Family Adventure in the Channel Islands, California

The Trip

Enjoy fantastic ocean views and great beaches on Santa Cruz Island, one of the five islands in Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz Island boasts rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and a rich tapestry of Chumash history. We will explore the ocean and sea caves by double kayak. Our day hikes will allow us to experience more of the island while looking for the island fox and island scrub jay. At our base camp, we will share the view of the stunning night sky, delicious meals, and sounds of the island while we forge lasting memories and leave with a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world. As we explore the beauty of Santa Cruz Island, let’s respectfully acknowledge and honor the traditional land of the Chumash people. We recognize their enduring connection to this place and express gratitude for the opportunity to experience and appreciate the island’s natural wonders

Day 1: Meet in Ventura at the harbor with all of your gear packed. We will then take a boat ride for about 1 ½ hours to Santa Cruz Island. Once we arrive on the island we will set up camp and get to know each other. This afternoon we will enjoy a short hike while we get to know the island.

Day 2: Today we will spend the morning exploring the waters and sea caves around Santa Cruz Island, which are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. Our guides will teach us how to enter the caves and coach us how to safely paddle through them. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a hike along the ridge line of the island with expansive views of the ocean.

Day 3: After breakfast, we will take one of our longer hikes (eight miles with 1,200 feet of elevation) to Smugglers Cove and explore the interior of the island. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the beach and explore the cove while keeping an eye out for marine wildlife and the island fox.

Day 4: Today we will enjoy our last breakfast and hike together. We will return to Ventura via boat, looking for dolphins along the way.

Getting There

We will meet at the Ventura Harbor in Ventura, CA in the morning ready to load our gear on the boat. Free parking is available at the harbor. Detailed directions will be sent to registered participants. Santa Barbara airport is the closest at about 30 miles away, and Burbank and Los Angeles airports are about 60 miles away.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Our campsite will feature toilets and potable water. Participants must carry their equipment one mile to the campsite from the ferry. All trip meals will be provided as well as trail snacks. All participants, with the leaders’ assistance, will prepare meals and help with clean up. Participants will need to bring their eating utensils, plates, and mugs.  

Trip Difficulty

This trip has a moderate rating. We will be hiking 3-8 miles each day on primitive and uneven trails. We will also be spending up to two hours in the open ocean kayaking. Participants must be able to swim. Kayaking experience is not required, but you should be comfortable in the water.

Equipment and Clothing

Participants will need to bring all of their gear including a sleeping bag and pad, tent, daypack, water bottles (at least 2 liters total), headlamps, broken-in hiking shoes, and other personal gear. The trip leader will provide a detailed packing list to registered participants.

References

• Eaton, Margaret, Diary of a Sea Captain’s Wife, Tales of Santa Cruz Island. 1980

• Gherini, John, Santa Cruz Island, An Illustrated History

• Gherini, John. Santa Cruz Island: A History of Conflict and Diversity

• Boyle, T.C. When the Killing's Done 

Conservation

Santa Cruz Island is a leading example for successful island restoration, by eradicating wild pigs and reviving the endemic island fox from the brink of extinction. Efforts continue to remove invasive plants and protect marine animals.