Channel Island Travel Journey I: A Day of Blessings on Santa Cruz Island
February 22nd, 2025
Today, I set sail to Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands, a place I’ve been dreaming of visiting for years. Living in Los Angeles, I’ve always felt drawn to the Channel Islands—they’re the closest national park to the city, yet they feel like a world away. Santa Cruz Island, in particular, called to me. It’s not only the biggest of the islands but also one of the most accessible, making it the perfect escape for a day trip. I needed this—a break from my busy work, hectic LA traffic, the constant buzz of life in the city. I wanted to feel the kind of quiet that only nature can provide. So, with my coworker Annie by my side, I boarded the ferry early in the morning, the cool sea air brushing against my face, and let the calm of the ocean set the tone for the day ahead.
I took the Island Packer Cruise from Ventura Harbor.
Journey Started
The morning ferry ride to Prisoners Harbor of Santa Cruz Island was quiet and uneventful, the kind of calm that lulls you into a peaceful state of mind. Annie and I spent most of the journey half-asleep, the gentle rocking of the boat and the cool sea air making it easy to drift off. But as we approached Prisoners Harbor, the world seemed to wake up. The sky cleared to a brilliant, crystal blue, and the harbor revealed itself in all its pristine glory. The water was deep and calm, shimmering like sapphire, framed by rugged cliffs and the vibrant greens of the island’s landscape—a timeless, eternal companionship. It was tranquil, untouched, and utterly beautiful.
Couldn’t find a better picture, just imagine you will set up your tent in a dreamy green meadow, and you are never so close to the clear blue sky.
The campsite near the harbor was the most stunning I’ve ever seen. Nestled between the cliffs and the shore, it felt like something out of a dream. The peacefulness was almost palpable, and Annie and I took a moment just to soak it all in. It was the kind of place that makes you want to sit quietly and listen to the world around you—the gentle lapping of the waves, the distant calls of ravens, and the rustle of the breeze through the grass.
After getting the island map from our local ranger, we decided to hike the Potato Harbor Trail, a 5-mile out-and-back route that promised incredible views. The trail didn’t disappoint. It wound along the cliffs, offering sweeping vistas of the coastline and the sparkling ocean below. But what struck me most was the sense of serenity that came with every step. The island felt alive in a quiet, ancient way, as if it had been waiting for us to arrive.
Magical green gate - It’s like God just opened a door for you, I call it “The Gate to Heaven”.
Just 10 minutes after we started, we came across something truly magical—a green gate made of intertwined branches and leaves. It looked almost man-made, but I highly doubted it was. It felt like a natural archway, a gateway to the island's heart. Passing through it felt like stepping into another world, one where time slowed down and the beauty of nature took center stage.
One of the vista points along the way.
The trail was very flat and easy to walk.
The view along the trail was nothing short of spectacular. The vibrant greens of the leaves contrasted with the deep blues of the sea, creating a palette that seemed almost too perfect to be real. Every turn in the trail revealed something new—rugged cliffs with ravens flying around, a rocky outcrop, or a hidden cove. It was impossible not to stop every few minutes to take it all in.
The view of Potato Harbor, I believe the cute tiny island is the “potato” as there was nothing else look like a potato.
When we finally arrived at Potato Harbor, we were greeted by a scene so peaceful it felt like a dream. The harbor was a flat open space with an extraordinary view, its waters calm and inviting. We found a spot to sit and unpacked the small picnic we’d brought—soda, fruits, a hotdog and a simple burger. As we ate, we talked about everything and nothing, the kind of easy, flowing conversation that only happens when you’re completely at ease.
No commercial shop on the island, so we brought our own food.
Ravens are normal to see on Santa Cruz Island.
At one point, I laid down on the soft grass and closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the sun and the sound of the waves lull me into a light nap. It was one of those moments where you feel truly blessed, where the world feels just as it should be. Annie and I both agreed—this was a day we’d remember for the rest of our lives.
Santa Cruz fox, the tiny sleeping cutie!
The hike back to Prisoners Harbor was just as beautiful, though tinged with a hint of sadness that our time on the island was coming to an end. But the island had one last surprise for us. After the all-time seek of the well-known Santa Cruz fox, I finally caught it before leaving the island. And it was just in front of your eyes, in front of the dock of the harbor, napping with its cute tiny body facing down, such a sweetie! “Now I don’t have any regret at all in this trip!” I taught to myself.
Return
As we boarded the ferry back to Ventura, the wildlife suddenly decided to make its grand appearance. First, a pod of dolphins appeared, their sleek bodies cutting through the water as they leaped and played alongside the boat. Annie and I rushed to the railings, laughing and pointing as they danced in the waves.
Then, someone shouted, “Whales!” We all turned to see the unmistakable spout of a grey whale in the distance. The boat’s crew did their best to steer us closer, and as we approached, we realized there wasn’t just one whale—there were several. A small group of grey whales, their massive bodies breaking the surface in a slow, graceful rhythm. And then, to our amazement, we spotted a killer whale among them. It was a rare and incredible sight, and the entire boat fell silent, captivated by the majesty of these creatures.
The last surprise of today didn’t come from the water or the land, on the contrary, it came from the sky.
The guide on our cruise pointed out a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch in our 2 o’clock direction—its fiery plume cutting through the sky as it carried 22 Starlink satellites into orbit from California.
What a magical day it was—I witnessed the awe-inspiring artistry of nature and the soaring hope of humanity embodied in a rocket, a symbol of our future.
As we continued toward Ventura, the sky began to transform. The sun dipped lower, painting the horizon in shades of pink, orange, and gold. The sunset was spectacular, the kind that makes you stop and just stare. It felt like the perfect ending to an already perfect day.
The purple hues of the evening glow enveloped the tranquil harbor, wrapping everything in a serene stillness.
By the time we docked in Ventura, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude. Santa Cruz Island had given us so much—tranquility, beauty, and a connection to nature that was both grounding and exhilarating. And the journey back, with its wildlife encounters and stunning sunset, felt like a gift from the ocean itself.
It was a day I’ll never forget, a reminder of the wild, untamed beauty that still exists in the world.
Until next time, Santa Cruz.
