wet landing at La Fé Bay or Las Palmitas Bay.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll take a leisurely 45-60 minute discovery walk, encountering mangroves, cacti species, and captivating wildlife ,such as marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, and various bird species, including blue-footed boobies.

The tour to Pinzon Island from Santa Cruz also offers a chance for fishing. The goal being to catch the prized yellowfin tuna. A hot and freshly prepared lunch or ceviche will be served onboard, making for a satisfying and memorable day.

5. Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay Day Trip

Prepare for an exciting day trip to Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz! You’ll be picked up early at your hotel lobby and head to the Itabaca Channel. A comfy bus will take you to the channel, about a 40-minute ride.

Then, set sail to Bartolome Islet, a boat ride of 2-3 hours, depending on currents. Once Bartolome Islet is reached, you’ll disembark and hike around a volcanic cone to its summit. Enjoy taking in the stunning panoramic view alongside the iconic pinnacle.

After hiking, savor a delicious lunch on the boat before heading to the next stop, Sullivan Bay. Sullivan Bay is located just southeast of Santiago Island. Here you’ll disembark and explore the area which features cool geological formations.

Get ready for a 45-minute snorkeling adventure, where you might spot sea and land birds, fur seal colonies, and unique marine iguanas adapted to the terrain. As the day winds down, return to the Itabaca Channel and be transported back to Puerto Ayora.

6. Floreana Island Day Trip: Snorkeling and Fishing

Perhaps one of my favorites was discovering the remote island of Floreana Island. Tucked in the southern reaches of the archipelago, a day tour to Floreana Island from Santa Cruz is a must.

Despite being the least populated inhabited island in the Galapagos, with only around 150 residents, the day trip won’t take us to the inhabited part, but instead, to the beautiful Islet Enderby.

Here, you’ll cruise through a beautifully untouched corner of the archipelago, sharing space with sea lions and diverse bird species, including frigate birds, nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, petrels, and pelicans.

The adventure continues with a snorkeling session amid sea turtles, tropical fish, sea lions, and possibly rays and sharks. For those interested, you can try your hand at fishing with the chance to catch the ever-famous yellow-fin tuna.

Then you’ll disembark at Cormorant Point to the uninhabited part of Floreana Island. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll walk to a viewpoint offering stunning views of a lagoon inhabited by flamingos and framed by Floreana’s two tuff lava cones.

The journey continues to Flour Sand Beach, which is composed of coral. It’s the ideal spot to observe pelicans, sea lions, sea turtles, and other captivating wildlife. While en route to or from Floreana, you’ll pass the iconic Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater resembling a crown.

7. Scuba Diving at Gordon Rocks Day Trip

If you’re a scuba diver, diving at Gordon Rocks is one of the best day trips from Santa Cruz Island. You won’t want to miss it. On this thrilling scuba tour from Santa Cruz, you’ll experience the underwater marvels of Gordon Rocks, one of the Galapagos Islands’ premier dive sites.

Depart from Puerto Ayora on a scenic boat ride to Santa Cruz’s northeast side. This is where the famous Gordon Rocks is located. With your guide by your side, you’re free to explore the subterranean world. While marine life may vary, keep your eyes open for hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays in their natural habitat. (It was my first time seeing hammerheads in the wild!)

With a small group, limited to eight participants, this dive trip offers an intimate, and safe, experience. You’ll also be served lunch onboard the boat. What are you waiting for? Get ready to experience the Galapagos Islands under the sea.

Check out the video from my scuba diving trip at Gordon Rocks!

Multi-Day Trips from Santa Cruz

While there are plenty of exciting day trips from Santa Cruz Island, there are also a number of multi-day options available. These allow you to set sail and experience some of the best of the Galapagos Islands, all from Santa Cruz. No additional planning needed! They take care of all of the logistics!

Take a look at these 5 and 7 day tours of the Galapagos Islands from Santa Cruz.

5 Day Eastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and South Plaza Islands
• Day 2: Santa Fe and San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: San Cristobal Island
• Day 4: Española Island
• Day 5: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands

Your 5 day Galapagos Cruise adventure begins on Baltra Island, a former military base during World War II, now serving as an Ecuadorian naval and air force station.

From here, you’ll venture eastward along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands, eventually reaching the Plazas Islands. The adventure starts with a dry landing at a manmade jetty on South Plaza Island.

On the following day, you’ll explore Santa Fe Island and San Cristobal Island, the provincial capital of the Galapagos. Then, you’ll sail south to Española Island, which is home to the remarkable site: Punta Suarez.

Here, you’ll wander along the rugged coastline, encountering hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and possibly albatross (depending on the time of year). It’s the trip of a lifetime!

5 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 1: Baltra and Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 2: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 3: Santa Cruz and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 5: Baltra Island

This 5 day cruise starts on Santa Cruz Island , where you’ll explore the highlands and then visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.

The following day you’ll have panoramic views from Bartolome Island and explore Sullivan Bay’s white coral sand beach, with a dramatic lava field to traverse.

Next, you’ll venture to Dragon Hill, the habitat of dusty-yellow land iguanas. After this adventure, Punta Vicente Roca awaits, teeming with wildlife encounters.

Later, your yacht takes you to the youngest island in the Galapagos archipelago, Fernandina. It’s celebrated as having one of the most pristine environments on Earth and can only be reached by cruise.

5 Day Northern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands
• Day 2: Santa Cruz and Sombrero Chino Island
• Day 3: Bartolome and Santiago Islands
• Day 4: Genovesa Island

Take a journey to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos on this 5 day cruise . Your adventure begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous island of the Galapagos archipelago. Here, you’ll meet giant tortoises in their natural habitat and venture to the shores of Eden Islet.

From there, you’ll hop over to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolome Island. Here you’ll follow its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach, and great snorkeling spots.

Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives you a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the islands. Your cruise ends with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa. It’s far up in the northeast of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds. It’s also only accessible via Galapagos cruise boats.

7 Day Southeastern Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

• Day 2: San Cristobal Island
• Day 3: Española Island
• Day 4: Floreana Island
• Day 5: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 6: Santa Cruz and North Seymour Islands
• Day 7: Baltra Island

Set out on a 7 day cruise through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands , where magnificent landscapes and endemic wildlife await! Day one introduces you to Cerro Colorado’s giant tortoises. Then, at Punta Pitt, an exciting assortment of booby species welcomes you.

On the third day of your Galapagos tour, a visit to Española Island brings you face-to-face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas!

As day four dawns, you’ll find yourself on Floreana Island, with historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach awaiting you. Continuing westward, you’ll travel over young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the mangroves of southern Fernandina.

Your Galapagos adventure culminates with a morning visit to Eden Islet and an afternoon wander across the picturesque North Seymour Island.

7 Day Western Galapagos Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta

• Day 1: Baltra and North Seymour Islands
• Day 2: Isabela and Fernandina Islands
• Day 3: Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove
• Day 4: Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
• Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
• Day 6: Floreana Island

This 7 day Galapagos cruise itinerary will transport you to the very origins of the archipelago. In the blink of an eye, the Galapagos Islands emerged from a volcanic hot spot where a monumental tectonic shift of the Earth’s crust happened. It resulted in a landscape of unparalleled beauty which you’ll be exploring over 7 days.

One of the highlights is heading to Fernandina Island, hailed as a pristine haven. This untouched island showcases life evolving without human interference.

Next, on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Venturing south, flamingos will catch your eye, and you’ll snorkel at the renowned Champion Islet.

It’s a fun filled itinerary, reaching some of the harder to reach islands in the Galapagos.

Explore More of the Galapagos Islands

Santa Cruz Island serves as a fantastic starting point for some of the most memorable tours in the Galapagos Islands. Whether you’re interested in exploring the highlands, seeing the giant tortoises, or venturing to nearby islands for snorkeling and wildlife encounters, Santa Cruz offers awesome tour options.

From day trips to multi-day adventures from Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to check out the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty that the Galapagos are renowned for. So, when planning your visit to the Galapagos, don’t miss the chance to discover the best tours departing from Santa Cruz Island.

Continue planning your Galapagos trip with these helpful resources.

• How to Travel to the Galapagos Islands on a Budget
• The True Cost of Traveling the Galapagos Islands: A Budget Breakdown
• 6 Critical Things To Know Before Going to the Galapagos Islands

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