Restrictions

panorama

Many trails and roads on Santa Cruz Island are rugged and mountainous, so visitors should be in good physical condition. Extra caution should be exercised when approaching cliffside overlooks, since the edges tend to be crumbly and unstable. Stay well back.

There are no medical facilities on Santa Cruz Island.

  • Visitors are advised to be in good health when visiting the island. A recent booster shot for tetanus immunization is recommended.
  • All persons visiting the reserve must be actively engaged in research or instruction.
  • Firearms, Bicycles, Pets, Cardboard boxes and Surfboards are not permitted at the island.
  • Only appropriate scientific material may be collected. If such collecting is necessary, consult the reserve director regarding possible limitations. This applies particularly to intertidal regions, since some of the island sites are being monitored as part of ongoing projects. Appropriate permits must be obtained.
  • When working on the island, stay clear of the main ranch house and yard. Do not intrude upon the privacy of the owner. Remember that we are guests of The Nature Conservancy and appropriate personal conduct should be exercised during your visit.
  • Verizon Cell service is the only current telephone service available on portions of the island.

Resource Protection

As in all national parks, all resources are protected completely under federal law. Visitors may not collect, harass, feed, or otherwise harm the wild life, plant life or other natural and cultural resources of Channel Islands National Park. This includes, but is not limited to, plants, animals, rocks, shells, feathers and other natural, archeological, underwater and historic features within the park.

Under federal law it is illegal to disturb seabirds, or seals and seal lions. They are very sensitive to any type of human disturbance, especially during nesting and pupping seasons. In order to avoid disturbance, check the map to locate haul-out, pupping and nesting sites and do not approach these areas. Visitors should stay 100 yards away from marine mammals and seabirds.