Your Own Private Island for $15 per Day

One of five Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is divided into two sections: 24% of the island is a National Park, the other 76% is set aside as Nature Conservancy land.

The Island’s uninhabited and empty, except for a 24-hour ranger station and small, scattered ranch buildings—carryovers from private ownership. Here, off the coast of southern California, dreams of a “private island” feel tangible. On a 3-day trip, we rarely encountered other travelers.

Island Logistics:

From Ventura, we caught a ferry operated by Island Packers, the only service with access to all five islands within the National Park.

The boat shuttled us, along with gear and two rented sea kayaks, to Santa Cruz, the largest island in the national park. Channel Islands Kayaking Company provided the boats, working in conjunction with Island Packers.

Scorpion Anchorage is the main stop where 90% of passengers disembark.  A stunning NE-facing bay shelters the landing from strong ocean currents that affect other portions of the island. You’ll find calm ocean access to sea caves, tide pools and clear waters for snorkeling and diving, as well as the island’s equivalent of car camping (no hike necessary).

3 Days of Solitude:

Day 1: We landed at Prisoners Harbor, a northern-facing bay along the boundary between NPS and Nature Conservancy land. We hit the trail and headed for Del Norte campground, often accompanied by a native fox.

Nestled in the mountains 3.5 miles from the harbor, four primitive camping sites each feature a level gravel pad for tents along with a picnic table with bear-safe animal storage containers to repel hungry foxes (no bears on the island, don’t worry).

Day 2: We trekked down from our campsite in the glow of the early morning sun. After putting in, we kayaked 2.5 miles NW, passing Pelican Bay and Twin harbors on the way; sea caves and a empty beach were our rewards. Afternoon currents picked up as we surfed our way back to Prisoners Harbor. With kayaks secured on the beach, camp beckoned with a hot meal and warm sleeping bags.

Day 3: We woke to gloomy weather and elected a leisurely morning in camp while the fog burned off. When the sun finally peaked out of the fog, we headed back to Prisoner’s Harbor for more beach time before the afternoon boat back to Ventura.

Pro Tips:

• Start your kayaking adventure early in the morning in order to minimize opposition from ocean currents.
• Stay for at least one night if you elect to disembark at Prisoner’s Harbor; maximize a day trip at Scorpion Anchorage.
• With no water on the island, pack in a generous supply.
• Bring shoes for both water sports and hiking.  While 800-ft of elevation gain at sea level sounds easy, the trail cuts sharply into the Island’s ridges and valleys.
• If the idea of owning a private island is beguiling, book a trip to Santa Cruz Island.