![]() ![]() The Channel Islands are 8 islands off the coast of Ventura in Southern California and Channel Islands National Park consists of 5 of these islands including Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara and their surrounding ocean habitats.įor thousands of years, these islands were inhabited by native Chumash communities, who utilized the islands’ natural resources to live. The Best Day Hike in Yosemite: The Four Mile Trail + Panorama Trail.Exploring Redwoods National and State Parks.3 Days in San Diego (Things to Do + Where to Eat).Hiking Ladder Canyon near Palm Springs, California.The Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Death Valley National Park.While the Channel Islands may be close to civilization, they do require a bit more planning to visit, so in this guide we are sharing some general information to visit Channel Islands National Park, plus everything you need to know to visit Santa Cruz Island, including the best things to do and itineraries for 1-3 days! LOOKING FOR MORE THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA? CHECK OUT OUR CALIFORNIA GUIDES AND VLOGS! Watch our Channel Islands National Park adventure, including our experience hiking and camping across Santa Cruz Island! In fact, Channel Islands National Park quickly became one of our favorite national parks we have ever visited and one of our top experiences on our Journey to Alaska in 2022! We spent three days on Santa Cruz Island at Channel Islands National Park and between the boat ride out to the island, hiking the trails, camping, and the amazing wildlife both on the water and on the island, it was one of the most memorable and unique national park adventures we have had. In this guide we’re sharing how to visit Santa Cruz Island at Channel Islands National Park.Ĭalifornia is home to 9 national parks, more than any other state, and while you likely have heard of the mega popular ones, like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley, the least visited of them all, Channel Islands National Park, is well worth a visit. Complete your day by reflecting upon the island’s grandeur while dining at delicious seafood restaurants.Channel Islands National Park is one of our FAVORITE national park experiences, but it does require some extra logistics to explore. Alternatively, arrive by ferry to Puerto Ayora from San Cristóbal Island. Reach Santa Cruz Island by flying to Baltra Island, a short ferry ride north. Swim with sea lions, sharks, rays and turtles at dive sites such as Guy Fawkes Rocks and Punta Carrión. Observe flamingos and sea turtles at Las Bachas and snorkel around the craggy shoreline of Dragon Hill. The solitude of the Galápagos Islands is evident on a boat ride through Black Turtle Cove. Tour the mystical underground lava tunnels, including the Tunnel of Love.Įnjoy excellent bird-watching opportunities at the twin sinkholes, Los Gemelos. Deep in the highlands find Santa Rosa and the El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Hike or ride to the crescent-shaped crater Media Luna and Crocker Hill, the island’s highest point. Travel north to the town of Bellavista, a popular spot for horseback-riding excursions into the highlands. Explore the tidal pools and watch flamingos at the mangrove-framed El Garrapatero Beach. Note that the main beach facing the ocean here has strong waves and undercurrents. Snorkel at the postcard-perfect Tortuga Bay in the calm waters to the north. Walk or bike to El Mirador, a short lava tube and a great place to spot Darwin’s finches. Follow a trail to Las Grietas, a split-level waterhole with both freshwater and seawater. See giant tortoises and hatchlings at the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center.Ĭatch a boat from the town’s pier to the southwest side of the bay. Get an overview of the evolution of the islands, its plants, wildlife and conservation programs at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Hotels, seafood restaurants and tour agencies line the town’s streets and waterfront. Puerto Ayora is a great first entry point to the islands. Discover dramatic craters, secluded swimming holes and subterranean lava tunnels. The natural landscape of Santa Cruz Island has been shaped by extensive volcanic activity. It has white-sand beaches, wildlife research centers and clear water teeming with colorful ocean life. Santa Cruz Island (Isla Santa Cruz) is the Galápagos Islands’ main tourist center. Swim with fascinating sea life, walk through a spectacular lava tunnel, hike to lookouts and relax on sunny idyllic beaches. ![]()
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