Scorpion Anchorage is a coastal bay on the eastern end of Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park, California, USA. It is the park's premier paddling destination, accessed exclusively via a one-hour ferry ride from Ventura Harbor operated by Island Packers. The launch and take-out point is Scorpion Beach, a sandy and cobblestone beach located beside the pier. Paddlers must transport their own kayaks on the ferry for an extra fee, ensuring they have a sturdy bowline and secure attachment points, or they can join guided tours offered by the park's authorized concessionaire on the island. The beach is rocky, which can damage kayak hulls. The anchorage offers a world-class paddling experience characterized by crystal-clear ocean waters, stunning sea caves, hidden coves, kelp forests, and dramatic cliffs. The overall exposure is moderate, and conditions are tide and swell-dependent. The area is subject to tidal currents, with a general north-to-south flow along the coast. For safety, it is recommended to paddle against the tide first when exploring the coastline to the left (west) of the anchorage, so the return trip is assisted by the current. Wind typically builds in the afternoon, making early morning paddling more favorable. The water is cold year-round, with temperatures ranging from approximately 55 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitating immersion gear like wetsuits. Hazards include surge and rock hazards within the sea caves, which require calm conditions and appropriate skill, cold water hypothermia risk, afternoon winds, northwest swells, fog, and boat traffic within the anchorage. There are few safe landing spots along the cliff-lined coast outside of the main beach. The area is a marine-protected area with abundant wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, whales, seabirds, and garibaldi fish. On-island facilities are limited to a visitor center and potable water spigots in the adjacent campground; no other services are available, so paddlers must bring all necessary supplies. Kayaking is possible year-round, but the calmest conditions typically occur from spring through fall. A helmet and life vest are mandatory for all kayakers in the park.