DESTINATIONS

Exploring Santa Cruz Island

BY ALEC HARDY

► Our cruise to Santa Cruz Island, California, began on a Thursday with the plan to try for the Cueva Valdez anchorage on the northwest side of the island. Leaving Santa Barbara, we sailed past interesting yellow buoys, which we later determined to be a fish pen.

When we arrived at Cueva Valdez, our captain quizzed the currently anchored boats on conditions. We learned that the wind and waves had increased in the last half hour, so we decided to go farther east.

We arrived at Pelican Bay in the early afternoon and were able to get in a quick snorkel and ready the skiff. Our dinner was an appetizer of freshly caught scallops, ribs and a fine wine provided by the captain. That night there were two other boats at the anchorage. The wind and waves met us during the evening, so it was bumpy overnight.

Friday consisted of hiking, snorkeling and kayaking, and we got some great shots of the anchorage. As a diver, I can say that Pelican Bay has fun snorkeling. While there are some urchin barrens, there are still plenty of scallops, fish, sea hares, sea stars, black abalone and sheep crab. I even saw one octopus.

EXPLORING THE BEACH AT TINKERS COVE

HIKING TOWARD PRISONERS HARBOR FROM PELICAN BAY

Once the sun passed behind the mountains, we feasted on our scallop appetizer, with the captain supplying homemade award-winning chili. While not a completely calm Friday night, it was better than the night before, and sleeping was easier.

Around 10:30 am the next morning, we left for Santa Barbara and encountered a good breeze from the east, which helped get us back to the harbor before 2 p.m. ■

About The Author

Alec Hardy has been a member since 2022 and has served on the Cruising Committee, while actively cruising Santa Cruz. Currently, he serves as commander for Santa Barbara Sail & Power Squadron.