Channel Islands A blue whale, seen from the ferry to Santa Cruz Island. The massive size of the whale is very striking in person. The whale’s tail. View from the trail to Smuggler’s Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Smuggler’s Cove. Scorpion Anchorage. An old radiator. Kayaks being loaded on to the ferry. Kayaking seemed like a better way to see the islands than hiking. The ferry.