Nature Conservancy – Santa Cruz Island Preserve

Twenty-five miles off the coast of southern California lies Santa Cruz Island, the largest of California’s eight Channel Islands. More than 1,000 species of plants and animals inhabit the island’s high peaks, deep canyons, pastoral valleys, and 77 miles of dramatic coastline.

Once on the brink of ecological collapse, Santa Cruz Island now offers visitors a glimpse of what southern California used to be like hundreds of years ago.

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% of the island. Visitors are welcome to explore Santa Cruz Island, however, public access is limited. Pleasure boaters who anchor in the coves along the island’s coast must obtain landing permits to go ashore the Conservancy’s portion of the island. Permits also allow for day hikes from these locations on Conservancy property.

To apply for a landing permit, visit https://www.nature.org/cruzpermit