The swell was pushing in from one side, then bouncing off the cliff walls and ricocheting back, making our kayak bounce around like we were in a washing machine.

Our group of four kayaks was more than 50 feet inside a cave along the coast of Santa Cruz Island, one of five that make up Channel Islands National Park.

The cave stretched much deeper but our guide, with safety in mind, kept us near the entrance.

The group spent a few minutes inside the cave fighting the swell and negotiating the walls before moving on to the next one.

Our trip had already been pushed back a day because of rough weather, now moving out of the area.

As the skies cleared we were able to enjoy 90 minutes on the water learning about the ecosystem and natural features of the island from our guide.

Channel Islands had just over 262,000 recreation visits in 2024, making it one of the least visited national parks in California, according to Park Service data.

The islands aren’t easy to get to and services are limited.

The park’s website says, “A visit to the Channel Islands is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance.”

Those who make it to Santa Cruz after an hourlong ferry ride out of Ventura are rewarded with 77 miles of craggy coastline, cliffs, vast sea caves and vibrant tide pools.

The island has 31 campsites, each with a picnic table and an animal-proof box for food. Potable water is available at Scorpion Anchorage but not Prisoners Harbor.

Campsites are a half-mile walk from the dock at Scorpion Anchorage, and most sites have some shade.

Most of Santa Cruz Island is privately owned by The Nature Conservancy. The eastern side, about 24% of the island, is managed by the Park Service, where day hikers and campers can explore.

The ferry brings visitors to Scorpion Anchorage, where it backs up to a movable platform at the dock. Guests then, with the help of staff, time the swell to step onto the platform and the dock.

A ranger gives a short orientation and guidance to help protect the island’s ecosystem.

The islands are home to unique plants and animals, including subspecies of deer mouse and fox. Twenty-three creatures are endemic terrestrial animals — those found in only one geographic area and nowhere else on Earth.

The bright blue island scrub jay is only found on Santa Cruz Island. Compared with its mainland cousin, the California scrub jay, it is a darker blue, larger and has a unique call.

Structures from Scorpion Ranch are visible right off the boat and educate visitors on the history of the island.

From the 1850s to the mid-2000s, feral sheep and pigs as well as introduced animals called Santa Cruz Island home. Livestock ranching began in the 1850s with sheep, cattle, horses and pigs. Hay, vegetables, almonds, grapes and walnuts were also grown.

In the 1880s, structures were added including ranch houses, a winery, a chapel, and blacksmith and saddle shops. Kilns were installed to make bricks and mortar, according to the Park Service website.

The island was privately owned until 1997, when it was sold to the Park Service.

Today on Santa Cruz, visitors can tour sea caves, rent snorkeling equipment or sign up for kayaking or snorkeling tours. Reservations must be made on the mainland, so planning ahead is key.

As the Park Service website says, there are “no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived.”