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Southern California ★ Featured Anchorage

Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island

Holding: Good
Shelter: Good
32 mooring buoys
Shore access
Anchorage California

About This Anchorage

The largest and most accessible anchorage in Channel Islands National Park. NPS mooring buoys, camping ashore, a ranger station, and excellent kayaking into the famous sea caves on the north coast. The best starting point for first-time Channel Islands visitors.

Highlights

  • NPS ranger station and camping ashore
  • Kayak access to world-famous sea caves on north coast
  • California sea lion colony on the rocks
  • 20 nm from Channel Islands Harbor — feasible day trip

Cautions & Notes

  • Strong northwest swell can make anchorage untenable — check forecast
  • NPS permit required for camping; mooring reservations recommended in summer

Location

Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island

34.0494°N, 119.5514°W