You’ve heard about popular spring wildflower destinations such as Carrizo Plains and Anza Borrego in southern California. But have you seen the Channel Islands superbloom? Dozens of species of wildflower cover the islands, making the already beautiful hikes just purely jawdropping.
Come join us this spring for kayaking, hiking, and wildflower viewing on Santa Cruz Island
Recent photos from the islands below by kayak guides Chuck Graham, Sarah Adams and Cat Bronge, as well as Island Packers deckhand Lindsay Hart.
For names on each of these wildflower types and tips for viewing, check out Visit Ventura’s checklist.
Make the trip
Visiting the Channel Islands can be done as a day trip or camping. Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island has a large variety of hikes for viewing wildflowers, as well as incredible kayaking opportunities. To book a trip you can visit our website or call us at 805-884-9283 and we can arrange your ferry tickets, sea cave kayaking tour and point you in the direction of our favorite wildflower trails.
A typical day would look something like this:
9am: depart Ventura harbor
10:15am: arrive Channel Islands and begin kayaking tour
1pm: end kayaking tour and have lunch
1:30-4pm: take a hike and enjoy the stunning ocean views and wildflowers. We recommend Cavern Point, Potato Harbor Overlook or part-way to Smugglers Cove (all the way if you are camping or have the time)
4:30pm depart on Island Packers back to the mainland
5:15 arrive mainland
