Summary
California’s Channel Islands National Park consists of five distinct islands—Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara—each offering breathtaking views and rich natural habitats. Visitors can explore diverse wildlife, native plants, and stunning landscapes across these islands.
The national park status not only safeguards each island but also extends to protect six nautical miles around them, preserving vital habitats such as giant kelp forests and various marine species. As a result, the park is teeming with opportunities for birdwatching, whale watching, hiking, camping, fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Each island presents a unique adventure waiting to be discovered. A permanent ranger resides on each island, providing valuable information and guidance for visitors. Therefore, take the time to experience all the islands and leave room for some underwater exploration.
History
Two of the islands in this exceptional national park—Anacapa and Santa Barbara—were initially designated as national monuments, focused on protecting essential wildlife, including nesting birds and marine mammals like sea lions and seals.
In 1978, The Nature Conservancy and the Santa Cruz Island Company collaborated to protect and research significant portions of Santa Cruz. That same year, the waters surrounding the islands were established as a National Marine Sanctuary.
In 1980, all five islands and their surrounding waters were unified under the national park designation, marking a commitment to ecological research that continues to improve management efforts within the park system. Today, Channel Islands National Park is recognized for its extensive long-term ecological research programs.
When to Visit
The park welcomes visitors year-round. However, boat schedules are most frequent during spring and summer. For optimal whale watching, plan your visit between late December and March, with July and August also offering good opportunities for sightings.
Getting There
To reach the park, take US 101 to Ventura. If traveling north, exit at Victoria Avenue and follow the signs to the park. For those heading south, take the Seaward Avenue exit. The Visitor Center is situated on Spinnaker Drive—an excellent starting point to gather information regarding boat schedules.
Convenient airports, including those in Camarillo, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles, provide easy access to the park.
Fees/Premits
There is no entrance fee for the park; however, campers must pay a nightly fee to stay on the islands. Remember that most boat trips to the islands do require fares.
Major Attractions
Planning is crucial for trips to these islands, as visitors should take all necessary supplies, including food, water, and extra clothing.
Anacapa Island: Located just 14 miles from Ventura, Anacapa is perfect for those with limited time. Enjoy scuba diving at Middle Anacapa or watch California sea lions lounging on Arch Rock. Nature walks and guided ranger tours offer fantastic opportunities to learn about the island’s ecology.
Santa Cruz: This island is the largest among the five, set 21 miles from Ventura. Visitor access is limited to the eastern end, which protects endangered species like the island fox and island scrub jay.
Santa Rosa: Believed to have been inhabited for over 13,000 years, this island lies 45 miles from Ventura and boasts an impressive array of over 195 bird species and 500 plant species.
Santa Barbara: If observing wildlife is a priority, you will need to travel 52 miles from Ventura. In spring, the island’s cliffs are home to the largest breeding ground for Xantus’s murrelets worldwide. Sea lions and pelicans can also be spotted during spring and summer.
San Miguel: Located 55 miles from Ventura, this island supports five species of seals. Point Bennett is a notable site where up to 30,000 seals may haul out simultaneously.
Accommodations
All five islands have campgrounds with a 14-day stay limit, and advance reservations are required. Note that these facilities are tent-only sites.
For off-island accommodations, several hotels are available in Ventura. The Bella Maggiore Inn provides 28 affordable rooms, while the Inn on the Beach is another excellent option. For something unique, consider staying at La Mer European Bed & Breakfast.
Areas of Interest Outside the Park
Los Padres National Forest: This extensive forest encompasses a significant stretch of California’s central coast and mountainous terrain over five counties. Visitors to this 1.7 million-acre area can enjoy scenic drives like the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway (Calif. 35) and partake in activities such as camping, backpacking, and hiking.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: Both governmental and private entities work together to preserve this region’s cultural and natural resources. With diverse terrains ranging from rocky canyons to sandy beaches, there is much to explore. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Boat Information
For visits to Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara, boat trips are provided by Island Packers and Truth Aquatics. Here are their contact numbers:
Island Packers: 805-642-1393
Truth Aquatics: 805-963-3564
Both companies also provide services to Santa Cruz, but landing permits are necessary. For more details, reach out to The Nature Conservancy at 805-642-0345.
Contact Info
1901 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, CA 93001
805-658-5730
