Itinerary

Departure

Embarking from Channel Islands Harbor, our journey unfolds eastward along Santa Cruz Island’s North Coast. Iconic Anacapa Island graces our left side, its famous arch visible in the distance, while the Oxnard/Ventura coastline stretches to our right. Dolphins often grace us with their presence during this stretch. After approximately 2 hours, the rugged coastline of Santa Cruz emerges on our left.

Cueva Valdez

Cueva Valdez boasts Santa Cruz’s most exquisite sandy beach, framed by sweeping sea caves. The cave to the right, named Tres Bocas for its three entrances, awaits exploration. Activities abound, from beachcombing and valley strolls to paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. Nearby, the enigmatic Green Grotto offers a unique sea cave experience.

Painted Cave

Santa Cruz' islands renowned Painted Cave is a sea cavern of unparalleled dimensions and beauty. With an entrance spacious enough to accommodate our yacht, this extraordinary cave boasts vibrant walls adorned with an array of colors, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as you glide through on a kayak or dinghy. As you venture deeper, the passage narrows, leading to a small opening that only a dinghy can squeeze through. Beyond this threshold lies a world that promises an unforgettable experience, a realm etched in memory.

Little Scorpion

Little Scorpion stands as Santa Cruz Island’s crown jewel, adorned with two charming islets, a pristine sandy beach, and numerous sea caves awaiting exploration by kayak. Below the surface, a thriving underwater world awaits, with rich marine life, enchanting kelp forests, and the wreck of the Peacock, a 136-foot wood-hulled ex-WWII Minesweeper turned Playboy-type club. Here, we indulge in paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, with hopes of savoring self-caught lobsters for dinner.

Anacapa

Remnants of the Winfield Scott, which sank in 1853 carrying 400 passengers and $800,000 of gold, may still be glimpsed at Anacapa Island's Frenchys Cove. Nearby, Frenchy’s Cave, a hidden sanctuary with cathedral-like dimensions, once served as a clandestine alcohol deposit during the Prohibition era. Our voyage carries us past the majestic Anacapa arches before we make our way back to the Channel Island harbor.

Explore escapes to the Calornia Channel Islands

No escapes to this destination planned. See Explore Escapes for currently planned escapes. 

Recent Escapes

Home • Sounds like you? • Our Escapes • Destinations • Site Map • Videos • Ask Captain Daddy • Contact