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.
The use of Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) (utility vehicles, Segways, golf carts, etc) on The Nature Conservancy’s portion of Santa Cruz Island has been assessed in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Based on the assessments, use of OPDMDs on The Nature Conservancy’s portion of Santa Cruz Island is prohibited.
Landing Permit Program
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!
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?
Can I use my Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) (utility vehicles, Segways, golf carts, etc) at the Santa Cruz Island Preserve?
Do I need a landing permit to go ashore 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. 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.
How many people can be brought out on a landing permit?
Landing permits are issued to one applicant only for a single boat with a maximum group size of 10 persons.
How do I get a landing permit?
Apply online at www.nature.org/cruzpermit.
Is there a cost for the permit?
Yes. You may obtain a permit for 30 consecutive days for $35, or a calendar year permit for $75. 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.
How much time will it take for me to receive my permit?
Please allow at least 10 business days prior to your planned departure for application approval, processing and delivery of your permit.
What does the landing permit provide?
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.
Can I use the landing permit to go anywhere on the Conservancy's property on Santa Cruz Island?
Access to the portions of the island owned by The Nature Conservancy will be permitted, with the following inland access restrictions:
- No hiking into or in the central valley of Santa Cruz Island is allowed (map provided with landing permit), or on the canyon road (Canada del Puerto) south of Prisoners’ Harbor.
- No access to Christy Beach is allowed.
- While on any portion of Santa Cruz Island owned by The Nature Conservancy, the permit holder and all members of the permit holder’s party, whenever separated from the permit holder, must carry a copy of the permit and show it to The Nature Conservancy’s staff, if requested.
Can I camp on Santa Cruz Island?
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.
Can I have a campfire on Santa Cruz Island?
No, due to extreme fire danger, there is no smoking or building fires of any type allowed on Santa Cruz Island.
Can I bring my dog ashore 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.
Can I collect wildflowers or other souvenirs from Santa Cruz 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.
Where is the best anchorage to land on Santa Cruz Island?
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.
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz Island?
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.
Do I need a landing permit for my kayak?
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.")
Are there any restrooms on Santa Cruz Island?
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.
Can I use my Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) (utility vehicles, Segways, golf carts, etc) at the Santa Cruz Island Preserve?
The use of Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) (utility vehicles, Segways, golf carts, etc) on The Nature Conservancy’s portion of Santa Cruz Island has been assessed in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Based on the assessments, use of OPDMDs on The Nature Conservancy’s portion of Santa Cruz Island is prohibited.
