Overview: The Channel Islands sit just 20 miles off the coast of southern California but once you visit them, you'll feel a world away. A one-hour ferry ride from Ventura Harbor will transport you to Santa Cruz Island...the largest in the chain. Here, visitors can camp overnight in one of the campgrounds or you can visit for the day. Hiking trails twist throughout the eastern side of Santa Cruz Island and will take you to incredible sea cliffs, open highlands and lost coves. Sea kayaking around the Channel Islands is world renowned and Santa Cruz Island is home to the largest sea caves in the world. A guided trip along the rugged shoreline will take you deep into these caves where headlamps are needed.