Prisoners Harbor
Santa Cruz Island, CA
Prisoners Harbor is one of the main boat landings on Santa Cruz Island's north shore, the starting point for several of the island's hiking trails through Channel Islands National Park. The shoreline here is rocky rather than sandy, with the real draw being the trail network and island wildlife rather than a beach day.
A genuine gateway to Santa Cruz Island's trail network rather than a beach destination on its own, worth it for hikers willing to make the trip.
How we score beachesCheck the concessionaire ferry schedule out of Ventura well ahead of time, boats to this landing don't run every day.
Boat access only, through Channel Islands National Park; no roads or bridges connect the island to the mainland.
Pets are not allowed anywhere in Channel Islands National Park, including Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island.
The calmest crossings and clearest island weather run from late spring through early fall, winter brings rougher seas.
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