It takes courage to enter any cave. But the Painted Sea Cave on Santa Cruz Island off the coast of California isn't one of the scary American caves that only the bravest people should enter, such as the Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. But the cave, which is accessible via boat or kayak, is truly jaw-dropping.
The Painted Cave doesn't rank among the largest caves in the world such as the Clearwater Cave in Malaysia or the Wind Cave in South Dakota, but it's the longest sea cave in all of North America. It plunges a quarter-mile into the side of Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park just off the coast of Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Without further ado, here's what to expect in the Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island In California and how to get there.
10 The Cave Itself Can Fit A Boat In Its Entrance And Kayakers Throughout The Narrower Chambers
Some caves around the world look nothing short of otherworldly in photos such as the Reed Flute Cave in China, but The Painted Cave simply looks stunning. The 100-foot wife and one-quarter-mile only sea cave is filled with colorful rocks, flowers, and algae that look the way they do after thousands of years of turbulent water smashing up against them. According to VisitCalifornia, in the spring, you can even experience a waterfall over the entrance which can allow a big boat inside. However, only kayaks can get through the smaller chambers to explore.
9 Santa Cruz Island Isn't THAT Far From L.A. But Here's How To Get There...
Directions to Santa Cruz Island and the rest of the islands in the National Park can be found through NPS.gov which reminds visitors that the islands can only be accessed by chartered boat or plane as well as private vessels. Advanced planning to get to the Painted Cave is recommended as public transports (I.E. ferries and barges) are limited via ports in Oxnard and Ventura which are just over an hour from the heart of downtown Los Angeles... with little traffic, that is.
8 Being Silent In The Caves Is Pretty Freaking Important For Environmental Reasons
Limiting the environmental impact on the protected national park that the Painted Sea Cave dwells in is essential and a law and policy that must be adhered too. It's only natural to want to hear your echo in a cave, but since Pelagic cormorants, bats, and pigeon guillemots nest on the ledges of the sea cliffs and inside the mouths, visitors are encouraged to be quiet. This is because nesting birds often get spooked and abandon their nests and the young inside them.
7 The Cave Can Be Dangerous So Guided Kayaking Trips Are The Best Way To See It
The light in the Painted Cave can play interesting tricks on people, especially when the water gets turbulent and starts causes odd reflections. For that reason and so much more, it's almost a must to be taken into the cave via a kayaking tour. According to VisitCalifornia, Channel Islands Adventure Company is the best option for booking both a private or group tour. A boat takes guests to a safe drop off point on the island where they get into a kayak and paddle from there as kayaking from the mainland is definitely not recommended due to it being a busy shipping lane.
6 Visitors Are NOT Alone When They Paddle Into The Dark Inner Chambers
When you paddle into the Painted Aave it's important to know that you're not alone. Aside from nesting birds, fish, and the occasional bat, sea lions can often be seen swimming around in there. Their barking noise or splashing can be startling in the darkness of the deeper chambers, but visitors are completely safe if they keep to themselves. Due to the lack of light in the inner chambers, SaliChannelIslands recommends bringing a flashlight on your trip.
5 Kayaking Around The Whole Island Is An Awesome Adventure
While the Painted Cave is certainly the highlight for kayakers touring Santa Cruz Island, it's not the only thing worth seeing. Thousands of seals gather on nearby islands so seeing them swimming around the array of coves and smaller caves nestled in the rock is pretty common. Kayakers can also paddle through the world-famous kelp forests and beside the Scorpion Bay and Scorpion Canyon Campground where some superb hiking trails can be found. This is a paradise worth seeing from all angles.
4 Typical Kayaking Tours Are Pricey
Most kayaking tours to Santa Cruz Island include various points of interest such as Prisoners Harbor on the island's north coast where some of the best kelp forests can be found. But, of course, The Painted Cave is the main focus. Kayaking tours are typically start daily from 10:30 AM and last for 2 - 2.5 hours. According to TripAdvisor, they also tend to be a tad pricey, averaging at $149 per adult and $139 for kids. That also doesn't include ferry transportation to the island which is $46 through the sole transportation concessioner to the Channel Islands, Island Packers.
3 Hiking And Camping Are Abundant On Santa Cruz Island... But Restaurants And Hotels Are Not
There are no restaurants or hotels of any kind in Channel Islands National Park including Santa Cruz Island where the Painted Cave rests. The ecologically rich islands off the coast of Southern California are abundant in caves and campgrounds, but nothing beyond that. So those planning to visit the Painted Sea Cave and stay overnight need to be prepared to stay in a tent and bring their own food. According to reviewers on TripAdvisor, there are also limited amounts of good and drink available on the concessionaire boats that take visitors to the islands.
2 Most Of Santa Cruz Island Forbids You From Camping, But There Is One Or Two Spots
While no camping is allowed on 76 percent of Santa Cruz Island due to it being a nature conservancy, there is a national park service-managed campground, Scorpion. Additionally, according to VisitCalifornia, some backcountry camping is available. There are several other campgrounds located on the other Channel Islands including Water Canyon on the stunning Santa Rosa and Cuyle Harbor on San Miguel. Staying at any of these destinations allows you fairly easy access to the Painted Cave.
1 Whale Watching Around The Painted Cave Is Common... Whether You Book A Tour Or Not
The summer months are the best times to see a ton of dolphins as well as both massive blue whales and humpbacks around the Channel Islands. According to channelislandswhalewatching.com, this is because the whales migrate up from Mexico to feed on the krill. Travelers to the Channel Islands can also book whale watching tours in the winter and early spring where grey whales are easily seen. In fact, of the 78 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, 29 have been spotted swimming around the Channel Islands. This means a visit to the Painted Cave tends to come with a whale or two, regardless of whether or not you go whale watching.