Swim a narrow turquoise canyon sliced into black lava rock, fed by both ocean and freshwater springs. Arriving before the crowds means you have the fissure nearly to yourself.
What to expect
A short water-taxi ride across the harbor and a 15-minute walk over volcanic rock brings you to a slot canyon where the water shifts from teal to near-black in the depths. You'll drift through with fins and mask, occasionally spotting marine iguanas or small rays in the shallows. The stillness and acoustics inside the rock walls are otherworldly.
Good to know
Go right at opening (around 7-8am) before day-trippers arrive from other islands; bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for the rocky approach trail.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Santa Cruz Island — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.