Capt. Dan presents

Capt. Dan's Guide to Santa Cruz and Anacapa Island Anchorages

Santa Cruz Island has more great spots to drop your hook overnight than anywhere between the Oregon and Mexico. Except for the 4th of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day, you'll be one of two boats - maybe the only boat - in most anchorages. And Anacapa is our favorite destination for daysailing. Less than a 3-hour sail from Oxnard, its rugged coast and soaring peaks provide a magnificent backdrop for lunch and its many caves offer excellent kayaking opportunities.

This guide is designed for folks who want to sail to Channel Islands National Park. If you're going in your own yacht, this guide provides supplemental information that will make your passage and anchorage safer, more comfortable and more fun.

If you're thinking about chartering Sancerre, this is a travel guide that will help you design your cruise itinerary.

Now get ready to do some armchair exploring. Just click on the anchorages you'd like to visit. If the link doesn't work, that means we haven't spent a night there. If you have questions, just call Capt. Dan at 805.750.7828 or click on his e-mail link, top left of this page.



Going Ashore on Santa Cruz Island

The Eastern quarter of the island is managed by the National Park Service and no permits are required for landing; however there are some areas that have restrictions. See Boating Info for National Park Service procedures and restrictions for the Channel Islands.

The Western three-quarters of Santa Cruz is managed by The Nature Conservancy and permits are required to go ashore. Permit Application Procedures.

See also Nature Conservancy FAQ.

National Park Service Info Santa Cruz Island