"Aerial view" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Santa Cruz IslandSea Kayaking Map for Eastern Santa Cruz Island |
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Channel Islands
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Channel Islands National Park
Kayaking Information
Kayaking Regulations and Safety for Eastern Santa Cruz Island
Kayaking is a unique and rewarding way to experience the pristine marine environment of eastern Santa Cruz Island. Here you will encounter spectacular displays
of wildlife. The island’s cliffs, their numerous caves and the rest of the coastline and neighboring islets are home to twelve different species of nesting seabirds
and shorebirds, including ashy and leach’s storm-petrels, Xantus’s murrelets, Brandt’s and pelagic cormorants, Cassin’s auklets, pigeon gillemots and black
oystercatchers. Santa Cruz, the other Channel Islands, and all their associated islets and offshore rocks comprise one of the largest breeding centers on the west
coast for seabirds and shorebirds. California sea lion and harbor seals also rest and breed throughout the island’s shoreline.
The protection and preservation of these rare and unique marine resources is a major mission of the National Park Service. By following the wildlife-specific
regulations listed below, you can help protect these park treasures for future generations to enjoy.
Also, within this marine environment you will face new challenges and may encounter unexpected dangers. Since the marine environment can be unforgiving,
follow the safety information listed below and use extra caution when engaging in these activities.
This bulletin is designed specifically to help in planning a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sound sea kayak trip in the park. For more information on kayaking
in the park including planning your trip, weather, safety, and other park regulations please refer to the park newspaper or visit www.nps.gov/chis/.
Regulations
In addition to the regulations listed below, visitors should
follow the “Limiting Your Impact” guidelines listed in
the park newspaper and must comply with all regulations
in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the
Superintendent’s Compendium. Visit www.nps.gov/chis/
for a complete list of regulations.
Xantus’s Murrelet
As in all national parks, natural and cultural resources
are protected under federal law. Visitors may not
collect,harass, feed or otherwise harm the native wildlife, plant life or other natural and cultural resources of
Channel Islands National Park. These include, but are not
limited to, vegetation, animals, rocks, shells, feathers and
other natural, archeological, and historic features within the
park.
Under federal law it is illegal to feed, touch, tease,
frighten or intentionally disturb wildlife, including
seabirds, seals and sea lions. They are very sensitive to any
type of human disturbance, especially during nesting and
pupping seasons. [Title 36CFR 2.2 (a)(2)]
Do not directly or indirectly feed the native wildlife.
Wildlife can become habituated to human food by being
fed. Once habituated, these animals will beg for food,
becoming nuisances to visitors. In addition, habituated
animals may bite and transmit diseases, and may consume
plastics which obstruct their digestive systems, causing
them to starve. Secure your food and garbage at all times.
[Title 36CFR 2.2 (a)(2)]
Safety
No lifeguards on duty.
All watersports are at your own risk. Use the buddy
system.
Open ocean conditions.
You are not in a protected cove. Be alert to wind, waves,
and currents at all times.
Weather and Sea Conditions
• Always observe and evaluate sea conditions before entering the water. Check marine weather forecast for the East
Santa Barbara Channel in advance.
To protect wildlife, landing is prohibited on all offshore
rocks and islets . [Superintendent’s Compendium 36 CFR
1.5 (a)(1)]
Visitors may not set foot ashore inside sea caves,
including, but not limited to ledges and beaches.
[Superintendent’s Compendium 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2)]
To protect nesting ashy storm-petrels and Xantus’s
murrelts and their habitats, Bat Cave and caves #3 and #4
within the Cavern Point Cove Cave Complex are closed
year-round. Bat Cave hosts the largest nesting colony for
the rare ashy storm-petrel in the world with over 100 nests.
The Xantus’s murrelet is proposed for state and federal
endangered species listing. [Superintendent’s Compendium
36CFR 1.5 (a)(1)]
Bat Cave: UTM 11S 0262623, 3770695
Lat. N34°03’07.2”, Long. W119°34’25
Cavern #3 & #4: UTM 11S 0263641, 3770901
Lat. N34°03’16.0”, Long. W119°33’41
Marine Reserves are closed to fishing. The area between
Scorpion Rock and Potato Harbor from the shoreline out
to 3 nautical miles is a State Marine Reserve— the take of
living, geological, or cultural resources is prohibited. Please
see the park newspaper or a ranger for more information on
marine reserves.
•Use the buddy system. Stay together and conduct your watersports within the skills of the least experienced member
in the group.
Equipment
•All kayakers must have lifejackets.
•Helmets are highly recommended. Always wear a helmet
when below cliffs and in sea caves.
•VHF radio, tow line, compass, throw bag, first aid kit.
Carry these items with you and know how to use them.
•Extreme weather conditions may be encountered at any
time. Sea conditions may become dangerous without warning.
•Wetsuits are highly recommended. Water temperatures
remain cold throughout the year (55 to 70 degrees). Wear a
wetsuit.
•Wind and waves typically come out of the northwest or
west and increase in the afternoon. Morning hours can be
a better time for waterports. Santa Ana or east winds may
occur at anytime, but are most common September - April.
•Establish a plan. Let someone know where you are going
and when you expect to return.
•Do not travel down wind (with the wind) as you will have
to return into a headwind. If you find yourself unable to
get back to Scorpion, there are two small beach haul outs at
Little Scorpion.
•Ocean currents outside of coves and protected beach areas
can be strong and extremely dangerous.
Skills
•Do not exceed your skill level. If you are new to sea
kayaking or other watersports, it is recommended that you
go with a guide service. Stay close to Scorpion Anchorage.
Ask NPS personnel or kayak guides if you have questions
concerning weather, safety, regulations, or destinations.
•Be capable of re-entering your kayak from the water.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
•Post the dive flag at end of pier when swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Do not attempt to enter or exit the
water from the pier when boats are in the pier area.
Sea Caves
•Sea caves are dangerous. Even on calm days, the wake from
large ships in the channel can pose a danger in caves.
•Use extreme caution. Always observe and evaluate sea
conditions before entering any sea cave.
•It is illegal and unsafe to exit your kayak while in the sea
caves.
Emergency Procedures
•Contact a ranger, nearby boat, US Coast Guard (VHF 16),
or call 911. For more information, read the detailed procedures listed on the island bulletin boards.
April - November
April - August
February - July
March - August
March - August
March - August
March - August
on
(Caves, cliffs, and offshore rocks throughout Santa Cruz Island.)
nd
ern
pa
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Cavern
Point
Trailhead
Se
n Po
er
.
Loo
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Ashy Storm-petrels
Black oystercatchers
Cassin’s aucklets
Cormorants
Pigeon guillemots
Western gulls
Xantus’s murrelets
Scorpion Ca
ny
wi
Cavern
Point
st
we
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Nesting Seabirds
North
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oad
Scorpion Can
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o H
arbo
ort
hw
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R
Potato
Harbor
Potat
f Trail
Bat Cave
(CLOSED)
(Refer to the National Marine Sanctuary's Protecting Your Channel Islands brochure for more information)
No commercial or recreational fishing.
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ail
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Ca v
S c orp io n S t ate M ar i ne Re s er ve
uf
Bl
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Pr
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Little Scorpion
Anchorage
Scorpion Rock
East (Santa Ana) wind pattern.
(May occur at anytime, but most common Sept. - April.)
N
0
.5 mi
Please avoid disturbing sensitive pinniped and
seabird areas found throughout the island.
Closed Sea Cave
Bat Cave and caves #3 and #4 within the Cavern
Point Cove Cave complex are closed year-round.
(May land and hike cross-country
back to Scorpion Anchorage from these
beaches in case of an emergency.)
Safety Haul-out
Beaches
Pier
(34 02.933 N, 119 33.382 W)
Scorpion Anchorage
Cavern Point
Cove Caves #3 & #4
(CLOSED)