East Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Ranch
East Santa Cruz Island is rich with cultural history. Old ranch buildings still stand just off the main beach. Prior to the ranching era, Native American Chumash inhabited the same valley we visit today. The Chumash called the island Limuw, which means “in the sea”. During your visit to Santa Cruz your students will have a chance to learn how two different periods in California history have impacted the natural habitat on Santa Cruz Island, including how the once abundant island fox has now become an endangered species and what the National Park Service is doing to help. To learn more about Santa Cruz Island, the largest and most diverse of the Channel Islands, and the educational program for this site, download the pdf "East Santa Cruz Pre-visit guide".
*Click image to the right to download.
Access to the shore is provided by a ladder to a pier at Scorpion Anchorage. The pier can be utilized as a platform for conducting some simple oceanography activities which provides a way to connect to the surrounding ocean that plays an important role in the island's ecosystem. In general, the nature hikes on the island will have a 300-400 foot elevation gain, and cover 2 or more miles of trails depending on the group dynamics. Features include the old Scorpion Ranch, scenic overlooks, native and introduced plant species, a cobble beach, and picnic areas, to enjoy lunch on the island.
In April 2003, 12 new marine protected areas were established in the Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. During the portion of your visit that focuses on the marine environment around Santa Cruz Island students will have a chance to participate in a young marine scientist activity. This new activity is designed to foster an appreciation for the biodiversity found in healthy ecosystems, and an awareness of the Channel Islands Marine Protected Areas.
Mid Santa Cruz Island Prisoners Harbor
Mid Santa Cruz Island is the newest destination for Island Packers Educational Cruises. Cruises land at Prisoners Harbor where National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) boundaries meet. Lush native vegetation can be viewed along rugged terrain on the private TNC interpretive trail from Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay. Hikes are also available along more open terrain in the hills leading into the National Park. During your visit to Santa Cruz students will have a chance to learn how two different periods in California history have impacted the natural habitat on Santa Cruz Island, including how the once abundant island fox has now become an endangered species and what the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy are doing to help. This site also has many native plants that are unique to the islands (endemic) do to many years of isolation. 
The hiking on this part of the island is moderate to strenuous along a narrow and sometimes steep and rocky trail, and is recommended for more mature students and or small groups. To learn more about this field trip download the pdf "Mid Santa Cruz Pre-visit guide". *Click image to the right to download.
In the year 2000 the Nature Conservancy deeded 8,500 acres to the National Park making this area more accessible to the public. Access is by a ladder to a historic pier. Features include a cobble beach, picnic area, and hiking trails with lush native plant life with varied terrain including several steep rocky sections. Distance of the hike is dependant on pace and skills of each group and can range from 2-5 miles round trip with multiple elevation gains of 150-300 feet including some steep rocky terrain. This site is recommend for more mature students, and or smaller groups. *Note: all students, parents and teachers participating in this hike must have a signed release and waiver form. Download form.
Preparing for an Educational Cruise:
Many young people have little experience with the outdoor environment, and even fewer have had an opportunity to travel on the ocean and spend time in an island wilderness site. Being prepared for an outdoor adventure can help a make a good experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
• Dress for outdoor activity; wear sturdy close-toed shoes for safety and comfort. Dress in layers and bring a jacket since it can be cool and breezy even on a sunny day.
• Put on sunscreen, and or bring a visor or hat, some island locations have no shade trees.
• Pack a lunch and beverage, there are no stores or vending machines on the islands, and some do not have running water (avoid glass containers they can break and be a safety hazard).
• There are no trash cans on the island so be prepared to pack out your trash in a bag or in a backpack.
• Get lots of rest the night before your trip, and eat normal meals. Most people do not require any seasickness medication, but if you are very sensitive to motion it should be taken at least 1/2 hour prior to getting on the boat.
• Please come to enjoy the isolation and the natural beauty of the ocean and the islands. Bring a camera, binoculars or a note pad, but leave electronic music and games at home.