Beyond the OverlookSanta Cruz Island Day Trip: Ferry, Kayaking + Hiking
We visited Santa Cruz Island for our Channel Islands National Park day trip and combined the ferry with guided sea-cave kayaking and hiking. The kayak tour was the highlight, and the island felt surprisingly remote for a Southern California day trip.
Firsthand guide · Last reviewed September 2026 · How we review our guides
Match the ferry landing to your kayak tour
We stayed in Oxnard and made Santa Cruz a full-day outing. For this version of the trip, choose Scorpion Anchorage and check that your ferry arrival, kayak check-in and return sailing work together before booking. Confirm the mainland departure port on your ticket; staying in Oxnard does not mean every boat leaves from there.
Make guided kayaking the priority
Getting into the sea caves was the highlight for us. Our tandem kayaks worked well with kids because a parent and child could paddle together. Check the operator’s current age requirements and tour length before booking. Sea conditions determine where a tour can go, so choose the experience without counting on entering a particular cave.
Fit the hike around the return ferry
We would save the remaining time for the coastal views after kayaking. We do not remember our exact hiking route well enough to name it. Use the NPS eastern Santa Cruz trail map to choose a route from Scorpion that leaves a comfortable margin before boarding. Set a turnaround time instead of trying to fit in the longest hike.
Pack for a day without shops
Bring lunch, snacks, water, sun protection and a wind layer from the mainland. Drinking water is available at Scorpion, but carry what you need for your activities. Download your tickets and trail map before departure. Check NPS trip-planning information and your operators’ instructions before you go.
Keep an eye out for foxes
Island foxes are often seen around Scorpion Anchorage. They are found naturally only on the Channel Islands, which makes spotting one feel very different from seeing familiar mainland wildlife.
Would we stay overnight? Camping would be a fun upgrade if you want more island time, but we would not call it necessary. A well-planned day gives you the experiences that made Santa Cruz special for us.