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INTER-ISLAND CAMPER SHUTTLES

Island Packers has recently expanded options for campers visiting Channel Islands National Park!

Please note the Inter Island Camper Shuttles shown with black arrows on the map. Click the map image to view the full size image.

PLEASE READ: Suggested Route Options

On select dates, campers can:

  • Extend their camping experience at a different location or
  • Visit a different destination on their day of return

On select dates inter island shuttles are available to connect campers between the following destinations for a day visit and/or extended camping:

    • Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa Island (day trip or camp)
    • Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz to San Miguel Island (camping only)
    • Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz to Prisoner’s Harbor, Santa Cruz Island (day trip or camp)
    • Prisoner’s Harbor, Santa Cruz to Scorpion Anchorage (camping only)
    • Santa Rosa Island to San Miguel Island (camping only)
    • San Miguel Island to Santa Rosa Island (camping only)

Campers who extend their stays must have a camping permit for all dates and destinations.
Campers visiting other destinations for the day on their return do not need an extra permit.

For example, on select dates, campers at Scorpion Anchorage can now:

Return from camping via a day visit to Santa Rosa Island: Hop on boat that is dropping off passengers at Scorpion en route to Santa Rosa (approximately a 1 ½ hour boat ride,) spend the day exploring Santa Rosa and see world famous Painted Cave on your ride back to the mainland.

➤ Return from camping via a day visit to Prisoner’s Harbor on Santa Cruz Island: Hop on the boat that is dropping off passengers at Scorpion en route to Prisoner’s (approximately a half-hour boat ride,) spend the day exploring Prisoner’s Harbor before heading back to the mainland.

Extend their camping experience at Santa Rosa or San Miguel Island: Hop on the boat that is dropping off passengers at Scorpion en route to Santa Rosa/ San Miguel (approximately a 1 ½ – 2 ½ hour boat ride) spend an extra day or two camping and exploring another island and see world famous Painted Cave on your ride back to the mainland. Campsite reservations are required at all overnight destinations. Water is available on Santa Rosa, but not on San Miguel. Campers to San Miguel must pack in their own water.

➤ Extend their camping experience at Del Norte Campground at Prisoner’s Harbor: Hop on the boat that is dropping off passengers at Scorpion en route to Prisoner’s Harbor (approximately a half-hour boat ride,) spend an extra day or two camping at this remote, back country destination before returning to the mainland. Campsite reservations are required at all overnight destinations. There is no fresh water available at Del Norte. Campers to Del Norte must pack in their own water.

Similar travel plans can be made for other destinations. Not all options are available every day. Dates for transport to the outer islands of Santa Rosa and San Miguel are limited while transportation between Scorpion and Prisoner’s Harbor is available most days during the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Interested in booking a shuttle, but not sure where to start? We are happy to help. If you see a day where your desired ports for a shuttle origin and destination are listed, we can probably shuttle you and your group to the next leg of your adventure.

Campers who would like to book a shuttle can often do so on our website when making reservations. If you already have reservations, or the shuttle you want is not listed, you’ll have to contact our office and speak to our reservation team, we will be happy to help you customize your trip to maximize your camping enjoyment.

Shuttles, like all ocean activities, can be affected by sea conditions. Rough seas can mean the cancellation of a trip leg. Santa Rosa and San Miguel are particularly subject to heavy winds and heightened seas. Campers should be prepared with flexibility and extra supplies in the event sea conditions affect travel plans.