Twenty miles off the coast of Ventura lies Santa Cruz Island — a distant mecca for adventure . We spent a weekend exploring it . Here ’s how you could too .
After have a two week and nearly 200 milesufferfest on the Sierra High Route , I require to loosen . My idea of relaxation , however , is kayaking around a remote island to a sequestered beach and chasing fish around with a pointy stick — so when my buddy Alan ( who I firstdragged along the Trans Catalina Trail ) invited my girl and I to go camping on Santa Cruz Island , I could n’t say no .
Santa Cruz Island feature a broken , steep coastline — while its interior is defined by mountains , valleys , and quite a little of plateaus . ( Photo byAlan Shen )
Why Go?
At 22 mile long and six miles at its widest full point , Santa Cruz is the declamatory of the Channel Islands chain . Its wide-ranging natural features — including steep rocky coastline , grand sea caves , and sandy beaches on its perimeter ; and three deal ranges , diaphanous canyons , and rolling Hill on its interior — present eternal recreational chance for adventurers .
What does the slyboots say ? ( Photo byAlan Shen )
Into wildlife ? Thanks to millions of year of isolation , the Channel Islands play boniface to a motley of unequaled flora and animal species too . For example , the island dodger ( which guide rampant around the campgrounds on Santa Cruz ) and island scrub - jay are n’t found anywhere else in the world . Humpback whales , dolphin , and a superfluity of marine mammals can be seen on the ferrying turn on out there too .
Santa Cruz Island
We arrive at theIsland Packersmarina with just enough time to get our gear and theOru Kayakloaded onto the ferryboat before taking off . The drive across the Santa Barbara Channel was a warm one filled with collation , coffee , and sleepy-eyed conversation ; within an time of day we docked at Scorpion Anchorage .
Upon disembarking , all passenger were line up along the dock and assisted in unload everyone ’s gear from the ferry , forum - line style . Our boat was middling full ; almost everyone was camping . All - in - all the unloading process take about 30 minutes .
later , the National Park Service Texas Ranger split up us into smaller group for orientation . They went over introductory rules and precautions that were specific to the Channel Islands . Always carry water , use the “ fox boxes ” ( received bear box that had been converted with the positioning of fox stickers ) to store nutrient , and take extra precautions because pinch response could be 60 minutes , or even twenty-four hours , away . For those fishing ( me ) , we were provide with information about the Marine Protected Areas ( do n’t angle in Scorpion Anchorage ) and sent on our way .
The campgrounds at Scorpion Anchorage were shaded by monolithic , non - invasive eucalyptus trees . Pack is theUnited By Blue Baxter Convertible Duffel($229 ) . ( Photo by Katherine Kim )
Due to the islands ’ carefully cared - for environments , no wilderness camping is allowed . Instead , those wishing to expend the nighttime are relegated to a duo of camping site , turn up about half a mile from the dock . Despite the island ’s overall ruggedness , the camping ground were passably gracious . Each site was rather large ; sites were n’t hamper together either . monolithic eucalyptus tree provided ample tincture throughout the day , while their fallen leaves provided soft bed to kip on . sporty restrooms were on either side of the campgrounds ; potable water faucets were located throughout .
There were three sets of couple camping in our radical ; each staked out a claim of res publica , set up their tents , and unpack their food — hive away it securely in the fox box settle on our site . Afterward we split up to do a couple of different hikes . Alan , Jing , Matt , and Jen headed north along a coastal trail while Katherine and I took a short but rugged hike down to scope out Little Scorpion Anchorage – the only accessible berth by base where fishing was allowed . We ’d be spending most of the next day there while Katherine tan and I hunted for dinner party .
This is what place up the origami - styleOru Kayakis like . ( Photo byAlan Shen )
The next morning we ate a square breakfast scramble of eggs , Baron Verulam , and sauteed vegetables before heading to the beach . Katherine helped me assemble the origami - inspire Oru Kayak before break open off to meet me at Little Scorpion Anchorage . I lade the kayak up with spearfishing gear and paddled out .
My only human - powered experience on the ocean has occur from paddling icky lease Ocean Kayaks , which handle about as well as a loading ship . The Oru , by contrast sat low in the water and glide through like a tongue . It felt a minute unsound at first , but it deal the coastal current like a champion . I reached the secret Cove within ten minutes ; Katherine arrived shortly after .
The rugged , piddle resistantOutdoor Tech Turtle Shell 2.0($99 ) stay good from sea spray while furnish up to 16 hr of tunes on the beach .
Katherine set up her relaxation post while I beseem up . This would be my second time spear fishing . On the first , agroup camping tripper last summertime on Catalina , I earned the nickname “ Fishslayer ” after spearing ten Pisces and a Round Stingray with Wes’sJBL Travel Polespear($140 ) ( a traditional Hawaiian Sling that breaks down into three sections for wanton ecstasy ) in a day — ensuring that all ten people in our group had impudent fish for dinner .
Suited up ; standing proud , post - Richard Morris Hunt . ( photograph by Katherine Kim )
With a sureness that comes from such a successful trip , I only take meat for breakfast on this one ; rather adjudicate to bank solely on spearfishing for dinner ’s protein . The fish dwell Little Scorpion Anchorage , however , had ambitions that starkly contrast my own .
On my previous trip to Catalina , the ocean rod which we most usually encounter were comparatively gentle and exhibit little desire to stay awake . They were agile , to be sure , but not unachievably so . The Pisces near Santa Cruz Island ’s most accessible harbour , however , were fast ! And they were watchful . I could n’t get tight than twenty feet without them reacting to my front with lightning - same reflex and swimming away . I would have my oeuvre cut off out for me .
Two hours later , I was shivering cold-blooded , my wooden leg were starting to chafe from my ancient wetsuit , brine was parching my throat , and I still had n’t even beat close to spear a fish . It was time to regroup .
After eating some bread to intoxicate up the seawater taste from my rima oris , rehydrating , and take a short sleep on the beach , I was quick to go back out . With dinner party and my pride on the line , I was determined to get a fish . Eventually my perseverance pay off ; I nail a small ocean perch .
By late - good afternoon , swarm had rolled in , bringing with them a cool , gusty child’s play — less than idealistic conditions for laying out on the beach . Katherine and the rest of our friends who had stopped by after their boost were quick to go back to camp . But I was n’t done yet . I just needed one more Pisces for dinner party .
I set out once more — athirst , and more dictated than ever . I swam over to the nearest kelp forest and scanned the circumference before making a few loops around the ocean habitat . Out of the corner of my oculus , I blemish a magnanimous pole swimming allow ; it ’s trajectory conduct it right in front of me . At once , I swivel , dove , and kicked , propelling myself forward ; just within range . I instinctively pulled back the sling . Ready . Aim . Fire !
TheGoPro Hero4 Session’s($400 ) compact , flowing design allowed me to capture dynamical first someone spearfishing footage .
A hit ! My three - bifurcate trident struck the perch flawlessly through its gills ; pinned it to a rock protruding from the sea floor . In one swift move , I lunged forward and clamp my hand around the conclusion of the spear to stop up our dinner . Next I reached down and grabbed my prima donna tongue and pushed its peak through the fish ’s skull for a clean , humane putting to death . There is no more fulfilling feeling than a successful hunt !
A kiss for my fish . ( exposure by Katherine Kim )
With our dinner in - tow , I swam back to the beach where the rest of our radical was waiting . By this prison term , a few other guy cable had show up up with a couple of pole fizgig and masks . First , they postulate if they could take a characterisation holding my fish . I responded “ that privilege is reserved for the fisherman themselves . ” Then they ask for some first - timer crest . After supply them a few pointers , a local man who had beached his dingy nearby responded , “ Do n’t get your hopes up , this place has woefully been fished out . ”
Due to the preponderance of foxes around the camping site — anglers are command to clean their catches on locating ; away from camp . Having a small credit card tarpaulin would ’ve been fabulously useful for keeping the fish fillet gumption - devoid . ( Photo by Katherine Kim )
I offered the hombre my smaller fish on the condition that they clean it themselves , but they declined , so I survive to body of work cleansing and filleting our freshly caught dinner party before pack up the rest of my gear and kayaking back to the master harbor .
unused Pisces fajitas hit the spot !
Back at camp , Katherine started devise our vegetables while I lined the pan with leftover bacon soil from that morning ’s breakfast . We ’d be take fish fajitas that Nox ; with the haul of a second Pisces the Fishes , there was quite a little to apportion .
The next morning we rose early , cooked breakfast , break camp , and caught the 12 pm ferry back to the mainland , conclude our stark island getaway .
The incredibly portableOru Bay Kayak($1,195 ) provided spate of opportunities for geographic expedition around the island .
What You’ll Need To Bring
If you plan on staying overnight on Santa Cruz Island , you ’ll need to reserve a bivouac thoughRecreation.gov . veritable family sites ( up to 6 people ) incline $ 15 per nighttime , while larger group sites ( up to 15 people ) escape $ 40 per Nox .
The encampment are only a scant , level , half - stat mi paseo from the loading dock , so it ’s potential to bring in more luxuriouscar - camping type gear . A cooler with wheels will appropriate you to bring literal food , which is usually more appetizing than the halt - dry fare .
There are also drinkable weewee spigots located throughout the campsite , so it ’s not necessary to bring your own water to the island . However , there is no access to water while hiking , so it ’s necessary to have plenty of carry capacity of you contrive to venture out .
There are a net ton of recreation chance on the island such as kayaking , hiking , sportfishing , and snorkel diving ; so plan your gear accordingly . Some equipment rental ( snorkeling power train , kayaks , etc ) are available from Ventura , but check with the outfitter on rate and handiness .
TheSunskis Taravals($58 ) provide stylish , polarized eye auspices that wo n’t break the bank .
How Do You Get There?
The best room to get out to Santa Cruz Island is via theIsland Packersferry . A round - head trip , grownup all-night fare runs $ 79 . The ferryboat ride takes about an hour ; on our ride we spotted a smattering of dolphins , and even a crookback heavyweight ! There were snacks and drinks useable for purchase on the ferry ( for reasonable prices too ) in case you get hungry or thirsty along the room .
Be sure to get in an hour before leaving in society to have your equipment loaded . If transporting a kayak out to Santa Cruz Island ( rent , or in person possess ) you ’ll have to appropriate it onward of time ( behave quickly , there are only eight kayak spots available ; they fill up tight ) and pay an extra $ 28 fee . I was defeated to be charged the transport fee for the Oru Kayak , consider that it folds up into a orthogonal box no large or heavy than a big chicken feed tank .
With an internal hydration bladder and exterior zippered pocket , theCotopaxi Luzon 18L($30 ) is a childlike , lightweight daypack that ’s perfect for shorter hikes which do n’t ask tons of gear mechanism .
What Else Should You Do While You’re There?
Though Katherine and I did n’t do much hiking , Alan , Jing , Matt , and Jen research the island ’s track quite a bit . spare function island and trail maps are available from Island Packers , so find fault one up before you head out .
There are also tons of coastal sea caves that can be explored — include Painted Cave , one of the turgid sea caves in the existence . Book a tour , or rent a kayak and research it on your own .
Mhmm bacon … ( Photo byAlan Shen )
What We Would Have Done Differently
Katherine and I were the only ones on the slip that packed literal solid food ; Alan and the others wished that they had brought some too , alternatively of dehydrated backpacking meal .
If we had memory access to a second kayak , we probably would have get hold a more reclusive cove to search and fish around , where hopefully there would have been a good snap . It would have been great to explore some more of the island ’s upcountry too , but sweet off the Sierra High Route , all I wanted to do was eat , sleep , and fish .
exposure and Video : Chris Brinlee , Jr. , unless otherwise noted .
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