Image by Janie Tran
by Janie Tran
August 11, 2024, was one of those perfect summer days made for adventure. We set out to explore the Painted Cave, and it turned out to be nothing short of magical. The ocean was teeming with life—cormorants, seals, and dolphins all feeding together like a scene straight out of a nature documentary. Watching the dolphins gracefully glide alongside our boat was pure joy.
The Painted Cave is a hidden gem on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. It’s one of the most incredible sea caves in the world, stretching over 1,200 feet long with a towering entrance more than 130 feet high. The fact that such a remarkable spot is practically in our backyard feels special.
When the weather is good, this is a trip you don’t want to miss. The cave is accessible only by water, with Island Packers offering select trips to Prisoner’s Harbor or via the Santa Rosa route back to the harbor. The crossing takes about 1.5 hours, but you never know what wildlife you might encounter along the way—each trip is unique. And seeing the cave’s entrance for the first time? It’s a breathtaking moment.
Inside, the cave walls are splashed with vibrant colors. If you’re adventurous, you can take a smaller boat or kayak even further inside, though it does get quite dark. There’s no landing at the cave, but trust me, the photos and memories you’ll capture are unforgettable.
After exploring the cave, we headed back to Prisoner’s Harbor, where we had three hours to hike, picnic, and soak in the beauty. The newly restored wetlands, thanks to the National Park and The Nature Conservancy, are a sight to behold. If you have time, a hike to Pelican Bay offers panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
One of the crew members, Tina Samson, summed it up perfectly: “It’s not work when you’re treated like family. With curiosity and an adventurous spirit, Island Packers excursions make work fun!” For more information, check out IslandPackers.com.
