- All Ages
- Non-Landing Trip
- One-Way
Explore one of the largest sea caves and enjoy hiking at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island.
- Destination #1: Painted Cave – Santa Cruz Island
- Destination #2 Prisoners Harbor
Quick Details
Prisoners Harbor – Santa Cruz Island
Located about 1½ hours by boat from the mainland (travel time may vary depending on drop-offs at Scorpion Anchorage), Prisoners Harbor sits midway along the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This unique destination marks the boundary between Channel Islands National Park and The Nature Conservancy’s protected lands.
Explore the Harbor and Wetlands
Unwind in the peaceful shade of a eucalyptus grove and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by natural beauty. The calm, protected waters of the harbor are ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. Along the edge of the restored wetland, you can observe a variety of native wildlife—including the vibrant Island Scrub-Jay and the elusive Santa Cruz Island Fox.
Hiking Adventure: Pelican Bay Trail
Join a guided hike led by Island Packer naturalists on the scenic Pelican Bay Trail. You may also go along the trail without a guide, but an Island Packers Naturalist needs to be on the island. This moderate to strenuous trail winds along rugged coastal bluffs, through pine and oak woodlands, and into deep canyons, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot more island wildlife.
Please note: Participants in the guided hike must complete and sign The Nature Conservancy (TNC) release form. Island Packers will provide this form, or you can download it in advance.
Day Visitor
People departing and returning to a mainland port without an overnight stay.
Adult (age 13-54)
Round Trip Day
$ 70
Senior (age 55 and up)
Round Trip Day
$ 65
Military (active duty)
Round Trip Day
$ 65
Child (age 3-12)
Round Trip Day
$ 50
Infant (age under 3)
Round Trip Day
Free
Round Trip
starting from
$ 70
Camper
People staying overnight one or more nights.
Adult (age 13-54)
Round Trip Camping
$ 93
Senior (age 55 and up)
Round Trip Camping
$ 88
Military (active duty)
Round Trip Camping
$ 88
Child (age 3-12)
Round Trip Camping
$ 68
Infant (age under 3)
Round Trip Camping
Free
JOIN US FOR A TRIP TO PRISONERS HARBOR AND EXPLORE ITS EXCLUSIVE BEAUTY!
Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties.
Prisoners Harbor Trip Options
➤ One way trip from Ventura to Prisoners Harbor
➤ Return trip from Prisoners Harbor to Ventura
Santa Cruz Island Prisoners Harbor Highlights
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The channel crossing for a Prisoner’s Harbor day trip is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on vessel route and possible stops at Scorpion Anchorage.
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For wildlife enthusiasts, a day trip to Prisoners Harbor offers a rare opportunity to spot two species found nowhere else on Earth: the Santa Cruz Island Fox and the Island Scrub-Jay, both of which call this unique habitat home.
Prisoner’s Harbor is the access point for the private TNC Property
Prisoners Harbor is located midway along the North shore of Santa Cruz Island. The harbor area is the border of the National Park and The Nature Conservancy Properties.
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➤ Eagle Canyon Picnic Area
Less than a half mile one way – Enjoy a brief walk up the Navy Road to a picnic area that has beautiful views of Prisoner’s Harbor.
➤ Del Norte Trailhead
.3 miles one way – Take a longer walk to the campground trail head, where the picnic area faces Chinese Harbor and the mainland beyond.
➤ South Side Overlook
2.5 miles one way – For the more adventurous, this uphill climb will leave you breathless with awe at the incredible panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see San Nicholas Island, Santa Barbara Island, and Santa Catalina Island out to the south.
Additional Trail Information – NPS
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Hiking
Prisoners Harbor day trip visitors can participate in a moderately strenuous hike along the Pelican Bay Trail with an Island Packer naturalist. This rocky trail travels along coast bluffs, through groves of pine and oak trees and through multiple deep canyons, offering scenic views and an occasional endemic island fox. Persons that participate in this guided hike must complete and sign a TNC Release form which Island Packers provides. You may also download the release form.
TNC Liability Form
Pelican Bay Trail Guide – by TNC
Accessing the Ocean:
Santa Cruz Island at Prisoners Harbor has a sand and rocky beach. Visitors who want to access the ocean for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking are advised to bring a pair of water shoes. The addition of water shoes will make your ocean experience much more enjoyable.
This hike is not a destination hike to Pelican Bay, but a guided hike through this pristine area along the Pelican Bay Trail. Hikers should not expect to reach Pelican Bay on this hike. Group size and hiker fitness will determine how far along the trail we can go before we must head back to meet the boat.
Photo by Doug Mangum
Visitors to Prisoner’s Harbor can join the guided hike, hike on their own, swim in the ocean, enjoy the pier, snorkel through shoreline kelp forests, or just relax on the cobblestone beach. Coastal kayaking is another popular exploration for kayaking enthusiasts. Fishing is allowed in this area with all required California Fish & Game licensing.
What You Need to Know & Bring
➤ Pack food and drink for your time on the island. A small cooler with a single handle or a backpack will help to protect your food from the small animals and birds that populate the islands year-round. There are no shops or restaurants on the island.
➤ Please arrive at your harbor of departure 45 minutes before your scheduled mainland departure.
➤ There is NO FRESH/Potable water at this area of the island. You must bring water with you for your requirements.
➤ Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island.
➤ Flat shoes with rubber soles are best for both the boat and the island. We recommend hiking shoes. We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure.
➤ Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Santa Barbara Channel. It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months).
➤ Shade is available in some of the picnic area. Most trails have little or no shade. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.
➤ A second pair of shoes or water shoes are recommended for the cobblestone beach, for foot protection, if you are planning to get into the water.