11/19/2023 0 Comments Scorpion santa cruz islandOne of the most popular hikes is the Pelican Bay Trail on Santa Cruz Island. Sea cliffs reveal views across deep blue bays, wildflowers fleck the fields in the spring, and wildlife makes an appearance year-round. Trails range from the relatively flat, figure-eight shaped trails on East Anacapa Island, which meander for about two miles, to the remote and rugged canyon treks on Santa Rosa. Hiking the scenic trails of Channel Islands National Park is the best way to soak up the stunning scenery and spot some of the land animals. Hiking The author enjoying the view on Santa Cruz Island | Photo Copyright: Brian Hastings If you prefer to take your own kayak, you can take it on an Island Packers cruise for an extra fee. Channel Islands Adventure Company offers several different tours for all abilities, including a sea cave kayaking tour and a combination kayaking and snorkeling tour. You can kayak on your own, but due to capricious sea conditions, it's much safer to sign up for a guided kayaking tour. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island's north coast is also a great launching point. You can access the waters easily from the beach, campsites are nearby, and sea cliffs and caves scallop the coastline. One of the best places for kayaking is around Scorpion Cove on East Santa Cruz Island. Peer below, and you can see jungly kelp forests where fish dart in the clear waters. Soaring sea cliffs, empty beaches, pebbly coves, and sea caves fringe the coastline. Paddling on the pristine waters provides a fresh perspective of these rugged islands. Kayaking Kayakers off Santa Cruz Island | Photo Copyright: Brian Hastings You can also organize a whale watching cruise around the Channel Islands from Santa Barbara - it's one of the top things to do here, especially with kids.Ģ. And if you're headed out on a day trip to the Channel Islands, the Island Packers' staff keep an eye out for wildlife, stopping for sightings along the way. Island Packers runs summer and winter whale watching cruises and year-round wildlife spotting cruises from Ventura Harbor Village, one of the top places to visit in Ventura, as well as the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Humpback, blue, gray, minke, and pilot whales are some of the species regularly spotted, and you might also see orcas, several different species of dolphins, harbor seals, and sea lions. About one third of the world's cetacean species reside in the park, and you can enjoy a front row seat to view them on whale watching and wildlife cruises. Whale Watching and Dolphin Spotting Whale breaching near Channel Islands National ParkĬruising the waters around the Channel Islands wows wildlife lovers. Channel Islands Aviation operates flights to Santa Rosa and San Miguel islands, and you can also access the islands on a private boat.įind out more about these jewels of the California coast with our list of the top things to do in Channel Islands National Park.ġ. Island Packers whisks you out on sightseeing day trips from both Ventura Harbor Village and Oxnard harbors, with wildlife watching opportunities along the way. Wondering how to get to Channel Islands National Park? Despite their remote feel, the islands are easy to access, and you'll find that the journey really is just as rewarding as the destination. Hiking, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing are all popular activities, and if you just want to relax, you can bask on a pristine beach, paint or sketch the stunning scenery, or enjoy a picnic in a secluded bay. Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Parkīesides wildlife watching, you'll find plenty of other things to do in Channel Islands National Park. None of the islands were ever connected to the mainland, resulting in a wondrous cast of endemic animals, including the adorable little island fox and an impressive array of birds. Like the Galapagos Islands, one of the unique things about Channel Islands National Park is the wildlife. If you're craving fresh sea air, solitude, and unspoiled nature, this is the perfect escape, just a short boat trip from the Southern California coast. Often called the Galapagos of North America, the park encompasses five craggy islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and the wild and windswept outer islands of San Miguel and Santa Rosa, as well as the one mile of Pacific Ocean that laps their rocky shores. Rugged, remote, and refreshingly uncrowded, Channel Islands National Park offers a tantalizing glimpse of the Old California - before freeways and fast food joints.
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