Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Most of the coastline of Bechers Bay, including the famed Torrey Pines, remains open for unrestricted exploration. Skunk Point at the south end of Bechers Bay is open for exploration fromSeptember 15th through the remaining duration of Island Packers transportation season.

In spring the grasslands are green and numerous wildflowers can be found.

Santa Rosa Island is about 46 miles from Ventura Harbor and travel time is 2.5 -3 hours. The boat sometimes makes a brief stop to drop off or pick up passengers at Santa Cruz Island. When traveling to Santa Rosa, Island Packers will often travel on the south side of the scenic Santa Cruz Island coastline.

The sandy area known as Skunk Point is closed from March through Mid September to protect the nesting Snowy Plover.

Returning from Santa Rosa you will travel along the north side of Santa Cruz and view the Painted Cave,(sea conditions permitting), a large sea cave on the western end of the island.

Visitors to Santa Rosa should be prepared for windy conditions which are common.

Spring through mid August the interior of the island is open for hiking and exploration, however, backcountry beach campers need to check for specific closures designed to protect nesting and/or breeding wildlife.

Restrooms with modern facilities, including running potable water are located near the ranch and at the Water Canyon Campground.

To get more details on hiking while on Santa Rosa Island, you can download the NPS Santa Rosa Hiking Guide. Check out the Quick Links below

There are picnic tables adjacent to the ranch area, on the beach at Waters Canyon, at the top of the coastal bluffs and below the campground. There are no shade trees in these areas.

Santa Rosa has a diverse landscape ranging from pristine white sand dunes and beaches, to rolling hills and dramatic weather sculpted canyons.

Day hikes along the coast include the endemic Torrey Pines forest and Cherry Canyon. The Cherry Canyon trail makes an excellent hike for day visitors wanting a little adventure and scenic views of Bechers Bay, the ranch site, and Skunk Point.

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Main Office:
Ventura Harbor
1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B
Ventura, Ca 93001

Satellite Office:
Channel Islands Harbor
3550 Harbor Boulevard
Oxnard, CA 93035 (No Mail)

805-642-1393
805-642-6573 Fax

Info@IslandPackers.com

Office Hours
Main Office
9:AM to 5:00 PM
& One Hour Before Boat Departure
Seven Days a Week

Satellite Office:
Open One Hour Before Boat Departure