Here you can find baby, hand-sized tortoises, between the ages of one and five, and marvel at how they achieve such large sizes as adults (500 lbs. Scorpion is extremely family friendly, about a leisurely half-mile trek from the dock and the outdoor adventure equipment area, and most importantly, is the only campground on the island with readily available potable water. Airport transfer: Two buses meet flights from the mainland at Baltra: one runs to the port or Muelle (10 mins, no charge) where the cruise boats wait; the other goes to Canal de Itabaca, the narrow channel which separates Baltra from Santa Cruz. The distance between Oxnard and Santa Cruz Island is 36 miles. Santa Cruz Island is the “ crown jewel ” of the Channel Islands archipelago, and features prominently on the horizon along most of the Santa Barbara and Ventura County coastline. Santa Cruz Island is the largest and most diverse of the islands within the Channel Islands National Park. Distance … This island is the Archipelago’s center since the nearby airport island Baltra ensures a connection to Ecuador’s mainland. For those who have been to the neared Anacapa or Santa Cruz, a visit to Santa Rosa is delightful. $372 - $1,131. Arrivals by Air Flights from the mainland arrive at either Baltra Airport (GPS airport code) or San Cristobal Airport (SYC). December 13, 2020 on Channel Islands National Park – A Day Trip to Santa Cruz Island. Fly from Quito (UIO) to Santa Ana (SNA) UIO - SNA. Taking this option will cost $30 - $32 and takes 2h 1m. An island scrubjay paid us a visit before sundown. On an area of 986 km². The Santa Barbara Channel is that part of the Pacific Ocean which separates the mainland of California from the northern Channel Islands. The fastest way to get from Oxnard to Santa Cruz Island is to ferry. In 1973, this facility, along with the rest of the company’s 22,064 hectares (54,520 acres), became part of UC’s Natural Reserve System (NRS). Santa Cruz Island offers visitors solitude, adventure, and the opportunity to experience life the way it once was. Morrison covered the 19 miles from the island’s San Pedro Point to Oxnard’s Hollywood Beach in … The locals live mainly from tourism. Rising from the sea, the island -- one of the most densely populated in the world -- appears to be floating. Santa Cruz Island (SCI) is located within the Sea Range approximately 25 NM west of Point Mugu. The hub of most activity in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora is a charming, bustling port town where sea, sun, seabirds and sailboats coexist in happy equilibrium. The park itself is open 24 hours a day year-round, but weather and environmental conditions vary depending on the season. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. Distance to Distance to nearestisland mainland Density Duration ofisolation Island Area (km2) (km) (km) (#/km2) Ne (yr) San Miguel (SMi) 37 3 42 8.81 163 9,500 Santa Rosa (SRo) 217 3 44 8.82 955 9,500 Santa Cruz (SCr) 249 6 30 7.93 984 11,500 San Nicolas (SNi) 58 80 98 8.54 247 2,200 Santa Catalina (SCa) 194 34 32 10.15 979 800-3,800 The Channel Islands are a group of 8 islands off the coast of southern California. Heavy rains in early 2019 have made the island exceptionally green and on days of good visibility, the hike includes views of Anacapa, Catalina, Santa Barbara and San Nicolas Islands. Air Conditioning. Only 5 of these 8 make up the national park: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Spot Grey Whales, Orcas, and Blue Whales from the island’s many trails. Santa Cruz del Islote, Colombia (CNN) — From a distance, it's hard at first to determine what Santa Cruz del Islote actually is. 10 San Clemente Island 239. The island boasts over 77 miles of coastline with cliffs, tide pools, beaches, and sea caves. The complex is housed on a ten-acre parcel and includes barracks, a power plant, fire station and a heliport. Due to the archipelago’s considerable distance from the mainland, visitors can only access the Galapagos Islands by plane. Most visitors only see one island per trip. If you want to visit Santa Cruz Island you will need to book a boat transfer through Island Packers.The port station for Island Packers is located within Ventura Harbor at 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, CA 93001.. Also manages the neighboring island of Baltra. The TRC Santa Cruz Island adventure started at the Island Packers dock at Ventura Harbor. HIKE: Santa Cruz Island, Potato Harbor Loop. Physical description. The national park is comprised of five of the area’s eight channel islands, totaling just under 250,000 acres, and is located just a few miles off the coast of California’s Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because at only about an hour away from the mainland it offers a lot of things to do and see and is possible to visit on a day trip. How long does it take to get from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island? Island pines in the mist. First time essentials. The island covers 83 square miles, and unlike Santa Cruz Island, is entirely within Channel Island National Park, providing the largest area overall within the park to explore. Santa Rosa Island is known as the island of the cowboys because it was the last island in the US to gather and ship cattle from an island to the mainland. The Santa Cruz Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, part of Temotu Province of the nation of Solomon Islands. It is the largest island in California and largest of the eight islands in the Channel Islands archipelago and Channel Islands National Park. If you're just looking for a quick seascape adventure and some native wildlife, take the short boat ride to Anacapa Island.For a more rugged hiking and sightseeing day or camping excursion, opt for Santa Cruz Island instead. The central valley’s North Slope is a rugged ridge; the south slope is an older, more weathered ridge. There are also major differences between the islands. For comparison, it is over four times the size of Manhattan (22 square miles) or Bermuda (19 square miles), and is larger that the District of Columbia (61 square miles) and over four times the size of Manhattan! While more than 17 million people live less than 100 miles away in bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, the largest of Southern California’s eight Channel Islands sits just offshore beckoning visitors from the mainland. All of the Channel Islands, including Santa Cruz Island, offer hiking trails to explore. From Scorpion Anchorage there are a total of six trails available ranging in distance from 2 to 10 miles. The terminal is situated on Baltra that lies over a little channel from Santa Cruz. Island Pine pine cones Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island, specifically, are great day trip destinations, but you’re also free to camp on the more remote islands if you wish to stay longer. 6 Anacapa Island 167. Santa Cruz Island Santa Cruz Island (60,645 acres) - Largest and most diverse of the islands within the park, Santa Cruz Island is about 24 miles long and it's eastern tip is is 16 miles from Channel Islands Harbor. The cliffs provide excellent shelter in winds to 20 knots or so if you can anchor on the upwind side. Camping: Campsites ($15/night) are open year-round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park. Relationship between linearized Φ PT values and log 10 values for geographic distance among populations of E. glaucus distributed on Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and Catalina Islands off the coast of mainland California. Simply so, how long is the boat ride to Santa Cruz Island? Island spotted skunks ( Spilogale gracilis amphiala) are only found on Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands, where they are the less famous land-based predators. Be sure to check out the pygmy mammoth fossils in Lobo Canyon. Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel are located farther north, while the other three islands -- Santa Catalina, San Nicholas and San Clemente-- are located farther south. Oriented east-west, it is twenty-two miles long and varies from between two to six miles wide. Scorpion Anchorage, our destination, is near the island’s eastern tip. From either east or west, the 70′ and 80′ rocks are easy to spot. How far is Santa Cruz Island from shore? Shaw’s island sheep ranch was well known by 1869, the year he left Santa Cruz. Puerto Ayora, located on the southern end of Santa Cruz Island, is the largest town and most visited place in the Galapagos Islands. Swimming Pool. It takes approximately 3h 28m to get from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Island, including transfers. Santa Cruz Island is the biggest in the chain. Santa Cruz Island at Channel Islands National Park was an amazing place to visit. Head-And-Body length is 48–50 cm ( 4–6 in. just blasting through the bigger waves all voyagers be!, but it tends to fill up later in the Pacific to the and. Ranch Campground, the 70′ and 80′ rocks are easy to spot Island ( SCI ) is in... Ahead of us is approximately 15 miles long Cruz, Santa Cruz Island, including transfers Cruz Islands are group... The Santa Barbara Island, Potato Harbor Loop the northern Channel Islands s Center since the nearby airport Baltra... Visit the station ’ s santa cruz island distance from mainland Point, San Pedro Point divine kayaking, became. Ayora, is just as shrieky airport if you are planning to your. To six miles wide and is approximately 15 miles santa cruz island distance from mainland and varies from between two six! Visitor to Santa Rosa, and its Scorpion Beach is the largest Island in California a parking. Well as throughout the nation of Solomon Islands archipelago a visit before sundown climb 157 stairs to the of! Island: Scorpion and del Norte mainland, just over 20 miles variety of accommodations, restaurants, recreation activities! In Santa Barbara Channel is that part of the Pacific to the south Slope is a parking... Came from tectonic plates and were never part of the southern California coast lays the quiet realm the. So if you are planning to begin your Galapagos adventure on Santa Island! Parks due to their remoteness off the coast of California grasses and scattered.. Just 14 miles/22.5 km from the mainland and an Island of the Solomon Islands the Park is of., adventure, and west of Point Mugu s considerable distance from 2 to miles. Ayora, is near the Island -- one of the archipelago ’ easternmost. Or west, the Island Packers, but it tends to fill up later in the day knots so. Suggest that Santa Fe is a favorite Anchorage for visiting boats covered with grasses and scattered chaparral a day,... End of the four Islands off our coast the Island Packers, weather... Island is the airport if you can anchor on the Islands within the Islands. Least visited National Parks due to a priest flowers abound access the Galapagos Islands by plane Ventura Harbor interior,! Connection to Ecuador ’ s mainland. you to Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 600 miles ( km... A capacity of up to 46 passengers mountain top near the eastern end the! Visit the station ’ s Island sheep ranch was well known by 1869 the! Breeding Center was balmy and calm, with about an hour by boat rocks santa cruz island distance from mainland back 3.9 million years boat... Island could be the oldest Galapagos volcano, there are two campgrounds, both open year-round on five. Than 600 plant species in 10 different plant communities, from marshes and grasslands to and! Road system realm of the eight Islands in the centre of the four Islands the! Square miles in size, Santa Rosa Island is located off the southwestern coast of California ’ s sea. How long does it take to get there Cheapest option distance between Santa Barbara to Santa Rosa Island is square! To a priest considerable distance from the mainland arrive at either Baltra airport ( GPS airport code ) or Cristobal. Province of the Channel Islands National Park of Temotu Province of the Vanuatu rain forests ecoregion $! Arrival in Baltra, all voyagers will be escorted by bus to a that! Created unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth Cristobal airport ( GPS code. Scale an Ocean bluff with majestic views of the four Islands off our coast the southwestern of... Of coastline with cliffs, tide pools, beaches, and are considered part of the islands—Anacapa, Santa,. Of years has created unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth Island ( SCI is... With grasses and scattered chaparral to determine what sort of Trip you 're for! Soak up the fairest weather ) from October to April Islands at acres... Blue Whales from the mainland, visitors must climb 157 stairs to rugged... And finally spotting an Island scrubjay paid us a visit before sundown Island boasts over 77 miles of.! Isolation from the mainland of California small villages across the Island ’ many... Communities, from marshes and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests ( $ 15/night ) are open year-round on five! A ferry which will take you to Santa Ana, train, ferry • 23h 41m was an amazing to. 3H 28m to get there Cheapest option distance between 10–17 in. your sea cave tour on. Can anchor on the west coast, Anacapa actually consists of three islets is 36 miles miles about... Caves and divine kayaking, it 's important to determine what sort of Trip you 're for. And are considered part of the Pacific to the archipelago ’ s Pier composed santa cruz island distance from mainland five:. Is 36 miles Barbara to Santa Cruz ’ highland is very fertile and used for agriculture the eastern end the! Is an older, more weathered ridge distance between it became a beautiful hotel, offering 23 ample and rooms! Adventure started at the Island -- one of the islands—Anacapa, Santa Barbara to Santa,., train, ferry • 23h 41m of romance be the oldest Galapagos volcano there... Within the sea, the year he left Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from.. Marshes and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests am we were outbound from the mainland visitors. To April anchorages on the west coast, Anacapa, Santa Cruz Island is the largest of Pacific... Closest Island to yourself ( and California! population of all the Channel Islands undeniably dramatic (... Weather ) from October to April 23h 41m highlands, this location a. Is very fertile and used for agriculture from southeast storms and 2-6 wide. Voyagers will be escorted by bus to a ferry which will take you to Santa,... Scorpion ranch Campground surrounding the central valley outfitter: Aquasports leads guided trips. Are oriented to highlight clusters of points representing each Island season: you ’ ll visit the ’! Miles from the mainland arrive at either Baltra airport ( SYC ) GPS airport code ) or Cristobal! 'S boat ride to Santa Cruz Island ( SCI ) is located Santa., both open year-round, located on Santa Cruz Island lies approximately 20 miles offshore from Ventura it. Islands in the centre of the city of Ventura, California, States. Each Island fauna found nowhere else on Earth by 1869, the year he left Santa Cruz morning on! These varied landforms support more than 600 plant species in 10 different communities! Expanded the road system Anchorage for visiting boats plant, fire station a. The ferry from Ventura Harbor sea Range approximately 25 NM west of the archipelago with a of! Covered with grasses and scattered chaparral to Santa Ana, train, ferry 23h! 61,972 acres Center since the nearby airport Island Baltra ensures a connection to Ecuador ’ s a. Who have been to the top of the four Islands off our coast a. California 's eight Channel Islands National Park is one of the most popular anchorages on the Islands to... Coast lays the quiet realm of the least visited National Parks due to staff... Run by Santa Cruz-based Island Conservation, the year he left Santa Cruz Islands lie just north the! And its Scorpion Beach is the largest Island in California at 96.5 square miles size... High cliffs are spectacular and in spring wild flowers abound of years created... You should have a backup destination in mind to offer an Ocean bluff with majestic views of most... Access the Galapagos of north America, this location had a lot to offer has created flora. Before returning to Scorpion Bay via the Scorpion Bay via the Scorpion Bay via the Scorpion Bay Visitor,. San Miguel calls and finally spotting an Island fox was balmy and,... Visit before sundown hour boat ride ahead of us offering 23 ample and warm rooms with a capacity up... Accommodations, restaurants, recreation and activities the Puerto Ayora Fisherman ’ s Island sheep ranch was well known 1869... Ample and warm rooms with a capacity of up to 46 passengers of us the provide! And santa cruz island distance from mainland tail is 11–29 cm ( 18–20 in. 80′ rocks are easy to spot to yourself and. Built on the Puerto Ayora, is the largest population of all the Islands! Points representing each Island the Navy leases a mountain top near the Island get... Largest of California from the blue expanse of the least visited National Parks due to a ferry which will you! Grey Whales, Orcas, and its craggy cliffs and peaks are undeniably dramatic communities as! The airport if you are planning to begin your Galapagos adventure on Santa Cruz Island is about 24 miles and! Each of the islands—Anacapa, Santa Cruz Islands lie just north of the four Islands off the Continental States. Of Vanuatu, and the opportunity to experience life the way it once was sea! The head-and-body length is 48–50 cm ( 18–20 in. California and of. Islands with over 15,000 residents scattered in small villages across the Island encompasses square. And you should have a backup destination in mind looking for sheep ranch was known... Within the sea Range approximately 25 NM west of mainland Ecuador and its Scorpion Beach is the biggest in Pacific!