National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Channel Islands National Park

Kayaking Information Kayaking Regulations and Safety for Eastern Santa Cruz Kayaking is a unique and rewarding way to experience the pristine marine environment of eastern Santa Cruz Island. Here you will encounter spectacular displays of wildlife. The island’s cliffs, their numerous and the rest of the coastline and neighboring are home to twelve different species of nesting seabirds and shorebirds, including ashy and leach’s storm-petrels, Xantus’s murrelets, Brandt’s and pelagic cormorants, Cassin’s auklets, pigeon gillemots and black oystercatchers. Santa Cruz, the other Channel Islands, and all their associated islets and offshore rocks comprise one of the largest breeding centers on the west for seabirds and shorebirds. California lion and harbor seals also rest and breed throughout the island’s shoreline.

The protection and preservation of these rare and unique marine resources is a major mission of the National Park Service. By following the wildlife-specific regulations listed below, you can help protect these park treasures for future generations to enjoy.

Also, within this marine environment you will face new challenges and may encounter unexpected dangers. Since the marine environment can be unforgiving, follow the safety information listed below and use extra caution when engaging in these activities.

This bulletin is designed specifically to help in planning a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sea kayak trip in the park. For more information on kayaking in the park including planning your trip, weather, safety, and other park regulations please refer to the park newspaper or visit www.nps.gov/chis/.

Regulations In addition to the regulations listed below, visitors should To protect wildlife, landing is prohibited on all offshore follow the “Limiting Your Impact” guidelines listed in rocks and islets . [Superintendent’s Compendium 36 CFR the park newspaper and must comply with all regulations 1.5 (a)(1)] in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and the Superintendent’s Compendium. Visit www.nps.gov/chis/ Visitors may not set foot ashore inside sea caves, for a complete list of regulations. including, but not limited to ledges and . [Superintendent’s Compendium 36 CFR 1.5 (a)(2)] As in all national parks, natural and cultural resources are protected under federal law. Visitors may not To protect nesting ashy storm-petrels and Xantus’s collect,harass, feed or otherwise harm the native wild- murrelts and their habitats, Bat and caves #3 and #4 life, plant life or other natural and cultural resources of within the Cavern Point Cave Complex are closed Channel Islands National Park. These include, but are not year-round. Bat Cave hosts the largest nesting colony for limited to, vegetation, animals, rocks, shells, feathers and the rare ashy storm-petrel in the world with over 100 nests. Xantus’s Murrelet other natural, archeological, and historic features within the The Xantus’s murrelet is proposed for state and federal park. endangered species listing. [Superintendent’s Compendium 36CFR 1.5 (a)(1)] Under federal law it is illegal to feed, touch, tease, Bat Cave: UTM 11S 0262623, 3770695 frighten or intentionally disturb wildlife, including Lat. N34°03’07.2”, Long. W119°34’25 seabirds, seals and sea lions. They are very sensitive to any Cavern #3 & #4: UTM 11S 0263641, 3770901 type of human disturbance, especially during nesting and Lat. N34°03’16.0”, Long. W119°33’41 pupping seasons. [Title 36CFR 2.2 (a)(2)] Marine Reserves are closed to fishing. The area between Do not directly or indirectly feed the native wildlife. Scorpion Rock and Potato Harbor from the shoreline out Wildlife can become habituated to human food by being to 3 nautical miles is a State Marine Reserve— the take of fed. Once habituated, these animals will beg for food, living, geological, or cultural resources is prohibited. Please becoming nuisances to visitors. In addition, habituated see the park newspaper or a ranger for more information on animals may bite and transmit diseases, and may consume marine reserves. plastics which obstruct their digestive systems, causing them to starve. Secure your food and garbage at all times. [Title 36CFR 2.2 (a)(2)]

Safety No lifeguards on duty. All watersports are at your own risk. Use the buddy •Use the buddy system. Stay together and conduct your wa- system. tersports within the skills of the least experienced member in the group. Open ocean conditions. You are not in a protected cove. Be alert to wind, waves, Equipment and currents at all times. •All kayakers must have lifejackets. •Helmets are highly recommended. Always wear a helmet Weather and Sea Conditions when below cliffs and in sea caves. • Always observe and evaluate sea conditions before enter- ing the water. Check marine weather forecast for the East •VHF radio, tow line, compass, throw bag, first aid kit. Santa Barbara Channel in advance. Carry these items with you and know how to use them.

•Extreme weather conditions may be encountered at any •Wetsuits are highly recommended. Water temperatures time. Sea conditions may become dangerous without warn- remain cold throughout the year (55 to 70 degrees). Wear a ing. wetsuit.

•Wind and waves typically come out of the northwest or •Establish a plan. Let someone know where you are going west and increase in the afternoon. Morning hours can be and when you expect to return. a better time for waterports. Santa Ana or east winds may occur at anytime, but are most common September - April. •Post the dive flag at end of pier when swimming, snorkel- ing, and scuba diving. Do not attempt to enter or exit the •Do not travel down wind (with the wind) as you will have water from the pier when boats are in the pier area. to return into a headwind. If you find yourself unable to get back to Scorpion, there are two small haul outs at Sea Caves Little Scorpion. •Sea caves are dangerous. Even on calm days, the wake from large ships in the channel can pose a danger in caves. •Ocean currents outside of and protected beach areas can be strong and extremely dangerous. •Use extreme caution. Always observe and evaluate sea conditions before entering any sea cave. Skills •Do not exceed your skill level. If you are new to sea •It is illegal and unsafe to exit your kayak while in the sea kayaking or other watersports, it is recommended that you caves. go with a guide service. Stay close to Scorpion Anchorage. Ask NPS personnel or kayak guides if you have questions Emergency Procedures concerning weather, safety, regulations, or destinations. •Contact a ranger, nearby boat, US Coast Guard (VHF 16), or call 911. For more information, read the detailed proce- •Be capable of re-entering your kayak from the water. dures listed on the island bulletin boards.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA Painted Cave

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