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Frequently Asked Questions View All
Twenty-five miles off the coast of southern California lies Santa Cruz Island, the largest of California’s eight Channel Islands. More than 1,000 species of plants and animals inhabit the island’s high peaks, deep canyons, pastoral valleys, and 77 miles of dramatic coastline.
Once on the brink of ecological collapse, Santa Cruz Island now offers visitors a glimpse of what southern California used to be like hundreds of years ago.
After three decades of tireless work, Santa Cruz Island has emerged as a leading example for successful island restoration and innovative conservation. Today, the Conservancy and its partners are focused on preserving the island’s unique plants and animals and sharing lessons learned in island restoration with other island conservation projects around the world.
When The Nature Conservancy purchased most of Santa Cruz Island in 1978, it was an island in crisis.
The Conservancy worked with its partners — the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Fish and Game — to engage in an intensive, science-based restoration program to save the island fox and revitalize the natural communities of Santa Cruz Island.
As part of this effort, feral sheep and pigs were removed from the island, and golden eagles were captured and relocated to the mainland. Bald eagle chicks were reintroduced and carefully raised and released into the wild.
Efforts to restore the fox population were initiated in 2002, and the fox program has been heralded as one of the fastest and most successful endangered species recovery programs in the country.
For the first time in over 150 years, the island is free of non-native animals and native species are flourishing.
The restoration of Santa Cruz Island has been a resounding success and will allow thousands of visiting boaters and hikers each year to enjoy this unique landscape. However, managing human interaction with native plants and animals is vital to maintaining the island’s health. Our research, restoration and outreach efforts continue:
Santa Cruz Island Harbors:
The Nature Conservancy owns 76% of Santa Cruz Island, and manages it in close collaboration with the National Park Service, which owns the remaining 24%. Visitors may explore the Santa Cruz Island preserve either through a naturalist-guided hike with Island Packers or, in the case of private non-commercial boaters, by obtaining a landing permit. Island Packers is contracted through the park to help visitors plan for day and camping trips as well as provide transportation to Santa Cruz Island. They can be contacted at (805) 642-1393 or www.islandpackers.com. Visitors arriving on their own vessels may apply to the Santa Cruz Island Landing Permit Program for day access to the Conservancy property. Limited public access to the Santa Cruz Island preserve requires sufficient time for securing the permit approval or the appropriate reservations with Island Packers; we encourage you to plan ahead.
You may now apply for landing permits using our online application and payment process. We accept major credit cards through our secure website, making the application process easier and faster!
All permit applicants will receive a copy of the Santa Cruz Island tide calendar. Exclusively for landing permit holders, these high quality calendars include beautiful photography and information about Santa Cruz Island. They also feature charted NOAA tide graphs that are specific for Santa Cruz Island.
To apply for a landing permit, visit www.nature.org/cruzpermit.
Thank you for your cooperation and participation in the Santa Cruz Island landing permit program. Your continued assistance with the natural stewardship of the island is appreciated.
Do I need a landing permit to go ashore on Santa Cruz Island?
How many people can be brought out on a landing permit?
How do I get a landing permit?
Is there a cost for the permit?
How much time will it take for me to receive my permit?
What does the landing permit provide?
Can I go anywhere on the Conservancy's property on Santa Cruz Island with a landing permit?
Can I camp on Santa Cruz Island?
Can I have a campfire on Santa Cruz Island?
Can I bring my dog ashore on Santa Cruz Island?
Can I collect wildflowers or other souvenirs from Santa Cruz Island?
Where is the best anchorage to land on Santa Cruz Island?
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz Island?
Do I need a landing permit for my kayak?
Are there any restrooms on Santa Cruz Island?
Yes. A landing permit is required by all private boaters and kayakers before they go ashore on The Nature Conservancy's portion of Santa Cruz Island (view map of Santa Cruz Island). The Conservancy owns the western 76% of the island, with the remaining 24% of the island under National Park Service ownership. Permits are only issued to private boats, not to commercial vessels or commercial charter parties. Permits are only valid during daylight hours; visitors are not permitted ashore after sunset or before sunrise.
Landing permits are available for 30 consecutive days or for one calendar year. All annual permits expire on December 31st in the year they are issued.
Landing on the National Park Service's property on the eastern portion of Santa Cruz Island does not require a permit from The Nature Conservancy. For permission to land on the National Park Service's property, call Channel Islands National Park at (805) 658-5700.
Landing permits are issued to one applicant only for a single boat with a maximum group size of ten persons.
Apply online at www.nature.org/cruzpermit.
Yes. You may obtain a permit for 30 consecutive days for $30, or a calendar year permit for $70. All annual permits expire on December 31 in the year they are issued. A permit is required for each boat, and signed waivers are required for all crew members coming ashore.
Please allow at least 10 business days prior to your planned departure for application approval, processing and delivery of your permit.
The Nature Conservancy's landing permit for Santa Cruz Island provides private boaters and kayakers access to the Conservancy's portion of the island for parties of ten persons or less. The fees from the permit system go toward the Conservancy's preservation efforts on the island, and they help cover the costs of administering the landing permit program. The permit application packet includes the application itself along with a list of visitor rules pertaining to the protection of the property and a liability release form. Anyone wishing to come ashore must have agreed to the rules and regulations and have signed the release form. No pets are allowed on shore.
Access to the portions of the island owned by The Nature Conservancy will be permitted, with the following inland access restrictions:
No. Your landing permit is valid only during daylight hours. Camping is prohibited on The Nature Conservancy's portion of Santa Cruz Island. The National Park Service does provide camping facilities on their eastern portion of the island. For more information, contact Channel Islands National Park at (805) 658-5700.
No, due to extreme fire danger, there is no smoking or building fires of any type allowed on Santa Cruz Island.
No pets of any kind (including, but not limited to, cats and dogs) are allowed on Santa Cruz Island. Domestic and non-native animals brought to the island can easily and unknowingly transmit diseases to native island wildlife, as well as damage the island's natural habitats in ways that will imperil these unique plants and animals.
Please do not bring any plants, seeds or cut flowers onto the island, and check your shoes for weed seeds before walking on the island.
Santa Cruz Island supports a remarkably diverse population of plants and animals, including 12 found nowhere else in the world. Help us to preserve and protect the island's native biodiversity by not bringing things that do not naturally occur there. Please respect the island's native flora and fauna, and keep non-native species off the island.
No souvenirs or specimens of anything found on the Conservancy’s portion of Santa Cruz Island may be taken from the island. You may not disturb any Native American sites or other architectural remains located on the island, or disturb the terrain in any way.
Cutting down, injury of, picking of, collection of or other disturbance of any trees or other plants or vegetation is not allowed, whether or not the plants are living or dead.
Santa Cruz Island has a variety of habitats and beautiful anchorages to share with its visitors. Check local weather, Santa Barbara Channel conditions and the extended forecast before visiting and make your determination on destination based on these factors.
The island has something to offer its visitors throughout the entire year. Each season brings with it a change of weather, colors and beauty. Choose the best time for your visit based on weather, Santa Barbara Channel conditions and the extended forecast. All of these factors change during the year and from day to day as well.
If you plan on going ashore, yes, you do need a landing permit. All boaters who wish to go onto The Nature Conservancy’s property are required to have landing permits. (On the application, under "Boat name and/or CF#," please write "kayak.")
There is one public restroom located on the northern boundary of The Nature Conservancy’s property, where it adjoins the National Park Service’s property at Prisoners Harbor on the north shore of the island.
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
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