Santa Cruz Island sea caves

Sea caves and kelp forest in a national park.

An hour’s ferry ride from Ventura, Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island is the launch for some of the best sea-cave paddling in the country, with arches, kelp beds, sea lions and bright orange garibaldi. There are no rentals on the island, so most people go with the park’s guide concession; experienced paddlers can ferry their own boats over. Pair it with a night at Scorpion Campground.

At a glance

Getting there

Island Packers ferry from Ventura Harbor, about 1 hr

Island

62,000+ acres, about 77 mi of shoreline

Rentals on the island

None; guided tour or bring your own

Guided tours

2.5 to 6.5 hr, helmets and wetsuits included

Camping

Scorpion Campground, 31 sites, from $15/night

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Sea kayaking
• Guided tours
• Wildlife
• Swimming

Rentals, guides and shops

• Channel Islands Adventure Company

  The park’s authorized guide at Scorpion Anchorage: sea-cave kayak tours from 2.5 to 6.5 hours, snorkel tours and snorkel rentals.

• Island Packers

  The park’s boat concession from Ventura Harbor; carries private kayaks on public trips for an extra fee.

Where to stay

• hotelFour Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort

  Harbor hotel near the Island Packers dock.

  At the harbor
• hotelHoliday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor

  Simple, practical rooms near the harbor for an early ferry.

  At the harbor

Nearby

• Channel Islands visitor center · At the harbor

  The park’s Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Ventura Harbor, with exhibits on the islands.

• Ventura Harbor Village · At the harbor

  Waterfront shops and restaurants next to the ferry dock.

• Andria’s Seafood · At the harbor

  Casual seafood restaurant and fish market in the harbor.

• Topa Topa Brewing · 10 min drive

  Ventura’s best-known craft brewery, with taprooms around town.

Getting there

• Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) · about 45 min drive
• Los Angeles · about 1.25 hr
• Santa Barbara · about 0.75 hr

Directions in Google Maps