Preparing for Your Trip

Is Channel Islands National Park Closed?
The park is open at Prisoners Harbor, but Scorpion Anchorage is closed. Beginning November 1, 2019, public access to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island will be closed to allow for construction of a new pier. This area is expected to be closed for 6-8 months. During construction trips are offered at Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island.

What about food at the Channel Islands National Park?
The Channel Islands National Park does not permit any food service on the islands, so please bring your own lunch and snacks (please do not bring glass). There will be no where to purchase food once you are on the island. However, our Painted Cave Tour does include breakfast and lunch as part of the charter boat ride to the islands.

Is there drinkable water on the island?
No, water is not available at Prisoners Harbor and guests should bring 1/2 gallon of water per person. There is potable water in the Scorpion Ranch campground (which is currently closed) and the Water Canyon campground on Santa Rosa Island, but we recommend that you bring enough drinking water for the whole day. There is no water available on Anacapa Island.

How long is the boat ride across the Channel?
About 1.25 hours for most trips and 2 hours for Painted Cave Trips.

I have never been to the Channel Islands, what should I bring?
The Channel Islands National Park is a remote destination. There are very limited services on the island and no food vendors. It is important to plan accordingly for your trip. There is basic information on planning for your day on your confirmation form. Additional information can be downloaded from our website.

Who can take a kayaking tour?
Our staff works with a variety of guests from all skill levels. Beginner Kayak Tours are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility criteria:

1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket*
8. Get in/out or on/off of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance*
9. Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft*
10. Reenter or remount the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance*
11. Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate Course Outline, and have
    the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation*
12. Ages 5 and older