Experience the Wild Beauty of Western Santa Cruz Island
Now at a significantly reduced price!
A Fundraiser for the East Santa Cruz Island Restoration Project
A chance to see unique plants that are located nowhere else in the world!
Santa Cruz Island Live-forever (Dudleya nesiotica)
Santa Cruz Island Live-forever (Dudleya nesiotica)
San Miguel Island milkvetch (Astragalus miguelensis)
Santa Cruz Island Live-forever (Dudleya nesiotica) grows only at Fraser Point and nowhere else in the world.
Join Us For A Spectacular Botanical Experience
Our region has been graced with an early rainfall, often setting the stage for a breathtaking wildflower bloom at Fraser Point on Santa Cruz Island.
Primarily beach and-verbena (Abronia umbellata) and salt grass (Distichkis spicata)
Primarily beach and-verbena (Abronia umbellata) and salt grass (Distichkis spicata)
Dwarf Locoweed (Astragalus Didymocarpus)
Checker bloom (Sidalcea malviflora)
Sticky sand spurry (Spergularia macrotheca)
Mix of plants dominated by beach sand-verbena (Abronia umbellata)
An Exclusive All-Day Excursion on April 16th, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Fraser Point on Santa Cruz Island, a seldom visited natural wonder on the largest and most diverse of California's eight Channel Islands. This special, all-day event offers a rare opportunity to explore the remote western end of the island, located on Nature Conservancy property, see its stunning coastlines, and witness incredible wildlife. We will charter an Island Packers boat; all guests on board will be CIR guests, so we will have plenty of room to move about the boat, watch wildlife, and talk with friends.
This experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and families looking to connect with California's Channel Islands wilder side.
A Journey to a Remote Paradise
The magnificent Painted Cave
This exclusive tour takes you to Fraser Point. Here, vast coastal bluffs meet pristine pocket beaches, offering breathtaking views of Santa Rosa Island. The warmer waters on the island's south side increase our chances of spotting rare marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and even whales. Along the way back, we will stop at the magnificent Painted Cave, one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world (weather permitting).
Your Island Adventure Awaits
Once you go ashore, you have the freedom to craft your perfect day.
Goldfields (Lasthenia californica)
Guided Nature Walk: Join Steve Junak to explore the area's native plants, geology, and rich natural history.
Beach Exploration: Relax on the sandy beach, enjoy a picnic lunch with a view, and soak in the serene, untouched environment.
Wildlife Spotting: Discover some of the more than 1,000 species of plants and animals that call this unique ecosystem home, including the Santa Cruz Island liveforever, which only grows in the area of Fraser Point and nowhere else in the world!
Trip Naturalist
Botany Walk with Steve Junak
Steve Junak is an active researcher and expert on the flora of the islands of California and Baja California, Mexico. Steve earned a master’s degree in botany, has led field trips for more than 25 years, and has co-authored several books about the Channel Islands, including “A Flora of San Nicolas Island, California” and “A Flora of Santa Cruz Island.”
Book Your Spot Today
The island cruise is available to everyone. You don’t have to be a CIR member to join us.
Proceeds from this trip will fund work on Santa Cruz Island, including restoration at Cavern Point in partnership with Channel Islands National Park.
General Admission ($300) | Island Fox Members ($225) | Ironwood Members ($255)
A 25% discount is available to Island Fox Members, and a 15% discount is available to Island Ironwood Members. Please contact John Ziegler at john@cirweb.org or 805.448.1501 with any questions or for information regarding this event.
Fraser Point looking south east
Where is Fraser Point located on Santa Cruz Island?
Fraser Point is located on Nature Conservancy land at the extreme western end of Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands of California. As one of the most remote, boat-accessible anchorages, it features coastal bluffs, small pocket beaches, and views of nearby Santa Rosa Island.
Important Trip Details
Please review these details carefully to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Date: Thursday, April 16th - Meet at Island Packers in Ventura at 7:00 am (1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, CA 93001)
Landing: Guests will be transported from the Island Packers boat to the shore at Forney's Cove via a skiff. Please prepare for a potential wet landing.
Physical Requirements: This trip is open to all ages, but participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with boat travel and walking on uneven terrain.
Refunds: If you need to cancel your ticket, we will issue a refund if we can find someone to take your space. No refunds if cancelled within 7 days before the event.
What to Bring
There are no facilities (restrooms, water, or stores) at Forney's Cove (there are restrooms available when on the Island Packers Boat). You must bring everything you will need for the day:
Food and Water: Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of water.
Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes are highly recommended.
Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Extra Clothing: A change of clothes or a waterproof layer is advised in case you get wet during the skiff landing.
More detailed information, including directions to the harbor and preparation tips, will be emailed to all registered participants.
Book Your Spot Today
Spaces for this exclusive excursion are limited to 65 people. Don't miss your chance to explore the remote beauty of Santa Cruz Island.