2-Day Multi-Island Weekend Itinerary for Channel Islands National Park
Visit two islands in one weekend—kayak sea caves, hike coastal trails from anchored boats.
Channel Islands National Park preserves five rugged islands off the California coast, each surrounded by pristine kelp forests and home to species found nowhere else on Earth.
- 5 Main Islands
- No Entrance Fee
- 145+ Endemic Plant Species
- 12–50 Miles Off Coast
Day 1: Arch Rock Crossing
Stay: Return ferry arrives ~5 PM; stay in Ventura for early next-morning Santa Cruz departure.
Anacapa's iconic Arch Rock and historic lighthouse set the tone for island exploration and wildlife viewing.
- Board the early-morning ferry from Ventura Harbor for a one-hour crossing to East Anacapa Island.
- After arriving, climb the 157-stair landing to reach a two-mile figure-eight trail with dramatic sea-cliff views, the restored 1932 lighthouse, and the park's signature Natural Arch formation rising from the ocean below.
Day 2: Island's Tide Pools & Sea Caves
Stay: Optional: Reserve Scorpion Canyon campground (31 sites, $15/night) for overnight island stay; book 6 months ahead.
Santa Cruz's protected Scorpion Cove offers calm waters for kayaking sea caves and opportunities to spot island-endemic wildlife.
- Take the morning ferry to Santa Cruz Island's Scorpion Anchorage, where a historic visitor center occupies a restored ranch house.
- Join a guided sea cave kayak tour through turquoise waters and kelp forests, paddling past sea lions and kelp-forest ecosystems, or explore Scorpion Valley's visitor trails and tide pools on foot.
Common Questions
Can I visit multiple islands in one day?
No—each island requires a separate round-trip ferry ticket and 1–3 hours boat time per direction. A two-island weekend means one island per day, with early-morning and evening ferry times to maximize island time.
Do I need to camp, or can I stay on the mainland?
Both options work. Day-trip visitors stay in Ventura hotels and return same day; camping on Santa Cruz Island's Scorpion Canyon ($15/night) requires bookings 6 months ahead via recreation.gov and adds overnight immersion on an island.
What if the ferry is cancelled due to weather?
Sea state and wind forecasts determine daily operations. Island Packers will reschedule or refund if cancellation happens; plan a 2–3 day buffer in your schedule during rougher months (October–May).
Are kayak tours included in ferry tickets?
No—sea cave kayak tours on Santa Cruz ($75–85 per person) are separate bookings through Island Packers or tour operators. Reserve when booking ferries to ensure availability in peak months.
What permits do I need besides camping reservations?
No additional permits required for day visitors on Anacapa or Scorpion Anchorage (Santa Cruz). If exploring Nature Conservancy-owned west Santa Cruz Island, apply for landing permission 10+ days ahead (scilandingpermit@tnc.org).
Sources & Further Reading
- Plan Your Visit - Channel Islands National Park — National Park Service
- Hiking Anacapa Island — National Park Service
- Hiking Santa Cruz Island — National Park Service
- Anacapa Island — National Park Service
- Island Transportation — National Park Service
- Camping — National Park Service
- Permits & Reservations — National Park Service
- Things To Do — National Park Service
- Physical and Mobility Accessibility — National Park Service
- Santa Rosa Island - Things to Do — National Park Service
- Basic Information — National Park Service
- Directions & Transportation — National Park Service
- Island Packers - Channel Islands Ferry & Tours — Island Packers (Official Concessioner)
- Recreation.gov - Camping Reservations — Recreation.gov (U.S. Federal Reservations System)
