Photo:
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0
Often called “the Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park protects five rugged islands off the Southern California coast and the rich waters around them. Just an hour by boat from the mainland yet a world apart, the islands shelter species found nowhere else on Earth, sea caves and kelp forests, and a wild, undeveloped quiet that vanished from the nearby coast long ago.
Each island has its own character, from Anacapa’s slender cliffs and lighthouse to Santa Cruz’s canyons and sea caves and windswept San Miguel. Steep coastal bluffs drop to rocky coves and beaches, grassland and coastal scrub cover the interiors, and the surrounding kelp forests teem with life. Sea lions, seals, whales, dolphins and vast seabird colonies use the islands and waters, and the diminutive island fox trots the trails.
Spring brings green hills and wildflowers with the best chance of calm seas; summer and early fall offer the warmest, clearest water for kayaking and diving. Winter is quieter and green but can bring rough crossings and cold water. Conditions on the water drive everything, so watch the marine forecast whenever you plan a trip.
The islands are reached only by concessioner boat or small plane from Ventura and Oxnard, with crossings of roughly one to three hours. There are no vehicles, services, stores or lodging on the islands, so once you land you explore entirely on foot or by kayak, carrying everything you need for the day or your stay.
Day trips to Santa Cruz or Anacapa offer hiking to cliff-top overlooks and wildlife watching within reach of the boat. Sea kayaking the sea caves of Santa Cruz is a signature adventure, and the waters are prized for snorkeling and diving in the kelp. Backcountry campers overnight on all five islands for solitude, stargazing and dawn wildlife.
The ocean sets the terms: cold water, currents and boat crossings mean you should be ready for immersion and seasickness, and only experienced paddlers should tackle the caves. On land, cliffs are steep and unfenced, there is little shade or water, and wind comes up fast. Carry sun protection, plenty of water and warm layers. Always check the marine forecast and confirm your return boat.
There is no entrance fee, but boat reservations and any camping must be booked ahead, and you must bring everything. There is nothing for sale on the islands. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report; always confirm current boat schedules, conditions and reservations with the National Park Service and the concessioner before your trip.
Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.
