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Anacapa Island Day Trip Guide: Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park was a place that was high on my list to visit when I began the blog almost 10 years ago. Due to it being 14 miles off the coast of California at its shortest distance and 55 miles at its furthest, this series of islands hold untouched beauty in their remoteness and they are a stunning part of California. After finally booking a ticket on the boat that takes you across, I set out to visit the closest and smallest of the Channel Islands, Anacapa in 2012, and then visited it again to update this post in 2021. It is a great island for a day trip and it has some beautiful views, wildlife, and even a lighthouse. Here is all the information on Anacapa and if you want to read about all the Channel Island, you can here .

• The closest island and the easiest for a day trip
• Cost is around $60-70 round trip
• You have to spend around 4 hours on the island it can be a long time since it is pretty small
• Around 2 miles of trails
• Information from my visit in 2012 and 2021

Getting To Anacapa

To get to Anacapa Island, the boat usually leaves at around 9:30 AM (this is the most popular time) and sets out on the hour ride to the drop off point on the island. During that time, you will cross into the channel and potentially see large freight shipping boats as well as wildlife like dolphins and whales. The crew always seems interested in showing everyone a good time, so they usually slow down by the dolphins and let everyone take pictures.

Video from 2021

Anacapa Island

After about an hour, we pulled up to the dock at Anacapa, and about 90% of the boat’s 50 passengers got off. While this seemed like a lot, the 2.5 square mile island was large enough to never make it look crowded.

From the dock, you climb about 150 stairs until you reach the central upper shelf of the island as well as the path to the visitor center. This dock is the only area on the entire island with sea access, as the island is on a cliff and has a good 50 to 100-foot drop at all sides.

Most people opted to take the time out for lunch, but since it was already 11:30 AM and the boat was picking us up again at 3:15 PM, we set out with one of the volunteers on a mile walk to the main draw of the island, Inspiration Point.

The walk was great, and the guide that we had was knowledgeable about the island and its history. He also took us to a couple of the significant viewpoints on the island; then after the tour ended, he let us walk around and explore to our heart’s content. I would recommend this tour if it is offered, but if you simply want to walk the island yourself, here are the standout areas.

Landing Cove

This area is where the boat backs in to let you off and pick you up. It is also the area where you can dive into the kelp forest and drop in your kayaks to explore the caves from the water.

The Lighthouse

At the southern tip of the island is this beautiful lighthouse. The old mirrors for reflecting the light have been moved into the visitor’s center, but you can still walk up and see the lighthouse while hearing the loud beeping it makes every minute. Unfortunately, you cannot get within 50 feet of it, but it’s worth walking up to.

Inspiration Point

The main highlight of the island, Inspiration Point, provides stunning vistas of the two other parts of Anacapa. The viewpoint looks over the middle island as it wraps around to the base of the west island. You can also see the silhouette of Santa Cruz in the background as well. It is a beautiful spot that you will want to spend some time at, especially since you will have time to waste while on the island.

Cathedral Cove

Another stand-out area on Anacapa, Cathedral Cove, is a stunning example of what a beach can look like. Sitting on the edge, overlooking this cove, made me feel like I had left California and was in some tropical paradise like Hawaii. I only wish I was able to go down to the beach, but I will save that for another kayaking trip.

Pinniped Point

On the west side of the island, this point had some unique rock formations and overlooked another beautiful cove. It is also one of the more significant drops on the island, so make sure you don’t get too close to the edge.

You can hear all of the seals below you and there were dozens to see when we visited.

Right smack in the middle of the island is the ten spot campground. It was only $15 a night when we looked (as of 2013), but I would recommend not staying overnight here as a day trip is perfect to see this island.

Visitor Center

About 150 feet from where the boat lets off is a small visitor center complete with brochures, some photos, history, and the old light from the lighthouse. Not a lot to see here but a good central point with pit toilets (this is all that are on the island).

Nesting Grounds

I do have to mention that if you visit in May – July, this is the typical nesting time for the gulls and there are thousands of them on the island. It is loud, dirty and they may even be territorial. I actually enjoyed this unique wildlife experience but wanted to note that if you go during this time.

Lastly, on the south side of the island is a huge rock in the sea that completes a full arch. It is about 40 feet tall and hollow for about 20 feet in its center. This rock is not accessible from the land, and you would need to boat or kayak to it, but it is cool and was the logo that the volunteers were wearing on their jackets.

Video Recap

Here is a video I took of the different points from above, complete with a short timelapse at the end (from my visit in 2012).

All in all, the Channel Islands are a beautiful trip that everyone in California needs to take at least once. As soon as you set foot on the island and start to explore, I guarantee you will be shocked at how amazing they are. I cannot wait to get to the other islands. Let me know what you think in the comments.

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Things to do on Anacapa Island [Day Trip Itinerary]

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Anacapa Island is the second smallest of the five islands in Channel Islands National Park, one of California’s least-visited national parks . In fact, I didn’t even know these islands existed until moving to California.

Nearly uninhabited and largely undisturbed, any of the Channel Islands would make an excellent weekend camping destination. However, since I only had one day I chose to spend it at Anacapa.

Anacapa Island lies twelve miles off the coast of Ventura. It is actually a series of volcanic rocky islets that total five miles in length. However, at only two miles long , the east islet is the only one accessible to people.

Despite being one of the smallest of the islands in Channel Islands National Park, there are plenty of things to do on Anacapa Island.

Things to do on Anacapa Island

Even though it took me a total of fifteen minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other, there are still plenty of things to do on Anacapa Island that make it a fun destination .

• Photograph the Anacapa Lighthouse: Just .5 miles from the landing port, the lighthouse is an iconic photo to capture. You will hear its horn sound every few minutes throughout the day.
• Picnic at Inspiration Point : The island does have one picnic table area right next to the landing stairs, but we opted for something more scenic. You will also find a few benches along the walking trail near Inspiration Point. However, you will want to bring a blanket to provide a barrier from bird poop. Some other necessities are plenty of water and wipes/ hand sanitizer. And remember to pack everything that you pack in since there are no trash cans on the island.
• Watch Wildlife at Pinniped Point : Get a good view of the lighthouse and see a sea lion rookery on the cliffs below the aptly named Pinniped Point.
• Hike to Cathedral Cove : This .6-mile round-trip walk gives you a good view of the volcanic cliffs and sea kelp forests below. You will view it from above as the only ocean access on Anacapa is at the landing port.
• Snorkel the Landing Cove: The landing cove is perfectly protected and is said to have excellent visibility. Even looking down from the cliffside I could clearly see kelp forests and a few sea creatures. Bring your own snorkel gear, wet suits are recommended.
• Camp Anacapa Island Loop: Anacapa has a total of seven campsites which can be reserved at recreation.gov . The main walking trail passes the campground which includes a food storage locker, pit toilet, and picnic table. The main draw to staying here is the proximity to snorkeling the landing cove. But personally, if I were going to camp overnight I would choose one of the other Channel Islands to stay at.

How to Get to Anacapa Island

The Island Packers ferry in Oxnard is the best way to get to Anacapa Island. The tickets were easy to purchase, there was plenty of parking with video surveillance in their lot, and they were very punctual.

Island Packers is unique in that its ferry serves many purposes. In addition to transporting people, they will also carry kayaks and large camping gear, as well as offer wildlife tours.

On my return trip to the mainland they were finishing up a wildlife tour and we ran into a huge nursing pod of common dolphins. Judging by the sheer number of dolphins on the surface at a single time, they said that there were upwards of 500 dolphins in the pod. Of course, I captured it on video on my Instagram .

Day Trip to Anacapa Island

Anacapa is the most-visited island due to its proximity to the shore and cheaper ferry fare. For me, Anacapa’s compact size is precisely what made it the perfect day trip.

For the first time in a long time, I left a destination without wishing I could have stayed longer to experience more. And it was so satisfying.

• 9:30 am Catch Island Packers Ferry to Anacapa from Oxnard
• 11:00 am Arrive at Anacapa Island
• 11:30 am Walk Anacapa Island
• 12:00 pm Picnic at Inspiration Point
• 1:00 pm Snorkel the Landing Cove
• 3:00 pm Be at Ferry Dock
• 3:30 pm Ferry Back / Dolphin Watch with Island Packers
• 6:00 pm Dock in Oxnard

Anacapa Island Seagulls in Spring

I would probably never visit Anacapa in the summer for one reason- BIRDS .

Anacapa is a sanctuary for nesting Western Gulls. From April to August, the island is overrun. I visited in early September and there was still a lot of bird poop and a faint smell, although it was not nearly as bad as a few weeks prior, according to the park ranger.

On the other hand, I would definitely consider returning to see the island in bloom. The vegetation was very yellow and dormant during my visit, but the island is supposed to be excellent for wildflower viewing in the early spring.

Anacapa Island FAQ

Anacapa Island is best known for its lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1932. It is also known for its small size, accessibility, and dramatic cliffs.

There is a small bathroom available to the public with vault-style toilets. It is recommended to use the bathroom on the ferry or before you arrive on the island.

Anacapa is the closest of the Channel Islands at twelve miles off the coast of California.

The ferry to Anacapa typically takes 1.5 hours from Oxnard but can be longer depending on the weather or wildlife-watching detours.

For part of the year, a ranger lives at the ranger station on Anacapa Island.

For even more pictures check out my  Instagram . Of course, if you ever have a question you can DM me @cassiescompass or drop it in the comments below.

• Visiting All 9 National Parks in California
• Why Pinnacles National Park is Worth a Visit
• Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park

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For Cassie, every destination deepens her love for God. Her mission is to inspire that same love in others. Hang around and find something to inspire your next adventure!

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Anacapa Island Day Trip Guide: Channel Islands National Park

If you’re looking for a unique day trip in California, Anacapa Island in Channel Islands National Park is definitely worth considering. This small island (or series of islets), located just off the coast of Ventura , is known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. With only around 2 miles of trails, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip.

An Anacapa Island day trip is relatively easy from Ventura Harbor. The cost is usually around $60-70 round trip, and the journey takes around an hour each way. Once you arrive on the island, you’ll have around 4 hours to explore before returning to the mainland. While this might not seem like a lot of time, it’s more than enough to experience the island’s unique atmosphere and see some of its most impressive sights.

» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco , Los Angeles , Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey , waterfalls in Southern California , and national parks.

During your visit to Anacapa Island, you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and sea lions. The island is also home to a number of unique plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

» Also read about Santa Rosa Island , another in the chain of Channel Islands.

Table of Contents

Planning Your Anacapa Island Day Trip

If you’re planning a day trip to Anacapa Island in Channel Islands National Park, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit.

The island is really three large islets named East Anacapa, Middle, and West Anacapa that are more or less end-to-end like a string of beads.

Getting There With Island Packers

To get to Anacapa Island, you’ll need to take a boat operated by Island Packers. Island Packers offers boat trips to the island from Ventura and Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard . There are 3-7 trips per week, year round to Anacapa, but it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season. The trip takes about 1 hour. Tickets are $63 rt for adults and $45 for kids.

Once you arrive, you have to climb up about 157 steps at the boat landing, then you can head off to do whatever hiking you want for the 4 hours you have before the return trip.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Anacapa Island is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, keep in mind that the island can get crowded during this time, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall. Winter can be a bit chilly and rainy, but it’s still possible to visit the island during this time if you’re prepared for the weather.

I also am not a huge fan of the ride out there when the water is choppy, so I prefer to go on a nice, calm day. Be aware that trips get cancelled all the time due to weather, so always double check before you head out.

What to Bring: Essential Gear and Supplies

• Sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun and wind
• Plenty of water and food, as there are no stores or restaurants on the island
• Sturdy shoes for hiking on the island’s trails
• Warm clothing, as it can get chilly on the boat ride and on the island
• A backpack or daypack to carry your gear

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the park’s safety guidelines, which include staying on designated trails, not disturbing wildlife, and packing out all trash.

Activities on Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island, located in Channel Islands National Park , is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The island offers a wide range of activities that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the top activities to enjoy on Anacapa Island:

Hiking and Trails

Anacapa Island has several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding islands. The most popular trail is the interpretive trail that leads to Inspiration Point, which provides stunning vistas of the two other parts of Anacapa.

The Anacapa Island Interpretive Trail is located on East Anacapa, one of the islets of Anacapa Island in the Channel Islands National Park. This trail offers about 2 miles of hiking paths in a unique figure-eight shape. The starts as you ascend the rugged cliffs using a stairway from the landing cove. The trail then meanders over gentle slopes, leading to dramatic overlooks and offering magnificent coastal views, including a view of the last permanent lighthouse built on the west coast.

An interpretive trail guide is available on the island, providing valuable insights into the natural and historical features of the island, making it not only a scenic hike but also an educational experience​

The viewpoint looks over the middle island as it wraps around to the base of the west island. You can also see the silhouette of Santa Cruz in the background as well. The trail is relatively short, and the terrain is not too challenging, making it suitable for hikers of all levels.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

Anacapa Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife and seabirds, making it a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The island is home to several species of seabirds, including the Western Gulls, Pelagic Cormorant, and Brandt’s Cormorant. Visitors can also spot California sea lions, harbor seals, and occasionally, dolphins and whales.

Kayaking and Snorkeling

Kayaking and snorkeling are popular activities on Anacapa Island, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Visitors can rent kayaks and snorkeling gear from the mainland and explore the island’s sea caves, kelp forests, and rocky reefs. The waters around Anacapa Island are home to several species of fish, including Garibaldi, Kelp Bass, and Sheephead.

Unique Flora and Fauna

Anacapa Island has a unique ecosystem that is home to several rare and endangered plant and animal species. The island is home to the Anacapa Deer Mouse, which is found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can also see the Island Buckwheat, which is a rare and endangered plant species that only grows on the Channel Islands.

Lighthouse and Historical Sites

Anacapa Island has a rich history, and visitors can explore several historical sites, including the Anacapa Lighthouse , which was built in 1932 and is still in operation today. Visitors can also visit the historic Coast Guard buildings, which now house a small visitor center that features displays on the natural and cultural resources of the island.

Overall, Anacapa Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are interested in hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking, or history, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island.

Visitor Facilities and Regulations

Anacapa Island offers limited visitor facilities, which are managed by the National Park Service (NPS). It is important to familiarize yourself with the park’s regulations to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Camping and Accommodations

There are seven camp sites on Anacapa, three sites that hold up to 4 campers and four sites hold up to 6 campers. If you’re planning to camp, you need a boat reservation and a camping reservation (booked in advance). The island as a whole isn’t very shaded, but there is no shade at all at the campsite. You also need to bring your own toilet paper. It’s about 1/2 a mile from the landing site to the campground.

Anacapa Island Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters. This historic building has been converted into a guesthouse that can accommodate up to eight people. The quarters include a living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Visitors must bring their own food and water, as there are no services on the island.

Picnicking and Day-Use Areas

Anacapa Island has several picnic and day-use areas where you can enjoy a meal or take a break from hiking. Picnic tables are available at the Landing Cove, which is the island’s main landing area. You can bring your own food and use the tables at the campground.

There are no restaurants or food services, and there is NO potable water on Anacapa Island, so bring your own food and water. Pit toilets are available at the campground and the Landing Cove.

Park rangers are available to answer questions and provide information about the island’s history and natural resources. Check in with the rangers upon arrival to obtain the latest information on park regulations and services.

Anacapa Island is a remote and rugged destination that offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Channel Islands National Park. By following the park’s regulations and respecting the island’s fragile ecosystem, you can help preserve this special place for future generations to enjoy.

Safety and Conservation

When visiting Anacapa Island, it is important to keep in mind the safety and conservation measures put in place by the National Park Service. The island is a protected area, and visitors are expected to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Park Rangers are available on the island to provide information and assistance, and it is recommended that you check in with them upon arrival.

On the northern side of Anacapa Island are four marine protected areas (MPAs) known as Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve (SMR), the federal Anacapa Island Marine Reserve (FMR), Anacapa Island State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA) and the federal Anacapa Island Marine Conservation Area (FMCA), along with Anacapa Island Special Closure, which encircles the entire island.

Cell service is limited on the island, so it is important to plan ahead and ensure that you have all necessary supplies and equipment. The boat ride to Anacapa Island can be bumpy, so it is recommended that you bring motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness.

To ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife, there are several rules and regulations that must be followed. These include:

• Staying on designated trails and areas
• Not feeding or approaching wildlife
• Not removing any natural or cultural resources
• Properly disposing of all trash and waste

It is important to remember that Anacapa Island is a fragile ecosystem, and every effort must be made to preserve its natural beauty. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy this unique and beautiful island.

In addition to the rules and regulations, visitors should also be aware of the potential hazards that can be encountered on the island. These include steep cliffs, strong currents, and slippery rocks. It is important to exercise caution and use common sense when exploring the island.

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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.

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Explore Anacapa Island

Plan Your Trip to Anacapa Island: Best of Anacapa Island Tourism

Essential anacapa island.

Encouraging women to try adventurous travel

California – Exploring the Bird-Filled Anacapa Island, Channel Islands NP

In the summer of 2021, I made a vow to head out to get out to the Channel Islands more often, if not yearly. I thought to myself, “late-winter and early spring would be a great time to visit when the grass is green.” Luckily, I looked into going out to Anacapa Island in January because the Natural Park was about to close down the dock for 3+ months for repairs. After another stroke of luck (check out the next section for the full details), I made it onto the small East Anacapa Island. The part of Anacapa Island that you can visit is VERY SMALL, and what it lacks in trees, it more than makes up for in silly bird antics, an inspirational view, lighthouse, and sense of accomplishment.

Anacapa, A Mini Introduction

Anacapa is made of three islets (East, Middle, and West), of which you can visit East Anacapa Island. It is roughly in a rectangle that is only about ¾-mile long and ¼-mile wide. With this in mind, I hiked the entire island in just a few hours. Also notable about the island is its bird inhabitants. Anacapa is the nesting site of 22 bird species and is the primary breeding ground of Western Gulls. With no natural predators on the island, East Anacapa Island is COVERED with Western Gulls. Head down to my “Birds, Birds, Birds” section for my thoughts on my day with them.

If you’d like more information on securing your tickets in advance (which I highly recommend), head to the “Getting to the Channel Islands” section. Or, if you’re interested in reading about the other islands, head over to my blog post about my Santa Rosa Day trip .

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Fate: Getting onto Anacapa Island

As I mentioned in the introduction, I wanted to visit Anacapa Island while the grasses were green. I opted to go on February 6, but Island Packers canceled the trip that morning due to high winds. I began to worry that it wasn’t going to happen. One departure was left on February 12, 2022, before the dock closure, and I added my name to the waitlist but didn’t hear anything. The Friday before, I gave Island Packers a call. They suggested that I show up at 8:00 or 8:30 AM to get on the in-person waitlist. I decided to take a chance and drive down to Ventura to get on the waitlist at 7:45 AM.

With nearly 2 hours to burn before the 9:30 AM departure, I made a detour to Target and a gas station to fill up for my drive home. At 8:45 AM, I got the call to get on the boat that day!

Jumping ahead, I had to get lucky one more time. Upon arriving at Anacapa Island, the dock is in a little cove. The water abs and flows, making it difficult to stabilize and allow people to get off the boat. After about 5 minutes of watching the swell, our captain decided it would be safe to deboard. Finally, I was able to see Anacapa Island!

At a Glance:

• Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would go again!
• Intensity: Hiking Clothes, Hiking Shoes
• Location: Channel Island National Park
• Cost: $62/adult round trip fare on Island Packers ($31.50 each way and slightly more if camping overnight)
• Restrooms: Some bathrooms are behind the visitor’s building, halfway down the island near the campgrounds, and on the boat.
• Timing: 5.5+ hours
• Distance: Depends on how much doubling-back to revisit areas that you do. If you simply make the figure-eight trail, it is 2.5 miles.
• Elevation gain: 390 ft

Highlights:

• You get to see the entire island and all of the sights at a leisurely pace.
• Inspiration Point is genuinely inspirational.
• The birds and lighthouse were a constant source of sound, but they also provided entertainment and scenery to photograph.
• Dolphin sightings in both directions on the boat ride.
• Shorter, 1-hour boat ride.
• Kelp flies covered everyone and everything as we waited to board the boat back to Ventura. They mainly disappeared by the time we returned to shore, but some stuck with us the entire ride!

Initial Impressions of Anacapa Island

The boat ride from Ventura to Anacapa Island is relatively short – only one hour. On the way, we got to see a megapod of playful dolphins. This time, I was on the boat’s upper deck and had a different view of the dolphins, which was fun. Another fun view is the final approach to Anacapa Island, where you can see the iconic archway on nearly all Channel Islands National Park merchandise. You can also see the lighthouse as you approach the dock, but you also lose the view of the lighthouse as you get closer to the steep walls that make up Anacapa Island.

Upon getting onto the dock, there are a series of stairs. After the first set of stairs, there is a large gathering area, where a volunteer (shoutout to Morgan – @mckelpish ) gave us an introduction to the island and what to expect. She also informed us how to interact with the birds on the island respectfully. After giving us some initial details, she let us free to climb up the stairs to the top of the island. I can’t remember exactly how many steps it was, but it was about four or five staircases worth.

At the top of the stairs, there is a little bit of a hill, and as you climb it, you will begin to see more and more of the island. There are no big trees, so you can practically see across the entire island. More immediately, there were a few buildings with the bathrooms (just pit toilets – don’t get excited) and a “visitors center,” which was only two rooms large and had information on the walls and a lighthouse bulb. Also, Western Gulls are everywhere.

Birds Birds Birds

No matter where you turn on Anacapa Island, there will be birds. Specifically Western Gulls. I didn’t find them particularly loud. Instead, I found them quite amusing and silly – on top of the buildings, cliffside, flying around, on the trail, fighting with each other, etc. In some ways, I felt terrible that they would get up and walk away or fly away when I got near them on the trail, but they were also utterly unavoidable. Last year, I thought about doing an overnight backpacking trip to Anacapa Island, but I am glad I experienced the birds before committing to it. Something to note if you are thinking about backpacking on Anacapa!

For the most part, the birds would simply sit there and watch you pass without a sound or perhaps a few warning squawks. I utilized them as a focal point in many of my pictures and enjoyed watching them fly around at Inspiration Point. Other times, I would get sucked into watching their antics and found it particularly cute when two were sitting together, like a romantic pair or best buds.

Leisurely Hiking the Entire Island + What to See

There is an elongated figure 8 trail on the island, which is about 2.5 miles according to this AllTrails map . We had about five hours on the island, so I knew I could do the entire trail twice during that time. There is no need to rush! At the same time, I was excited to get some space from other people that I was close to on the boat. I honestly don’t think one way is better than another regarding trail direction. I opted to go up the hill first and describe the key sights in no particular order.

In addition to the bathrooms at the main buildings, there is one more bathroom near the campground in the middle of the island. It’s at one of the main junctures of the trails, so you cannot miss it.

Pinniped Point

Upon going up the hill from the main buildings, one of the first sights has a flat open space with a bench. From the spot, you get a fantastic view of the lighthouse in the distance and the cove below you. The National Park Service labels this spot as Pinniped Point in the East Anacapa Trail Guide (you can pick up a printed guide at Island Packers). I watched some divers far below me and could also see some seals or sea lions (I’m not sure) moving around in the water. If you’re solo, like I was, this bench was a good place to put my tripod in and capture myself with the lighthouse.

Cathedral Cove

If you take the lower trail from the main building or the downhill trail from the camp bathrooms, you’ll come to a roped-off viewpoint of Cathedral Cove. This viewpoint is incredibly gorgeous, where you can watch the ocean move kelp around, the birds fly through the air, and admire the steep cliffs that drop into the ocean. There are benches here to appreciate the view.

Inspiration Point

A big reason I wanted to go to Anacapa Island was to view Inspiration Point. It’s at the farthest point from the dock on the island, but oh so worth it. On your way there, the higher trail crests a hill, where you can see (almost) the entire island and Santa Barbara/Ventura in the distance.

Although Inspiration Point does not have a unique name (there seems to be a million Inspiration Points out there — I’ve even written about one in Yosemite already ), the view is stunning. It’s the most inspired I’ve been at an Inspiration Point. You can see the other two islands that make up Anacapa island from this point. The islands and the rocks in between are incredibly rugged, sharp, Jurassic-looking, with dramatic drop-offs, and surrounded by the bright blue ocean. Making it feel even more alive, various bird species catch wind under their wings and fly around the area and near you at the point. It’s a marvel.

I ate part of my sandwich to refuel and pondered how to photograph the scene. I wanted to capture the sense of scale at Inspiration Point by getting a photo of me from a distance. This was tough because people were coming and going at a leisurely pace, and there wasn’t a safe place to set up a tripod as a gust of wind could easily knock it off the cliff. As I got halfway through my sandwich, I noticed another solo female hanging out at the exact spot to frame the photo. I ran over to her, and she was super down to help me get the shot. We bonded the rest of the day because she also has a travel Instagram account! Check out @sarah.mcgraw.explores

Lighthouse and Visitor’s Center

Returning from Inspiration Point, I recommend taking the path you haven’t taken before, just to be sure that you’ve seen everything possible. Since I took the high trail over to Inspiration Point, Sarah and I took the lower trail back. You have a slightly better view of that Santa Barbara and Ventura coastline on the lower trail.

Back at the main buildings, I recommend walking over to the lighthouse. You can’t get too close, as a sign states potential ear damage from the regular foghorn noise. The foghorn was going throughout the day, but I didn’t always notice it. It’s kind of funny how you can tune out sounds when exploring. The foghorn is another thing to note if you were thinking of a Backpacking Anacapa Island! The volunteer who joined our trip said that some people sleep fine with the fog horn, while others are bleary-eyed at miserable the day after.

Also, be sure to poke your head into the small visitor center and read the information on the walls. You can find the Anacapa/Channel Islands National Parks passport stamp inside. It’s a fun stop.

The Return Boat Ride

The least enjoyable part of the day was waiting to board the boat back. There were kelp flies everywhere. Luckily, they didn’t bite, but they landed on everyone and everything in the area. I didn’t have much hope for the boat itself because I could see people swatting flies away. Even once we reached full speed, we could stand in the wind and get away from the flies.

Upon leaving the dock of Anacapa, Island Packers took a slight detour to get a better view out of the iconic arch. The lighting was even better than in the morning, and it was incredible to see the arch a little closer.

I kept my eyes peeled for whales but didn’t see any on this trip. We did see more dolphins, but not as many in the morning. It was still fun to watch them jump in the wake of the boat – so ridiculously charismatic!

Anacapa Island Recommendations

My Anacapa day officially began at 9:30 am and ended at 4:30 pm. With this in mind, you will want to prepare for a FULL day of food and water. Here’s a shortlist of good things to bring:

• Download a map or the Alltrails Map in advance, if you plan to do any hiking
• Anything you need to reduce motion sickness while on the boat
• Backup battery – you might be filming quite a bit on the boat, depending on what wildlife is swimming around
• Wind resistant jacket for the boat rides
• Hat and sunscreen as there is little shade on the trails
• Comfortable hiking or trail running shoes
• At least 2 liters of water – there is no potable water on the island, so you will want to carry as much as you need for the time on the island. You can refill once you get back on the boat.
• Lunch and food for the day
• Small tripod for photos

Getting to the Channel Islands

To get to Anacapa Island, you’ll need to take a boat! You can, of course, go privately or even charter a flight, both of which come with a hefty price point. The most typical way is to go with Island Packers , who have been working with the National Park Service for years to provide transportation to the islands. Island Packers is a well-organized company that has always been a pleasant experience. I’ll say it time and again – BOOK YOUR TICKETS EARLY!! Not only do they have a tendency to sell out on weekends, but Island Packers does not have boats going out to Anacapa Islands every day, and it changes by the season.

Head directly to their website at: https://islandpackers.com/home/ Their reservations pages will have the most up-to-date information. And if you have any questions, give them a call – they have been super helpful on the phone in addition to the help they provide in person.

Overall Thoughts: Anacapa Island Day Trip

The Anacapa Island day trip’s leisurely pace was a stark contrast to my breathless visit to Santa Rosa Island last year . It was phenomenal to see Anacapa covered in green shrubs and watch the silly birds. I also liked seeing the entire island in one day, which made me feel very accomplished. The boat ride to the islands is always such a fun part of the experience, and I’m glad I got to see more of my dolphin friends. Overall, this was a grand day trip island, and I would recommend it to almost anyone. I would need to seriously consider the birds and the foghorn if staying overnight.

According to this press release from the National Park Service, the Anacapa dock project will take 3+ months. However, Island Packers expects it to take 5-6 months and has tickets available starting in September 2022.

Anacapa is a great introductory island, and I loved being able to see all of it in one day trip. Have you been to Anacapa or any of the other islands? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Travels,

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You can finally visit Anacapa Island — and see how it’s changed in a year without tourists

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As I arrived on Anacapa Island, my vision of an idyllic slice of the natural world was shattered by a loud moan — the sound of the foghorn.

It surprised me. Out on San Miguel , the most remote of the islands in Channel Islands National Park, all you hear is the crash of the waves, the howl of the winds and the bellows of seals and sea lions. On Santa Rosa, slightly closer to us, the calm of the island can still be shattered by the sonic boom of a rocket launch from across the channel at Vandenberg Space Force Base. But here on Anacapa, the closest of the islands, human presence is inescapable — every 20 seconds, day and night, a droning tone resonates from the lighthouse perched atop the island’s eastern tip.

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For the record:

10:37 a.m. April 7, 2023 A previous version of this story stated that passenger steamship Winfield Scott struck Anacapa Island in December of 1953. It struck in December of 1853.

While I found the foghorn to be an unwelcome greeting, over the course of my day exploring the island, I learned that the lighthouse and the foghorn, along with the thick and enduring fog that’s present any time outside the heat of late summer, are just a few of the players in the long saga of humankind and nature merging and colliding to shape Anacapa, now open to travelers. From Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, it’s a smooth, hour-long trip across the Santa Barbara Channel. Unlike the other Channel Islands, which are covered in miles and miles of hiking trails, Anacapa is quite small — there are just three miles of trail on the eastern islet, where visitors are allowed, and it is easy to see everything in a short day trip.

The island has enjoyed a brief respite from visitors, as the landing pier was replaced last year, and boat service to the island was paused last February for the year-long project to upgrade it. Island Packers , the concessionaire to Channel Islands National Park, just resumed trips in January. Having visited three of the five Channel Islands last year, I was excited to see how a year without tourists may have changed it.

When to visit

Service to Anacapa runs year-round because the short ride passes through a calm part of the Santa Barbara Channel and is mostly unaffected by the seasonal sea swells that can impair voyages to outer islands in the winter and spring. Be warned that the island is inhabited by western gulls, and spring is their mating season — so from May through August, the island can be rather loud and smelly thanks to thousands of hatchlings and their doting parents.

There is a small seven-site campground for folks who want to stay a night to take in the island experience and see the lighthouse in action — reservations open six months in advance and can fill quickly for peak seasons. The most strenuous part of the island is the 153 steps up the staircase that takes you from the pier to the top of the island, so Anacapa is a great option for youngsters or people just getting acquainted with the Channel Islands.

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What to bring

Most of the year, the island will be either damp, foggy or windy, so a waterproof outer layer is essential even for a day trip. Unlike dark, gloomy days in the mainland, a foggy day on Anacapa can be very bright, so bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare. And if you go out this spring, bring some sturdy boots — the island’s hiking trails are covered in thick mud from the rainy winter.

There are no vendors on the island, so you’ll need to pack your own lunch and snacks, and keep it simple — the gulls on Anacapa are every bit as opportunistic as the ones on the mainland, and there’s a lot more of them. This isn’t the time for your fanciest picnic spread. Stick to sandwiches and snacks to discourage thieves.

Touring the island

My husband and I arrived on a gloomy winter morning. Coming up the stairs from the pier, we get a look around for the first time. Even through the fog, the island’s stubby vegetation is strikingly green and lush from recent rains, and seagulls are everywhere.

We start our day by joining the guided nature walk led by volunteer naturalist Joel Justin from the Channel Island Naturalist Corps. Tours are free and require no advance registration — all island visitors are required to attend a brief orientation, and then the naturalist on duty will announce a departure time and location for the tour.

Justin begins his talk with the obvious — the foghorn droning behind us and the lighthouse barely visible through the fog just a quarter mile away. He tells us the story of one of the first (and most literal) collisions between Anacapa and the Western world: the tale of the Winfield Scott, a passenger steamship that wrecked on the island in December of 1853.

Bound from San Francisco to Panama, the ship steered into the Santa Barbara Channel to take advantage of the calm waters, but struck a rock near Anacapa in the fog. Its passengers were stranded on the island for eight days before being rescued by a passing ship.

“Can you imagine what it would be like waiting here for rescue for that long?” he asks.

I think about it, surrounded by seagulls and fog, and I can picture how it felt for the poor passengers, who probably had their hearts set on some tropical Panama sunshine.

The history of the lighthouse

Perhaps predictably, the Winfield Scott was not the only ship to run aground and the Channel Islands today are popular among scuba divers for the many shipwrecks that can be explored in the waters. Eventually, Congress came to realize that something must be done, and a temporary first lighthouse was built in 1912, an unmanned acetylene lamp.

“It didn’t do a great job at staying lit,” Justin explains. That lighthouse was replaced in 1932 with the one standing today, along with the accompanying foghorn. The island’s brown pelicans, once inhabitants of the East Point, resettled their nests almost immediately to West Anacapa, where they still live out of earshot of the blaring horn.

With the opening of the lighthouse came the first humans to live on the island since the Chumash people had left for the mainland in the 1820s following the disease, famine, and economic collapse that followed the arrival of the Spanish missionaries in California. The new inhabitants, first engineers then Coast Guard members, lived on the island for several months at a time, and set about building not just the lighthouse, but also homes and office buildings and a network of roads around the island.

An island threatened by erosion and the attempts to stop it

With the boom in construction on the tiny, wet and windy island, erosion became a problem almost immediately. Trying to find natural solutions, the Coast Guard planted two species of ice plant —crystalline and red-flowered — across Anacapa to control the new erosion problem. Native to South Africa, these fast-growing succulents were able to quickly take root and establish themselves on the island, stopping the erosion. Unfortunately, they were also able to outcompete much of the local vegetation.

For tens of thousands of years, the Channel Islands were separated from the mainland and the species that adapted to island life were able to carve out their own niche. With the exception of the island Chumash, who traveled across the channel to trade with their mainland counterparts, there were few forces that were able to introduce newcomers to the island. The species that inhabited the island were able to specialize, and carve out their own island niches free of new competitors.

The native plants were quickly outcompeted by the hardy ice plant, which was able to thrive even in dry years, and ice plant was estimated to cover nearly 20% of East Anacapa by the early 2000s.

See today’s restoration projects

All of our natural spaces, especially national parks, are places where we can see both the natural world and our own influence on it. From shrinking glaciers to endangered species, no place is wild enough to truly push back the influence of the industrialized world. Thanks to their isolation, though, the Channel Islands have the unique opportunity to reap the benefits of some radical restoration projects that aim to remove invasive species, restore the islands and protect the remaining native species.

In recent years on Anacapa, that has meant a dedicated effort to remove the ice plant. Through volunteers manually weeding the plants, covering dense patches with black plastic to kill it and selectively applying water-safe herbicides, the park has managed to greatly reduce the ice plant population. It’s still easy to find patches of ice plant along the trails and you can see their distinctive red flowers any time you look across the island, but areas stripped of the invaders are being replanted with native species like coreopsis and dudleya.

Other invasive species: rats and birds

Island conservation isn’t just about removing invasive vegetation — sometimes, it’s invasive animals that need to go. Further south on Catalina, hunters were conscripted in the 1990s to fully eliminate the island’s feral goat population, which had been decimating native plants for decades. On Anacapa, the problem was a different animal: the common black rat. Nobody knows exactly when or how the rats first arrived — they could well have been marooned alongside the poor passengers of the Winfield Scott —but by the early 2000s, they had a sizable and destructive presence on the island.

Among the Channel Islands, Anacapa and Santa Barbara are the only islands that that are not habitats for the adorable island fox. This means these two islands serve as a vital niche to the vast seabird populations that live along the Southern California coast. With no terrestrial predators to steal their eggs, these islands are breeding sanctuaries for ground- and cliff-nesting seabirds like the western gull, Scripps’s murrelet and the ashy storm petrel. On Anacapa, the rats found the birds’ nests easy pickings, and a mass extermination campaign finally declared the island rat-free in 2003, returning Anacapa to the birds.

The gulls of Anacapa

It helps to acknowledge one thing upfront: the seagull may be one of nature’s least charismatic creatures. Loud, smelly and aggressive, the western gull is seen more as an urban pest than a majestic seabird by most people in California. The gulls on Anacapa are no different — they squawk, screech, fight and defecate everywhere you can see them. I ask Justin what separates these birds from the gulls we see on the mainland and am surprised to learn that it’s actually the same population.

I think of this a few days later when I’m leaving the grocery store and see a half dozen gulls fighting over a box of leftover French fries on the ground. These aren’t just the same species as the birds on Anacapa, they’re the same flock – most of these birds were probably born there and will return to the beautiful island every year to raise new chicks.

Signs of civilization litter Anacapa, from the shipwrecks underwater to the runaway landscaping choices, from the lighthouse and foghorn to roads and buildings. In some parts of the island, piles of seashell fragments are remnants of Chumash jewelry-making, dating centuries before the lighthouse. But some signs of humanity weren’t brought by humans — you’ll spot chicken bones and snack wrappers, brought home to the island from the mainland by the gulls.

Unlike the shy pelicans, who prefer to avoid areas of human activity, the gulls have taken a different approach to the arrival of our cities on their shores. Rather than retreating, they have proved themselves to be curious, resourceful and adaptable — finding new ways to raise generation after generation of their chicks even amid centuries of change around them.

It’s hard not to respect their tenacity, however outwardly unpleasant. If the gulls can learn to accept the foghorn, I guess I can, too. Anacapa shows us that however much you can roll back some encroachments upon the natural order, there’s no erasing our complicated yet often awe-inspiring coexistence with nature.

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Jared Vincenti is a writer, photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He travels extensively in the Western U.S. and Mexico, drawn to wildlife, dark skies and remote places.

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The Essential Guide to Channel Islands National Park

Located off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands are known as the "Galápagos of North America."

In 1980, five of the eight islands in the archipelago were declared Channel Islands National Park : Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Development on them is minimal, with a few campsites, national park offices, and research stations. This makes them an Edenic retreat for hikers, bird-watchers, kayakers, divers, wildlife enthusiasts, and wildflower lovers.

The archipelago, and the extensive marine sanctuary surrounding it, is home to more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna. Visitors may catch a glimpse of some of the 145 endemic species of foxes, skunks, or birds that call the archipelago home. Tens of thousands of sea lions and elephant seals dot the shorelines, while dolphins and sperm whales swim through the waters, which are also home to kelp forests and deep-sea coral gardens.

The land and the surrounding waters hold immense cultural significance to the Chumash people, one of the archipelago's original inhabitants. They believe the Earth Mother, Hutash, created their ancestors on Limuw , now known as Santa Cruz Island.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Channel Islands National Park:

How to get there

Channel Islands National Park can only be reached by ferry, private boat, or aerial helicopter tour. Island Packers Cruises is the park's official boat concessionaire, with ports located about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles in Oxnard and Ventura. The trips to Santa Cruz and Anacapa take about an hour each, while journeys to the farther islands take between two and four hours. In harsh weather, the crossing may get rough and, in some cases, the ferry might be unable to dock.

Once on the archipelago, the only transportation options are kayak, foot, or a visitor's own private boat. This makes it one of the least accessible national parks for visitors with mobility issues.

The islands have dozens of marked trails that range in difficulty: Inspiration Point is an hour-long stroll (Anacapa Island), while a visit to Point Bennett is part of a strenuous 16-mile loop where hikers can also observe colonies of seals (San Miguel Island). One of photographer Justin Fantl's favorites is a nine-mile round-trip hike to the striated Lobo Canyon , where the sandstone has been carved by wind, water, and time (Santa Rosa Island).

On ferries to the park, visitors may get lucky and see dolphins or whales. Ocean-life enthusiasts may also consider one of Island Packers Cruises ' whale-watching trips; from June to September, take a boat to the marine sanctuary to find humpback and blue whales, and from January to April, look for the gray whale. The company also runs boat tours to spot seals, sea lions, and birds.

Kayakers and snorkelers can rent gear from Channel Islands Adventure Company or Santa Barbara Adventure Company . Many kayak tours include visits to some of the islands' cathedral-like sea caves, such as those near Scorpion Anchorage , a harbor on Santa Cruz Island. Back on the mainland, visitors can deepen their knowledge of the area's Indigenous history with a visit to the Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History .

Most of the park's 300,000 annual visitors enjoy the Channel Islands in the summer, but it's never a bad time to travel to the park. Here are the best things about visiting the Channel Islands during each season.

• Spring: Wildflower blooms.
• Summer: Warm weather and calm water make it an ideal time to hike and kayak.
• Fall: Water visibility (up to 100 feet) is at its maximum
• Winter: Best time for whale spotting and for catching spectacular sunsets. (Note that there is limited transportation to the outer islands-Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara-during the winter months.)

Where to stay

There are primitive campsites located on each of the islands. Reservations are required. Each campsite offers pit toilets and picnic tables; all food must be carried in, and trash must be carried out. Campfires are not allowed. The most popular campgrounds are Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island and Water Canyon on Santa Rosa Island, both of which offer potable water (at the other campgrounds, water must be carried in). For travelers looking to level up their adventure even more, there are back country camping options on Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa islands.

But for those looking for less of a time commitment, it's easy to day trip to the Channel Islands. Los Angeles , Ventura, and Santa Barbara are destinations in and of themselves and are located off the Pacific-all serve as natural entry ways to the park.

Tips for visiting

Given how remote and relatively inaccessible the islands are, and how little is available once you arrive, you'll need to do some advance planning-as well as meticulous packing. "You have to be pretty self-sufficient, especially on islands like Santa Rosa or San Miguel," says Fantl. "You get off the boat and that's it, you're alone. I've spent a whole day hiking and not seen anybody else."

• Crossing the channel can get a bit rocky, depending on weather. Packing motion sickness medicine is recommended.
• Consider packing items like sunscreen, hiking boots, a lightweight jacket, a swimsuit, and a picnic blanket.
• The only fires permitted in the park must be started by enclosed gas stoves.
• Remember to follow " Leave No Trace " principles.
• The Channel Islands National Park's website offers regulations and guidelines for visitors to limit their impact and reduce the spread of invasive species.

Sail Channel Islands

Anacapa island, capt. dan’s guide to anacapa island anchorages.

Anacapa is our favorite destination for daysailing. Less than a 3-hour sail from Oxnard, its rugged coast and soaring peaks provide a magnificent backdrop for lunch and its many caves offer excellent kayaking opportunities.

This guide is designed for folks who want to sail to Channel Islands National Park . If you’re going in your own yacht, this guide provides supplemental information that will make your passage and anchorage safer, more comfortable and more fun.

If you’re thinking about chartering Sancerre , this is a travel guide that will help you design your cruise itinerary.

Now get ready to do some armchair exploring. Just click on the anchorages you’d like to visit. If the link doesn’t work or you find an error or omission, please let us know.

If you have questions, just call Capt. Dan at 805.750.7828 or click Captain Dan to send e-mail.

Sail for just a few hours …. or several days

Island Packer Cruises – Channel Islands National Park

Aerial East Anacapa Hi Res_Dan Harding

Torrey Pine Forest_Island Packers_Tim Hauf

ESCI Flowers_Island Packers_Doug Mangum

Explore the Channel Islands National Park with Island Packer Cruises. Hike, camp, or kayak on Anacapa and Santa Cruz. Take a winter or summer whale-watching trip, or day-trip or camp on Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands. There’s an opportunity to view whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat. For information, call 805-642-1393 or check out our website at islandpackers.com.

$44 up to $72 per person for a whale watch. Island trips range from $63 per person up to $168 depending on the island selected.

1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B Ventura, CA 93001

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Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island is five miles long, roughly one square mile in sum, and the closest island to the Southern California mainland (roughly an hour boat ride from Ventura Harbor). In actuality, Anacapa is comprised of three islets — East, Middle and West Anacapa — each comprised of towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and stunning rock formations like Arch Rock, a 40-foot high natural bridge. East Anacapa is the island you’ll visit (Middle and West Anacapa are closed to visitors). The trails on Anacapa are easy and short, all with a 360-degree ocean view. At first glance, Anacapa looks barren. It is tree-less, but winter’s rains can transform the landscape into an explosion of vivid colors. Yellow coreopsis, red paintbrush, island morning glory, and pale buckwheat, bring a colorful palette to the island’s plateaus. In all seasons, the island’s lighthouse gives off a timeless moan.

Anacapa Island is also home to thousands of nesting seabirds who enjoy the lack of predators on the island (no island foxes on Anacapa). In fact, Anacapa’s islets are home to the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world. Those gulls arrive on the island to build their nests in April, often nesting inches from the hiking trails. Chicks hatch in late spring. Large colonies of California brown pelicans can also be spotted on the island. The islets’ shores are also the resting and breeding areas of choice for playful California sea lions and harbor seals. Their barks carry across in the island. Rich kelp forests in the waters surrounding Anacapa Island are home to a host of marine life.

Shell remnants atop the hills of Anacapa Island also indicate a rich human history when Chumash peoples walked the island thousands of years ago. The light station (visible from the mainland on a clear day) was built in 1932; complete with a lighthouse, fog signal building, keeper’s quarters, a water tank building, and other mission revival style buildings that can be viewed by visitors. Sorry to disappoint, but the lighthouse itself is off limits to visitors.

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Adventure to Anacapa Island

Off the blue Pacific shores of California’s Coast lie the mysterious and uninhabited Channel Islands. The cluster of 8 islands remains mostly undeveloped, Anacapa Island being the smallest and least visited. Anacapa itself is comprised of 3 smaller islands: East, Middle, and West. I ventured by boat to East Anacapa, and, once I climbed the 157 stairs up the side of the cliff, I was faced with harsh winds, beautiful wildflowers, and thousands of friendly seagulls. My adventure to Anacapa was a wild one, and I hope this Anacapa travel guide gives you the tips and information needed to plan your own California island excursion.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. For more info, please see my  affiliate disclaimer .

Getting There: Prepare for a Voyage

I admit my explorer heart was captured when I heard of the voyage required to reach East Anacapa in Channel Islands National Park . After a drive to the quaint harbor town of Oxnard, California, a 1.5 hour boat ride takes you to the island. After that, you need need to climb a steel rung ladder from the boat to the dock, then climb about 150 stairs up the side of a cliff to get up to the top of the island. If reading this gets you excited, Anacapa is the place for you.

Adventure to Anacapa Island by Boat

Set sail with island packers.

The only way to get to Anacapa Island is by boat. I used the company called Island Packers . They offer trips to all the Channel Islands, and also do whale watching cruises in the summer months. Both the staff in the office and on the boat were very friendly and helpful, and it was an overall great experience.

If you want to guarantee a spot to sit down on the boat, make sure you get there early. We showed up at the Oxnard office about 30 minutes prior to departure, waited in a short line to check in, and by the time we got onto the boat there was standing room only. There are some snacks and drinks offered for purchase on board, and there are a couple restrooms available as well. I booked a roundtrip boat ticket for two online. Their website has great recommendations on what to expect, what to bring, and what not to bring. Check out Island Packers for dates and departures times.

Keep an Eye out For Wildlife

I saw a couple seals in the harbor as we were starting our adventure to Anacapa island from Oxnard, but I had my heart set on seeing something bigger. Throughout whole ride, I kept my eye out on the water. My heart skipped a beat when I saw a couple nearby splashes. Then out of nowhere a couple of beautiful dolphins leapt from the water and dove back below. I couldn’t believe what I had just seen.

It turns out those two dolphins were leading an entire pod that was now surrounding our boat on both sides. Within seconds, about a hundred dolphins broke the surface of the water, jumping, diving, and playing in the waves. I think they were as happy to play near the boat as we were to see them. It was short lived, however, because in within just a few minutes, the frenzy of dolphins had subsided and they retreated back below the surface. So be sure to keep an eye out.

Tips for the Boat Ride

My adventure to Anacapa Island was in late April, and it was expected to be a mild, sunny, spring day. I wore jeans and a light sweater for the boat ride, and I really wish I had brought more layers than that.

• Bring a jacket. The extreme winds on the boat ride are enough to chill through to the core. Even on the sunny ride back, I was freezing in my light sweater.
• Bring a hat- one that won’t blow away . Chances are you will be sitting in the sun on the boat, and will be walking in the sun all day. Bring a cap or something that straps down, because that wind is no joke.
• Prepare to be hands free. Make sure everything fits in your backpack so you don’t have to worry about dropping or losing stuff.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. This is as important for walking on the boat as it is for walking on the island. The deck may get slippery as well.
• Enjoy the view of the island as you get close. There are some inside seats on the boat and ones facing different directions. As you approach the island, if you’re sitting in one of those seats, be sure to get up and get some unique pictures of the island from the water.

Adventure to Anacapa: The Arrival

As the boat tethered to the small dock, the captain did an amazing job keeping it steady despite the swell of waves below. It turns out we only had a 50% chance of being able to dock that day. I didn’t learn that until I had arrived at the Island Packers office. It would’ve been very disappointing to boat out to the island and just see it from a far. But we did safely make it to the landing dock, and, one by one, the guides helped us climb the steel rung ladder up to the dock.

Once on the dock, my group of about 40 stood around to watch the boat depart. I’m not sure if they didn’t know where to go, or were afraid to leave, but my husband and I were the first to start climbing the many flights of stairs up the cliff, and the rest of the group didn’t venture up until about 15 minutes later. It’s a total of 157 steps, and I thought the view of the boat departing from up there was much better.

First Impressions of Anacapa Island

We were still numb and cold from that windy boat ride. Maybe it was the adrenaline from climbing all those stairs, but all I felt was pure adventure as we stepped up on to Anacapa island. The sky was gray and overcast, the muted sun bringing out the cool green tones of the grassy island. There were no other humans in sight, but we were certainly not alone. Hundreds of white and gray seagulls dotted the grass as far as I could see.

What to Do During an Adventure to Anacapa Island

East Anacapa island is very small. Our boat got us there at about 11:00 am, and was set to return to pick us up at 3:00 pm. At first I was worried that 4 hours wouldn’t be enough time to see everything, but it actually worked out perfectly. With no agenda in mind, we simply began exploring. After 4 hours, we had made our way around the entire island and saw all the big sights.

1. Hike the East Anacapa Island Trail

The East Anacapa Island Trail is 2.4 mile loop that makes a figure 8 around the island. With a pretty even surface throughout, and some short steps made of wood planks, I would consider this trail easy for all skill levels. I didn’t see any signage marking the trail, but, once on it, I found it pretty easy to follow. It was mostly a dirt path through the grass fields. The East Anacapa Island Trail is probably the best way to see the island while protecting yourself and its residents.

2. Enjoy the Seagulls

As a bleeding heart animal lover, I purposely chose end of April to plan my adventure to Anacapa Island. I had read that this point in spring is the perfect time to see thousands of seagulls nesting on East Anacapa. And by thousands, I literally mean thousands. This was indeed a bird island. Visiting a natural nesting ground for birds does come with a warning though: there are going to be bird droppings on almost everything, including the benches (bring a towel), there are going to be bird smells, and you may possibly see some dead birds throughout your adventure. So if you’re not a bird fan, I recommend booking your adventure to Anacapa in fall or winter.

So Many Seagull Nests!

The seagulls seem to build their nests in any old place, whether it be next to a bush, in the middle of a field, or right on the edge of the East Anacapa Island trail. When passing a nesting seagull, it may let you pass in silence if you walk by normally and quietly. If you tread too loudly, however, or make any unpredictable movements, they won’t hesitate to give you a shrill warning cry to keep your distance.

The Seagulls are Very Friendly

Despite their endless cawing and crying, these seagulls were all talk, and none of them flew at me or seemed violent in any way. The ones squawking at me were simply trying to protect their nests. The seagulls that weren’t nesting were actually very sweet and would politely step aside for me to pass. You can tell these birds aren’t used to humans here, because they seemed pretty disinterested in us in general. Even when we sat down and took out our packed lunch, none of them seemed to notice or care.

3. Visit the Anacapa Island Lighthouse

The beautiful Anacapa Island Lighthouse was built in 1928, after many years of ships running aground and wrecking on the various Channel Islands in the dark or bad weather. One of the most notable shipwrecks from Anacapa Island is the Winifield Scott , a steamship from 1853 that remains under the surface to this day. Until the 1960’s the lighthouse required a staff to keep it running. Today it still stands, operational but automated, complete with a fog horn that beckons every minute or so to warn nearby ships. The original Fresnel lighthouse lens, crafted in England and brought to the island in the 1930’s, can be found on display at the island’s visitor center.

4. Adventure to Anacapa Island’s Inspiration Point

Probably the peak of most people’s adventure to Anacapa Island is the view from Inspiration Point. From this point, visitors can see Middle and West Anacapa Island. Standing in this spot, overlooking the islands emerging from the sea, listening to the waves crash onto the rocks below while the winds blew past me, I was humbly reminded of how powerful our earth can be.

Be sure to get your photos in this area, but also be careful of the edge. There are no railings keeping you safe, and the surface off the main trail can be very uneven. There are some benches in this spot for relaxing. If the winds allow, this is a great place for a picnic.

5. Have a Picnic

No food or drinks are sold on East Anacapa Island, so be sure to pack your own water and snacks. There are no trashcans, so be ready to take your trash back with you. A few benches can be found across the island, but the only picnic tables are located in front of the visitor center and at the campground . These are also the only two locations where there are pit restrooms.

What to Bring on Your Adventure to Anacapa Island

I wanted to be mostly hands free during my adventure to Anacapa island, so I packed very minimally. I wanted everything to fit in my small back pack. While that small backpack was conveniently light, it definitely wasn’t big enough to fit all the gear I wished I’d have packed. Be sure to check out my packing list for a day trip to Anacapa Island for the detailed list.

Camping on East Anacapa Island

I did see the campground on the island while I was walking through. There were only a few tents set up. The difficult part of camping on East Anacapa Island is that you have to bring all your equipment with you on the boat (which has a restriction that no single item may exceed 45 pounds), and carry it up all those stairs. Camping on the island sounds like a next level adventure that minimalist campers would enjoy. I can only imagine how peaceful it must be on that island at night, listening to the waves and watching the stars. If you’re more of a comfort camper, I would recommend planning your camping trip elsewhere.

Tips and Other Info for Your Adventure to Anacapa Island

• Download the NPS Channel Islands App before your visit. It offers some offline maps for downloading ahead of time. It also has a ton of helpful visitor information for each island.
• Restrooms. There are two sets of pit restrooms on the island: one at the visitor center and one at the campground. There is no running water but hand sanitizer is provided.
• Park Ranger. I didn’t see any staff on the island on my visit except for one park ranger who was near the visitor center on our way back to the boat at the end of our day. So be prepared, plan ahead, and pack well.

Be sure to Check Out Oxnard and Ventura, California

After our adventure to Anacapa island, we had a more tame adventure in the city of Oxnard California . It’s a beautiful harbor town with lovely views and some good seaside restaurants. We stayed at the Hampton Inn Channel Islands with a lovely marina view. We also found a good breakfast spot where we made some new friends over food and mimosas. However long you’re in town, be sure to check out the restaurants , and perhaps begin planning your next Channel Islands trip.

Pin it for Later: Adventure to Anacapa Island

Where is Your Next Adventure?

• Looking to see other California National Parks during Spring? Check out my article on Experiencing Yosemite in Spring .
• Also head to Death Valley National Park , California to see the sand dunes and otherwordly views.

Looking for a Place to Stay in Oxnard, California?

Browse my interactive map below for nearby hotels and vacation rentals.

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Home » EPIC Anacapa Island Kayaking and Snorkeling Zachari Dunes Landing Page

EPIC Anacapa Island Day Trip

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We are Walking Distance from Zachari Dunes

The SUNFISH (our 54′ expedition vessel) departs from the Marine Emporium Landing which is walking or a very short drive from your room right now. Check-in is at 7:45am and we return around 4pm each day. We hope you can join us!

Visiting with children?

Our activity age limit is 7 years old on this trip but all ages can come for the boat trip and stay with an adult on the boat while the others participate in the activities.

What do you need to bring?

• We do not provide food, you must bring your own food.
• Water bottles, sunscreen, towels, and bathing suits.
• Dress in warm clothing for the ride and bring extra sweaters, the crossing can be chilly.
• Sense of adventure and a camera!

Arches, Cave Tunnels, and Giant Caverns

Ciex ocean guides will show you the way..

With over 100 sea caves in 7 miles of coast line, Anacapa Island requires the knowledge of an experienced guide to show you into the cracks in the cliffs that turn into cave tunnels or giant caverns.

200+ Years of Experience

CIEx is owned and operated by ocean guides who cut their teeth in the early 2000’s guiding cave tours at Scorpion Ranch. 20 years later and dozens of guides on the roster with similar experience makes CIEx the most experienced outfitter in the National Park.

Planning to Kayak or Snorkel at the National Park? This is the place to visit!

We left the bustle of Scorpion Ranch and began offering vessel supported day trips because of the experience we gained in our kayak circumnavigations of the islands, finding amazing coastlines that are only accessible by boat. We’ve invested in the custom boats and carefully crafted this adventure, which after paddling around all of the islands… was our favorite!

What to expect on the EPIC Anacapa Day Trip

• West Anacapa – this island is the largest breeding colony of California Brown Pelicans on earth. Thousands of these prehistoric looking birds make their nests on the cliffs edge. The season for viewing Pelicans fledging the nests in June-August.
• Keyhole Arch – our put-in for our “ocean river” journey and our first snorkeling spot for our snorkelers.
• Crystal Cave and Mini Arch – a few of the caves that we can expect to see along the first third of the Caves and Coves paddle.
• Windfeld Scott – this wreck marks an incredible cove with eel grass and leopard sharks (docile bottom feeders). As we leave this cove there are a series of caves where you have to lay flat on the kayak to enter into the dome room.
• Cathedral Tunnel – one of the coolest cave tunnels in the world. The water is underlit from the N side of the entrance and creates a blueish green grotto color.
• Cathedral Cove – a sheltered cove where the second snorkeling spot may occur. This is shallow and colorful water with lots of aquatic species along the rock pinnacles.
• Landing Cove – an alternate snorkeling spot when conditions allow. This is a slightly deeper cove (30 ft) with tall stalks of kelp that reach up to the sunlight and create an aquarium of fish to behold.
• Arch Rock – the most iconic landmark of the Channel Islands National Park. If conditions allow, the kayak group may have the fortune of paddling under this enormous offshore arch.

The World’s Only “Ocean Cave River”

There’s just no other way to describe the paddle at Anacapa Island, it’s an ocean river with caves. Winding around volcanic points and through cave tunnels there is always another set of challenges and new scenery at every turn. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see by number on the map.

Departure Harbor

Marine Emporium Landing 3600 Harbor Blvd Oxnard, CA 93035

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Departure Location Information

Be sure to check your confirmation email before leaving for your trip, these harbors are 45 minutes from each other!

Detailed Directions for Trips:

Departing Santa Barbara Harbor

Departing Marine Emporium Landing Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard Shores

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• EPIC Sea Cave Combo Day Trip Downwind Kayaking – Kelp Forest Snorkeling Departs from Oxnard Harbor on the 54′ SUNFISH
• Painted Cave Combo Day Trip Downwind Kayaking – Modified Snorkeling Departs from Santa Barbara on the 64′ TRUTH
• Adult Summer Camp CI National Park Solo Travelers Welcome | Group Rates Also The only all island National Park cruise that checks all of the boxes!
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We are a local, family-owned company that employs professional crew with decades of experience. As owner/operators we are engaged in our daily operations. It takes a lot of human power, planning, and training to operate a safe and sound fleet and team, and we take pride in the expeditions we run.

Traveling to the Channel Islands from the mainland is a distance ranging from 11 to 45 miles (one way) depending on where we depart from and where we go. This journey consumes both time and fuel. Crew and fuel costs account for 50% of the cost of our operations. We operate in US Waters and our vessels are inspected semi-annually by the United States Coast Guard. 

In 2022 we underwent 3 USCG full-vessel inspections (top and bottom side) with ZERO MAJOR* deficiencies and one vessel with ZERO overall deficiencies (TRUTH). Our commitment to running the safest small boat expedition fleet in the world requires resources, and our safety record indicates our resources are going to the correct places. 

Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs per ticket:

The number of passengers on the vessel does affect this breakdown, and so if you’re choosing an expedition or a summer camp with a 24 passenger load, this is why your ticket cost is higher than a full capacity expedition.

Thank you for understanding and supporting these amazing California Expeditions!

CIEx Family

*Minor deficiencies must be corrected within 30 days, major deficiencies must be corrected before carrying passengers again. We correct minor deficiencies as soon as possible.

Expedition Blue Season Pass – 2023 Season

• 2 redemptions for any “Boat Trip Only” ticket per month
• 1 redemption for any “Kayak Expedition” ticket per month
• 1 redemption for any “Snorkeling Expedition” ticket per month
• 4 redemptions for “Santa Barbara Sunset Boat Cruise” per month
• 10% discount on the “Ultimate 5 Day”
• 10% discount on the “Ocean Explorers Liveaboard Camp”

Value – over $3,000 for the season!

Cost – only $399/person/year.

Only Sold Through May 1, 2023

Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is a chain of underwater pinnacles and plateaus located 137 nautical miles (nm) South by Southeast from Santa Barbara and about 40 nm Southwest of San Clemente Island. Bishop Rock is one of the peaks in the underwater mountain chain that rises to within 6 feet of the surface and is marked by a nearby warning buoy. It was named for the clipper ship Stillwell S. Bishop that struck the rock in 1855 and with a patched hull limped its way back to San Francisco. Nine Fathom spot is about 4.5 miles Northwest of Bishop Rock and rises to about 60 feet below the surface. Both are noted scuba diving locations featuring clear water and abundant sea life.

Scuba diving Cortes Bank with Channel Islands Expeditions is a truly unique experience. It is an open water seamount where currents sweep clean ocean water over the spot and invertebrates cling to the rocks. Sea palms ( Postelsia palmaeformis ) fixed to the rocks provides shelter for smaller fish and invertebrates that hide amongst its fronds. Large clusters of purple hydrocorals can be seen throughout the area as well as tuna, yellowtail, large schools of baitfish, sea lions, and occasional sharks. Large black and white sea bass are common sights as well California sheep head. Lobster divers continue to make this spot a top priority to visit during season and free divers frequent the area in the spring and summer for yellowtail, white sea bass, and tuna. Wreck diving can also be done at this location on the  Abalonia .

Diving at Cortes Bank can be spectacular but anyone who ventures out there needs to be mentally and physically prepared. On any open ocean dive location, one needs to understand that ocean swells and currents are normally present. A flat calm day is rare. When you get good conditions at “The Bank” it will be a dive you will not forget. Sometimes it can be frustrating to get to the bank, but when you do, it can be well worth the effort.

In 1969 a group of promoters bought the World War II surplus troop ship SS  Jalisco , renamed her USS  Abalonia , and sailed her to the bank intending to sink her in shallow water to form a tax-free island nation and shellfish processing plant. But during the sinking, rough seas broke a mooring line and pushed her into deeper water. Another company planned to build a platform on the bank and form a nation called ‘Taluga,’ but the US government declared that the bank was part of the continental shelf and was US territory. The wreck of the  Abalonia  today lies in three pieces in about 30 to 40 feet of water. Now, only scuba divers and the vibrant marine life are citizens of this almost-nation.

On November 2, 1985, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS  Enterprise  struck Cortes Bank about one mile east of Bishop Rock during exercises, putting a 40-foot gash in her outer hull and damaging a propeller. She continued operations then went into dry dock at Hunter’s Point Shipyard in San Francisco for repairs.

Tanner Bank

Tanner Bank is a chain of underwater pinnacles and plateaus located 120 nautical miles (nm) south by southeast of Santa Barbara, California, and 35 miles West by Southwest of San Clemente Island This bank rises within 80 feet of the surface and is considered one of the best advanced open water dive locations on the California coast. Like Cortes Banks, this seamount is open ocean with exposure to wind, current, and swell. Timing is everything when it comes to a successful day of diving this spot.

Scuba diving with Channel Islands Expeditions at Tanner Bank offers no protection from the weather so anchoring overnight is truly rare. Diving the bank is generally done on a multiple day liveaboard trip when you can take advantage of a weather window and dash out for a day. This dive location is so far offshore and exposed to the elements, so a diver can get a true feeling of open ocean diving that you cannot get next to land.

Under most circumstances this is considered advanced diving. It is deep and there can be current and surge, but the payoff can be huge. Like any other open ocean dive spot, you must be willing to roll the dice and see what Mother Nature will dish out.

This is an open water seamount, so currents sweep clean ocean water over the spot. You’ll find that everything that lives here clings tightly to the rocks. Palm kelp fixed to the rocks provides shelter for smaller fish and sea life that hide amongst its fronds. Large clusters of purple hydrocorals can be seen throughout the area as well as tuna, yellowtail, large schools of baitfish, sea lions, and occasional sharks. Lobster divers have scored well in this location at times and many a sea story have been written once aboard the Truth and Vision.

Santa Catalina Island

After Alcatraz, Santa Catalina Island is probably the best known of any of California’s islands. This island’s proximity to Los Angeles transformed it into a popular tourist destination, evidenced by its one million visitors each year. The island is 22 miles long and eight miles across at its greatest width. The highest point on the island is Mt. Orizaba 2,126 feet. The island was widely developed as a resort by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. Now, ninety percent of the island is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, with the remainder of the island under the ownership of private entities.

The island is a rugged terrain of ridges and canyons with a few valleys inland and on its coastal fringes. The island is a semi-arid with only 12 inches of rainfall each year, though the marine climate does moderate temperatures during the summer and winter. The majority of the terrain here is characterized by chapparal vegetation with pine forest interspersed in canyons and at higher elevations.

Catalina Island is well known for its calm, clear, and warm waters. Even though Catalina is the most populated dive site of any other Channel Island, it is still sought out by scuba divers around the globe. Any trip with Channel Islands Expeditions is sure to encounter verdant kelp forest full of garibaldi, yellowtail, kelp bass, white seabass, giant black sea bass, and leopard sharks, as well as many other intriguing species. Photography and sightseeing are especially good in these clear waters, though free divers enjoy the possibility of spearing yellowtail and white seabass. Channel Islands Expeditions makes this destination part of its itinerary on the southern islands multi-day dive excursions, mostly during the summer months.

Scenic coastlines and warm waters make for the perfect opportunity to paddle, swim, and snorkel away an afternoon in beautiful surroundings. Your expedition leader will choose amongst the variety of sheltered coastal paddling opportunities that may present themselves on an adventure to Catalina Island with Channel Islands Expeditions.

There are many hiking trails along Catalina Island. Beach walking is allowed for anyone, but a permit is required for any back country travel. Permits can be acquired through the Catalina Island Conservancy. A point of pride for the island is the Trans-Catalina Trail, a recently finished 37.2-mile track that spans from Avalon on the east end of the island, past the isthmus, and ending at Starlight Beach on the west end.

Human History

Archaeological evidence shows Catalina was occupied by ancient cultures at least as far back as 6,800 years ago. The most recent native peoples to occupy the island were of the Tongva culture, whose languages and traditions were distinct from the Chumash of the northern Channel Islands. The Tongva referred to the island as “ pimu ” and to those that lived there as “ pimuvit .” Large settlements dotted the coastline of  pimu , and the pimuvit were renowned for the quarrying and trading of soapstone, which they excelled in carving.

The island would be discovered on Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s foundational voyage of exploration in 1542. The colonization of California by the Spanish brought about the swift disintegration of the Tongva people, including those that resided on Santa Catalina Island. Over the years, the island would change hands and small ranchos were established, but it was not until the turn of the 20th century that anyone would have designs on turning Catalina Island into a tourist destination. A real estate developer from Michigan named George Shatto created the settlement that would become Avalon and built its first hotel and pier.

William Wrigley Jr. acquired the majority of the Catalina Island Company in 1919, when he bought the island as an investment, but was so enamored by it he decided to keep it and develop the island so as to make it accessible to anyone that might like to visit. Wrigley subsequently, invested millions of dollars in the island, building and modernizing utilities and buildings in and around the now famous city of Avalon. He made it the spring training location for the Chicago Cubs built the iconic Catalina Casino building in 1929. The Wrigleys later donated 42,000 acres of land to the Catalina Island Conservancy for preservation.

Natural History

Santa Catalina Island’s diversity in flora and fauna is second to only Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands chain. Its proximity to the outflows of the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, and Santa Ana river basins opens the island up to a higher probability of species “rafting” over to the beaches of Catalina. This naturally leads to isolation and speciation, and as a result, Catalina is home to five native land mammals: the Santa Catalina Island Fox ( Urocyon littoralis catalinae ) being the most well-known among them. It is home to a diverse array of endemic birds, reptiles, insects, and plants. Interestingly, it is the only Channel Island to have a native rattlesnake population.

DDT, a pesticide that was outlawed in 1972 wreaked havoc on California’s marine ecosystem and was especially consequential for the island’s native population of Bald eagles. DDT was absorbed by the birds’ major prey, fish, and then ingested by the eagles. It caused the eagles to lay eggs with weakened shells that cracked under the adults’ weight during incubation. DDT poisoning eventually extirpated the Bald eagle from California’s Channel Islands. The Catalina Island Conservancy and the Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) have been working in a long-standing relationship to restore Bald eagles to the island for decades. To assist the eagles, IWS biologists began retrieving the fragile eggs, hatching them off-site in incubators and returning healthy chicks to the nests, where the parents accepted them back and raised them. In 2007, DDT levels had finally decreased enough to allow bald eagles to successfully hatch eggs in the wild, when five eagle chicks hatched naturally – the first time an eagle had successfully hatched in over 50 years! By 2009, all nests on Catalina were left to natural hatching and incubation, and in 2014 and 2020 four more Bald eagle chicks hatched and fledged in nests around the island.

A herd of American Bison were supposedly first imported in 1924 for the silent film version of Catalina Island resident Zane Grey’s western novella, “The Vanishing American,” still roam the island. Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600 individuals, though the Catalina Island Conservancy concluded that a population of 150-200 individuals would reduce the impact of these non-native animals on the native flora and fauna to a sufficient degree. The herd was managed to the point where only 100 animals remained in 2020. To bolster the herd’s genetics, the Catalina Island Conservancy introduced two pregnant females in 2020.

SANTA BARBARA ISLAND

Santa Barbara Island (639 acres) is 1.67 miles across at its longest point and lies 73 nautical miles (nm) Southeast of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Island is the smallest of all of California’s Channel Islands and the southern-most member of the Channel Islands National Park. Like most of the Channel Islands, it can be seen from the mainland on exceptionally clear days usually in winter, though the island’s profile is markedly lower than those of its bigger counterparts. The highest peak on the Santa Barbara Island is Signal Hill, at 634 feet. Despite its volcanic composure of Miocene basalts, Santa Barbara Island is not a volcano. The steep wave-cut cliffs of its shoreline indicate that erosion is still in its formative processes; this is one of the younger Channel Islands. Signs of a rising and falling ocean are marked into the basalt cliffs. Six wave-cut marine terraces can be found, an indication of both changes in sea level as well as tectonic uplift and subsidence (called porpoising). A 130 ft. arch dominates the aptly named Arch Point on the northeast corner of the island. Extensive colonies of birds reside on the volcanic cliffs of Santa Barbara Island as well as the two nearby offshore rocks: Shag Rock off the northerly shore (1 acre), and Sutil Island off the southwest end (12 acres). The steep cliffs and isolation from mainland predators provide safe breeding sites for thousands of sea birds. Santa Barbara Island, although small by any standard, boasts an impressive diversity in its habitats, with a few narrow rocky beaches, six canyons, and a badlands area.

Santa Barbara Island is known for its large rookery where you can spend hours diving with sea lions. Photographers get more opportunities to photograph these animals up close here than any Channel Island. The playful, curious pups will pose and frolic in front of a diver’s lens as long as one can stay in the water.

Diving Santa Barbara Island with Channel Islands Expeditions will take you to a host of incredible sites around the island, including the famous undersea “Arch.” The top of the reef just breaks the surface at low tide and the bottom of the arch lies in 40 feet of water. One of the more unique underwater arches in the world it makes the perfect backdrop for photographers. In addition to the “Arch,” there are many offshore pinnacles that are home to shear walls along with some of the largest clusters of purple hydrocoral found anywhere.

Santa Barbara has long been a prime destination for spearfishing. Warm southern currents coupled with lush kelp beds make this island attract a wealth of game fish. Calico bass, white sea bass, yellowtail, and an occasional tuna are among the species that can be found in the waters surrounding this island. As with all Channel Islands, a healthy spiny lobster population makes this a favorite destination during season.

Santa Barbara Island can offer some of the best scuba diving found in Southern California but if conditions are rough there are not many places to go.

Similar in many ways to Anacapa Island, kayaking Santa Barbara Island offers the perfect setting for this water sport. Weather permitting, your expedition leader may decide to attempt a complete circumnavigation of Santa Barbara Island. Wind and swell can be a factor, so attempting this trip is best done on one of Channel Islands Expeditions multi-day adventures. Kayaking long distances with a support vessel offers an added layer of safety for an unforgettable journey around this hidden gem of the Pacific.

Hiking on Santa Barbara Island will provide you with one of the most remote island hiking experiences of any of the Channel Islands. Don’t be fooled, the steep incline of this island can offer a challenge to just about anyone, but just beyond that you will find five miles of hiking trails with gentle rolling hills and breathtaking panoramic ocean views.

Though is thought to have never been permanently inhabited, Santa Barbara Island may have played a crucial role in the lives of the island peoples who occupied the surrounding Channel Islands for well over 10,000 years. Archeological evidence suggests that Santa Barbara Island may have been a convenient stopover on inter-island trade routes, a testament to its central location in the Channel Islands chain. The rich marine life found here may have drawn people to seasonally harvest the shores of this island for shellfish, seals, and fish. Recent studies indicate this may have begun about 4,000 years ago.

The first European visitor to the Channel Islands in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer, made no mention of this island. Sixty years later, the island was named by Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who visited the island on December 4, 1602, the feast day dedicated to Santa Barbara. The island was infrequently visited in subsequent years, owning largely to its sparse vegetation and lack of a reliable water source. Santa Barbara Island did play host to an assemblage of seal hunters, squatters, fishermen, and the occasional whaling ship off its shores.

A few notable individuals eked out a living here, chief among them the family of Alvin Hyder. After a winning bid of $250 in 1916, Hyder and his family assumed ownership of the island and were the first to establish a residence of any permanence there. Hard work and a constant struggle to maintain a supply of fresh water were trademark features of a tough existence on this island. Santa Barbara Island would become a part of the Channel Islands National Monument in 1938 and was utilized as Coastal Lookout Station during WWII. Santa Barbara Island became part of the Channel Islands National Park upon its establishment in 1980.

Santa Barbara Island is home to a large sea lion rookery and seabird nesting colonies, including three species of storm-petrel, three species of cormorant, and the once-endangered California brown pelican. It is also home to the largest breeding colony for the Scripps’s Murrelet, a threatened seabird species. Scripps’s murrelet is listed as vulnerable, and is mainly threatened by oil spills, as the population exists in such a small area and is adjacent to the heavily trafficked shipping lanes that connect to the Port of Los Angeles. Spring rains bring out the flowering plants, such as the Giant coreopsis, the endemic Santa Barbara Island live-forever (Dudleya traskiae), shrubby buckwheat, sea blite, and an annual poppy. There is a visitor contact station and museum on the island with exhibits, dioramas, and murals of the natural and cultural resources.

San Nicholas Island

San Nicolas Island is the most remote of California’s Channel Islands lying 78 nautical miles (nm) south by southeast from Santa Barbara and 53 miles from the nearest coastline. Rising out of the rolling Pacific swells, the 14,500 acre (23 square miles) island is defined by wave cut terraces and windswept, grassy hills. It is currently controlled and operated as a weapons testing and training facility by the United States Navy. The island has a small airport and the several buildings supporting the naval operation are affectionately referred to as ‘Nictown.’ Landing on the island is strictly prohibited and one of the offshore water areas is restricted from transiting or anchoring.

Channel Islands Expeditions travels out to San Nicolas Island during the summer and early fall to dive the iconic Begg Rock and some of the island’s nearshore reefs. Begg Rock is a small rock lying almost 8 miles to the west from the island and it is one of California’s most pristine dive locations. This is open ocean diving so wind, swell, and currents can make this a difficult area to scuba dive. When the conditions are right, this dive will not be forgotten. Shear walls covered in corynactis anemones paint this dive in a rainbow of colors. In the fall, the island itself is a popular lobster diving area when they are in season. Its remote location means that a trip to San Nicolas implies a chance of encountering unstable weather. A day of unfavorable conditions can result in tough diving in this open ocean environment. However, or those up for the adventure, a good day of weather will result in one of the most unique and unforgettable dive experiences you can have at the Channel Islands.

No kayaking is available due to a mandatory 300-yard distance from shore regulation.

No island hiking available as landing is prohibited.

San Nicolas Island shows signs of habitation that date back over 10,000 years. The native peoples that most recently occupied the island are referred to as “Nicholeños,” who had their own distinctive language and culture, though they were probably related to the Tongva people who lived on Santa Catalina Island. The name the Tongva have for San Nicholas is ‘Haraashngna.’ We do not know much of the language or history of the Nicholeños, as the large majority of their population was evacuated and assimilated into the California mission system. Their language became extinct soon after.

The person who would become the most famous resident of San Nicholas Island was left behind by the Franciscan padres who took the rest of the Nicholeños to the California missions. Juana Maria, as she would be known (though her real name was never found out), was the last surviving member of the Nicholeños. She lived alone on the island for 18 years, subsisting on shellfish and seal fat from the Northern elephant seals. Captain George Nidever found Juana Maria on the island in 1853, living in a crude whalebone hut. She was brought back to Santa Barbara, and was the object of much curiosity, becoming well-known for the beautiful songs she would sing. This would be short-lived though, as she died only seven weeks after her arrival to the mainland. Her story was the basis for Scott O’Dell’s Newbery Medal-winning 1961 novel Island of the Blue Dolphins. Academic curiosity about the “Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island” still persists, and after a 20-year search, archaeologists may have uncovered the cave she lived in in 2012.

The ecological diversity of San Nicholas was heavily impacted by sheep ranching for a period of over 80 years. The sheep removed much of the native ground cover until their removal in 1943. This in turn increased the rates of erosion and promoted non-native plant species to spread. Despite the degradation, three endemic plants are found on the island:  Astragalus traskiae ,  Eriogonum grande tamorum , and  Lomatium insulare .

The isolated beaches of San Nicholas are anything but lonely during the breeding season of one of the world’s largest seals. The Northern elephant seal ( Mirounga angustirostris ) hauls out here to breed each season, with an estimated 23,000 individuals occupying the beachfront to mate and give birth to pups. A bull elephant seal can weigh in at over 8,000 pounds and measure at up to 16 feet from nose to tail. The female is distinctively smaller, “only” weighing in at 2,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet in length. The island is home to about 30 percent of the wide-ranging California population

The dominant plant community on the island is coastal bluff scrubland, with giant coreopsis ( Coreopsis gigantea ) and coyote brush ( Baccharis pilularis ) the most visible components. The few trees present today, including California fan palms ( Washingtonia filifera ) were introduced in modern times. However, early written accounts and the remains of ancient plants in the form of calcareous root casts, known as ‘caliche,’ indicate that, prior to 1860, brush covered a portion of the island.

There are only three species of endemic land vertebrates on the island; the Island night lizard ( Xantusia riversiana ), deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus exterus ), and island fox ( Urocyon littoralis dickey ). Two other reptiles, the common side-blotched lizard ( Uta stansburiana ), and the southern alligator lizard ( Elgaria multicarinatus ) were at one time thought to be endemic, but an analysis of mitochondrial DNA indicates that both species were most likely introduced in recent times.

San Nicolas Island is home to large populations of nesting birds. The two largest nesting populations are the Western gull ( Larus occidentalis ) and Brandt’s cormorant ( Phalacrocorax penicillatus ). These birds, along with the Island night lizard were threatened by a large population of feral cats, but after extensive eradication efforts by the US Navy and other organizations, the island was declared free of cats in 2012. The birds and once endangered Island night lizard populations immediately rebounded, and the night lizard was consequently taken off the endangered species list in 2014.

San Clemente Island

San Clemente Island is the southernmost of all eight of the Channel Islands and is located 113 nautical miles (nm) from Santa Barbara. It is 21 nm long and is 4-1/2 nm across at its widest point, with a total area of 57 square miles. The U.S. Navy acquired the island in 1934 and it has been owned and operated by various naval commands. San Clemente is also home to an auxiliary naval airfield, United States Navy SEALs training facilities, and the southern end of the island is the Navy’s only remaining ship-to-shore live firing range.

San Clemente Island is made of up of volcanic materials dating back to 5 million years ago. The terrain varies between exposed marine terraces and steep canyons dotted sparsely with freshwater springs. The island can be described as being on a ‘tilt;’ the north side rises dramatically out of the ocean (the highest point, Mt. Thirst, is 1,965 ft), while the south side has a much gentler slope to its rocky shores. With a frost-free, semi-arid climate, the island typically gets less than 6 inches of rain in a year.

Diving conditions at San Clemente Island are known for the clearest, warmest waters of all eight Channel Islands. Located in the southernmost region of California this island receives the warmest waters from the tropical currents from the south. Giant kelp beds, schools of fish, coral banks, and shear walls make this a diver’s paradise. Waters in the summer can reach over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and photographers flock to this island for some of the best wide-angle photography available in California.

Most of the prime scuba diving is located at each end of the island. The east end of the island is more protected and offers pinnacles, shear walls, and protected shallow kelp covered coves. San Clemente’s west end is more exposed to the westerly winds and swells but has some of the more prolific areas found off California. Nine Fathom Reef (it rises to 6 ½ fathoms) is a rocky structure with shear walls covered in purple hydrocoral. This is an open ocean diving location and is swept by currents and swells so diving this area can be tricky. Once dove, it is never forgotten.

Because of the military presence at the island, kayaking can be enjoyed near the boat only. As any on any of the Channel Islands, lush kelp beds, volcanic rock formations, and sea lions make kayaking well worth the effort. Generally, kayaking is done during one of Channel Islands Expeditions regularly scheduled liveaboard dive trips.

San Clemente Island is one of the best documented archeological settings in California. Archeologists have found traces of human occupation on the San Clemente Island dating back 10,000 years, a remarkable figure for an island 55 nautical miles out to sea, but consistent with results on other Channel Islands. The native inhabitants here called the island ‘ Kinipar ,’ and bore many cultural similarities to the nearby Nicholenos on San Nicolas Island. Travel between the islands was facilitated by the ‘ ti’at, ’ a plank canoe that enabled the islanders to cross wide channels and open ocean. Inhabitants here left trade materials from the northern islands and from the mainland, including Coso obsidian from the Mohave high desert. It has not been established what tribe the recent inhabitants belonged to, although the Tongva, from Santa Catalina Island and the Los Angeles Basin, are the most likely candidates. The Chumash who occupied the northern Channel Islands may have influenced the inhabitants.

The island was named by the mapping expedition Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino, who spotted it on November 23, 1602; known as Saint Clement’s feast day in the Catholic tradition. The first actual visit happened much later in 1769, when the  San Antonio  of the Portola expedition anchored in Pyramid Cove on the south end of the island. Natives rowed out in ti’ats and exchanged gifts with the expedition, including two otter-fur robes. It was later used by ranchers, fishermen, and smugglers during the 19th century and into the 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s the factory ships Lansing and California anchored off San Clemente Island, processing blue and fin whales, among other species, caught by their own fleets of steam-driven whale catchers.

In recent years effort has been made by several conservation organizations, including Channel Islands Restoration, to remove invasive species from San Clemente Island and promote the re-emergence of native and endemic flora and fauna. The removal of invasive ice plant has encouraged native plants, like the boxthorn ( Lycium spp .) to flourish. This is especially important as many endemic species of birds and reptiles use this native plant as cover and nesting habitat.

The San Clemente Island Loggerhead Shrike ( Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi ) is an endangered species that the Navy is taking steps to protect. The Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ) and San Clemente Island brodiaea ( Brodiaea kinkiensis ) are notable examples of endemic species on the island. Feral goats roamed the island for centuries, reaching a population of 11,000 in 1972 when their effect on indigenous species was realized. By 1980 the population had been reduced to 4,000 and a plan for shooting remaining goats was blocked in court by the Fund for Animals, so the goats were removed with nets and helicopters.

Anacapa Island

Anacapa is a small volcanic island located 28 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The smallest of the northern Channel Islands, Anacapa was discovered by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. Later, in 1793, Captain George Vancouver christened the island Anacapa, a name derived from the Chumash Indian word, “’anyapax,” which means translates to ‘illusion’ or ‘mirage.’ The island’s name, the only one of the Channel Islands chain to maintain its original etymology, suits the place very well. The low rises of the sea cliffs can often be shrouded by marine haze or fog giving the island an air of mystery.

Anacapa is composed of three islets: East Island, Middle Island and West Island. Altogether, the islets make up a narrow island that is 5 miles long and only a ¼ mile wide. Ocean waves have eroded the perimeter of the island, creating steep sea cliffs towering hundreds of feet in height and exposing the volcanic origins of air pockets, lava tubes, and sea caves. At the east end of the island a natural bridge has formed in the ocean. The forty-foot-high Cabrillo Arch is a trademark of Anacapa and the Channel Islands National Park. The highest peak is Summit Peak 2 on West Island at 930 feet.

ATTRACTIONS

Lurking serpent.

• Anacapa is the only island to retain its Chumash nomenclature, “Eenapah” meant “island of illusion”. This was due to the inversion layer of the atmosphere that sits near the horizon some days and makes the island look much larger than it is. To us it looks more like a lurking serpent out on the Channel on clear days. Either way, the island is mysterious and has an interesting history.

Chumash Camp

• Anacapa doesn’t have fresh water and therefor the Chumash didn’t make permanent settlements there. However, there are very large “middens” or trash piles of shells and such that suggest that the Chumash did in fact camp there when making their trade journeys to the mainland.

Navigation Hazard

• The Chumash most likely used Anacapa as a navigational aid and resting point while traveling, however, the mysterious rock has met it’s share of unintended visitors, including the 300+ people aboard the  Winfield Scott in 1853 when it went aground at Middle Anacapa .

USCG Lighthouse

• In 1932 the Anacapa lighthouse was completed on the Eastern island, almost 20 years after it was begun. This light has been keeping sailors from meeting similar fates of the Winfield Scott since that time.

National Park And Marine Sanctuary

• In 1980 congress signed into law the Channel Islands National Park which included Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands. It also established Marine Sanctuaries around both islands. 23 years later, in 2003, 13 marines protected areas were established, including the Anacapa Marine Reserve with more protection and enforcement.This protection has allowed fish species to rebound in diversity and density. Kayaking and snorkeling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is a profound example of how this protection has been effective and is important for overall ocean health.All of the kayaking and snorkeling on our tours take place in MPAs so you’ll get to see for yourself!

Diving at Anacapa Island is known for warmer waters as it is at the southern edge of the Northern chain of Channel Islands that receive tropical currents from the south. Many species that are found at the Southern chain of Channel Islands can be found at Anacapa. Lush kelp beds, Garibaldi’s, brittle stars, giant black sea bass, leopard sharks, and sea lions are common sights while scuba diving.

Photographers enjoy the clear waters and many student divers get their first island dive in its temperate conditions. Anacapa Island generally has calmer conditions as it is further to the east of the prevailing Northwest winds generated off Point Conception. Because of its proximity to the mainland, Anacapa is visited by more divers than any other island in the Northern chain of Channel Islands.

Kayaking at Anacapa is often the exclamation point at the end of a trip with Channel Islands Expeditions. Steep cliff faces, secluded coves, inlets packed with marine life, and beautiful sea caves are among just some of the sights you can explore with our expert guides. Kelp forests and sea grass flourish along this rocky coast, which serve as home and feeding ground for an abundance of wildlife. Though small in stature, Anacapa provides perhaps the most diverse sea cave experience of any of the Channel Islands. The basalt cliffs of the island are easily eroded over time by the sea, leaving spectacular geological formations that you’ll have to see to believe.

Landings are done at a pier in the landing cove at East Island. There is a staircase leading out of the cove up a steep cliff side that brings you to a figure eight-shaped trail system that is about 2 miles long. This trail will lead out to one of the most sought-after sea-scape overlooks in the national park, Inspiration Point. An interpretive trail guide is available on the island to interpret island resources. Middle and West Anacapa are not open to hiking as they are set aside for the island’s recovering sea bird populations.

Sea birds are the most conspicuous wildlife on the island. The largest breeding colony of the once-endangered California brown pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis californicus ) is located on West Anacapa. Other sea birds include Western gulls ( Larus occidentalis ) and several species of cormorants. Scripps’s murrelets ( Synthliboramphus scrippsi ) and Cassin’s auklets ( Ptychoramphus aleuticus ) nest in sea caves and on isolated rocky shores. Anacapa’s rocky shores provide resting and breeding areas for both California sea lions and Harbor seals, two species you have a high likelihood of encountering while on the water with Channel Islands Expeditions. Springtime brings colorful flowers, including the strange tree sunflower called coreopsis ( Coreopsis gigantea ), a plant found only on the Channel Islands and a few isolated areas on the mainland.

On the night of December 2, 1853, the sidewheel steamer  Winfield Scott  running at full speed crashed into the rocks off Middle Anacapa in dense fog and sank. Invasive ship rats ( Rattus rattus ) are thought to have been introduced to the island from the wrecked ship. They had devastating consequences for the island’s seabirds and other native species, but were successfully eradicated in 2001–2002. With the rats gone, the number of nesting Scripps’s murrelets has increased by more than 80 percent in the last two decades. This is one of many recoveries following invasive species eradications from the Channel Islands.

A U.S. Coast Survey team visited the island in 1854 and concluded that although the island’s position at the eastern entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel was a natural choice for a lighthouse “it is inconceivable for a lighthouse to be constructed on this mass of volcanic rock – perpendicular on every face, with an ascent inaccessible by any natural means.”

As approximately nine-tenths of all vessels trading up and down the Pacific Coast passed inside the islands of the Santa Barbara Channel, the American Association of Masters, Mates and Pilots petitioned for a proper fog signal on the island. Funds for what would be the last major light station to be built on the west coast were finally allocated in the late 1920s.

The construction of the station was carried out in two phases and commenced in the spring of 1930. A landing dock, a hoisting crane and roads were added first, and then work began on the various station buildings. A thirty-nine-foot, cylindrical tower and a fog signal were built near the highest point on the eastern end of the island. Four Spanish-style, white stucco houses with red tile roofs were provided for the keepers and their families. Today, there is a museum on the island which houses the original crystal and brass Fresnel lens from the light beacon.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the largest island off the continental United States. Located 23 nautical miles (nm) off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, the island is 22 miles long, from 2 to 6 miles wide, and is 97 square miles in area. The Chumash that inhabited this island for well over 11,000 years call this island ‘limuw,’ meaning “in the ocean.” The island Chumash consider this island to be the cradle of their civilization; the birthplace of their people. The scenic beauty of Santa Cruz is reflected in its many landforms including its two rugged mountain ranges. The highest peak on the island is Devil’s Peak, at 2450 feet. Deep canyons, year-round springs and streams, plus 77 miles of craggy coastline cliffs, giant sea caves, pristine tide pools, expansive beaches, and a central valley are features of the unique island. The central valley splits the island along the Santa Cruz Island Fault with volcanic rock on the north and older sedimentary rock on the south. Lying directly on the boundary between cold northern and warm southern waters, this island hosts unique plant, animal, and marine communities representing nearly 1000 miles of marine diversity from California’s coastline.

Diving at Santa Cruz Island is probably the most diverse of all eight Channel Islands. Being on the break of the warm southerly and colder northern currents creates marine habitat for many different species. Being the largest of California’s Channel Islands, there is a wide variety of different dive spots to explore around Santa Cruz Island, each with its own unique characteristics.

The northwest section of the island is volcanic with steep faces and hosts some of the world’s largest sea caves. The southeast section is more sedimentary with large plateaus and thick kelp beds. Santa Cruz offers more places to find good diving during rough weather periods than any other island due to its size and many coves. Seals, sea lions, bat rays, and many schools of fish are common sights while scuba diving with Channel Islands Expeditions along this island’s shores.

Given it’s ample 77-mile coastline, Santa Cruz Island has vast number of kayaking destinations that you are able to visit with Channel Islands Expeditions. In fact, traveling with CIX is the only way to see a vast majority of the island’s scenic shoreline, as most of the island itself is closed to conventional tourism.

Santa Cruz Island has huge variety of flora and fauna that live on and around it’s craggy cliff lines and giant sea caves. The west end of Santa Cruz Island is where you’ll find one of the world’s biggest sea caves, Painted Cave – so named for the vibrant lichen growth on the cave walls. Measured at a towering 160 ft at its entrance, Painted Cave stretches back into the basalt cliff for over a quarter-mile before you reach its terminus. Expect to see plenty of playful sea lions and seals as well as a host of bird life here or anywhere else you paddle on Santa Cruz Island.

There are several hiking trails and roads that traverse the eastern portion of Santa Cruz Island that is part of the Channel Islands National Park. While visitors may explore this section, no hiking is allowed beyond the national park boundary onto The Nature Conservancy property to the west without first obtaining a permit. Landings onto Santa Cruz are either by pier or by skiff. Potential landing areas include Prisoners Harbor and Smugglers Cove.

Once on the Santa Cruz, a well-marked trail system will take you to several scenic overlooks of the island’s coastline, as well as to areas of natural and historical significance. Consult your Channel Islands Expeditions trip leaders as to what may be possible on your expedition, as there is such a vast array of options to explore on this island. Wherever you go, be sure to keep a sharp eye out for some of the island’s many endemic species found here and no where else in the world, including the Island scrub jay and the Island fox.

Archaeological investigations indicate that Santa Cruz Island has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years. Chumash of limuw had their largest village, swaxil, located near present day Scorpion Anchorage. The island had over 10 villages and was home to over 1,200 people. They developed a highly complex society dependent on marine harvest and craft specialization. The island Chumash produced shell-beads that they used for currency. This formed the backbone of an intricate inter-island and cross-channel trading system with the counterparts on the mainland. Their trade was made possible by  tomols , plank canoes constructed from driftwood and sealed with tar and pitch. In teams of as many as ten people, the Chumash would paddle across the channel and trade shell-bead money and island goods for food staples and other goods from the mainland.

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his men made first contact with the Chumash of limuw in 1542. The journey would eventually be Cabrillo’s demise, as he is rumored to have died in the winter of 1543 on San Miguel Island, though some postulate we very well could have died on Santa Cruz. The explorers and missionaries that visited after him discovered the complex aboriginal society of the Chumash. Legend has it that on one such visit during a gift exchange, a staff with an iron cross atop of it was forgotten. The next day, the Chumash paddled in a tomol to the expedition’s ship and return it. From that day, the island was called “La Isla de la Santa Cruz,” meaning “the island of the sacred cross.”

By the early 1800’s the Chumash were said to have ‘voluntarily’ moved to the Santa Barbara and Santa Buenaventura missions. Thus ended 10,000 years of habitation by the Chumash on Santa Cruz Island. The Mexican government claimed the island as its own territory in 1821 before California’s independence movement began in 1838. Santa Cruz Island was gifted to Andres Castillero for his role in brokering a shaky peace in California. He would be the first of many private owners who would shape the island into what it is today.

The ranching period on Santa Cruz began with a small sheep ranching operation managed by James Barron Shaw and grew to be one a well-recognized operation by the 1860’s. Ownership of the ranch passed on to the businessman Justinian Caire in 1886, who had a vision to establish both sheep and cattle ranching on Santa Cruz Island as well as one of California’s first commercial vineyards. Caire’s legacy of ranching and land husbandry would remain until the National Park Service bought the east end of Santa Cruz Island from Caire’s descendants in 1980 and the last of the flocks of sheep were taken off the island in 1999. The Nature Conservancy came into full ownership of the west end of the island, including Main Ranch in the central valley in 1987.

Today, Santa Cruz Island is divided between The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the western 76% of the island; the eastern 24% is owned and managed by the National Park Service.

Permanent and seasonal water sources, plus a number of microclimates, support over 650 species of plants and trees in ten different plant communities, from marshes and grasslands to chaparral and pine forests. Owing to millions of years of isolation, eight of these plants are “endemic”-they grow nowhere else in the world. Springtime is a patchwork of blooming annuals, sometimes seen from the mainland as bright splashes of color. Over 140 land bird species have been identified here. The Island scrub jay ( Aphelocoma insularis ), a Santa Cruz Island endemic, is a living example of “gigantism,” whereby some island animals evolve to a larger form. This bird is one-third bigger and much bluer than the mainland scrub jay. Other animals, like the Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ) and Island spotted skunk ( Spilogale gracilis amphialus ), tend toward “dwarfism,” growing smaller over the ages. Eleven other mammal species including nine bats, deer and harvest mouse, three kinds of amphibians including the Channel Islands slender salamander ( Batrachoseps pacificus ), five reptiles including the Side-blotched lizard, Southern alligator lizard, Western fence lizard, Western yellow belly racer, and Gopher snake, might be seen by visitors.

Bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) were once numerous on California’s Channel Islands, but because of eggshell thinning caused by the illegal dumping of the pesticide, “DDT,” and other factors, the last known successful Bald eagle nesting in the northern Channel Islands was in 1949. By the 1960’s, Bald eagles could no longer be found on any of the Channel Islands. Soon after, Golden eagles ( Aquila chrysaetos ) began nesting on the islands, and began hunting Island foxes until native fox populations declined to a threatened status. After successful trapping and relocating of the Golden eagles, the Institute for Wildlife Studies started a program in 2002 to reintroduce Bald eagles to the California’s Channel Islands funded by money from a $25 million fund to deal with the lingering effects of DDT dumped by the Montrose Chemical Corporation into the ocean near Los Angeles.

Between 2002 and 2006, 61 young bald eagles have been released on Santa Cruz Island. On March 17, 2006 wildlife biologists for the Institute announced that for the first time in over 50 years there has been a successful hatching on Santa Cruz Island. In April 2007, the Nature Conservancy announced another successful chick hatching. The chick broke free of its shell on April 13, 2007. The parents were one of the two nesting pairs who had returned to the island after making history the previous year. Both pairs were born in captivity. This second birth represented a turning point in the struggle to return the eagles to their former habitat on the island. Three nests have now been documented on Santa Cruz island as of the 2008 breeding season.

Painted Cave

Santa rosa island.

Santa Rosa Island is the second largest of the Channel Islands and lies about 26 nautical miles (nm) from Santa Barbara. The island is nearly 17 nm long, 10.75 nm wide at the widest point, and 53,000 acres or 83 square miles in total area. The island has a relatively low profile with the exception of a rugged central mountain range.

The highest peak in the range is Vail Peak, at 1589 feet.

It is a diverse island of grass-covered rolling hills, steep canyons, creeks, rocky inter-tidal areas and sandy beaches adorned with sand dunes and driftwood. The Chumash, the native peoples who inhabited the Channel Islands for well over twelve millennia called this island “wima,” the Chumash word for “driftwood.” It is thought that the island is so named for the driftwood (sometimes redwood) logs that would wash ashore here. They would use these logs to craft dugout canoes called “ tomols ” with which they would travel and trade from island to island and to the mainland.

In the 1970’s and 80’s scuba divers flocked to Santa Rosa to take advantage of the many species of game fish available. Talcott Shoals, which lies off the northwest section of the island, is a large plateau that offers various terrains for divers. The western section of Talcott becomes more dramatic in its topography and offers not only hunting opportunities for game-divers, but great underwater photography opportunities as well. The shipwreck of the Aggie , which lays in 25 to 50 feet of water along a ridge, is readily accessible to divers at Talcott. The east end of Santa Rosa has a wonderful assortment of pinnacles that are covered in corynactis (strawberry anemone) and large schools of fish. Santa Rosa Island lies at an intersection of warm-water and cold, nutrient-rich currents. A diverse web of marine life can be found and enjoyed in these pristine waters.

Kayaking at Santa Rosa Island is a fascinating way to experience a wild California seascape. The sandy beaches and cliffs are breeding and resting areas for sea birds and seals and sea lions. Kayaking will often give you views and access to wildlife that you might not get in any other way. However, being a wild place means that we are at the mercy of the wind and waves. There may be times when the conditions are not favorable for kayaking, or when kayaking at particular location may require you and your group to be experienced paddlers.

Hiking with Channel Islands Expeditions on Santa Rosa Island will lead you down some of the several trails and roads traverse the island, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spectacular scenery Santa Rosa provides. These trails and roads range from the relatively flat route to Water Canyon Beach to the rugged, mountainous path to Black Mountain.

A variety of Torrey Pine ( Pinus torreyana var. insularis ) grows on the island. The population of this endangered species is estimated at approximately 1000 trees. This ancient grove is just a remnant of a much larger forest of Torrey pines that once existed in the Pleistocene era, some 12,000 years ago. A trail that leads to this exceedingly rare species of pine tree can be accessed from Becher’s Bay, the island’s main landing.

Keep a sharp eye out for the Island fox, Spotted skunk, and Munchkin dudleya ( Dudleya gnoma ); one of the six endemic plant species on the island. 

Archeological and paleontological sites are abundant on the island. In 1994, the world’s most complete skeleton of a pygmy mammoth ( Mammuthus exilis ) had been excavated; a dwarf species related to the Columbian mammoths. In 1960 archaeologists discovered humans remains dating back 13,000 years at Arlington Springs on Santa Rosa Island. These remains are among the oldest human remains in the Americas and were discovered by Phil C. Orr, curator of anthropology and natural history at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Orr believed the remains were those of a 10,000-year old man and dubbed them the “Arlington Springs Man”.

Santa Rosa Island was originally part of a Spanish land grant. The island was used as a sheep ranch during the mid-1800s by the More family. Then during the cold war the United States Air Force maintained a radar base on the island. In the late 1970s Mobil Oil Corporation was granted exploration rights on the island. Both explosive and vibroseis exploration methods were used. Extensive surveys and geological maps were made at that time. Finally, in 1980, Santa Rosa Island was included within Channel Islands National Park.

San Miguel Island

Wind-battered San Miguel Island is the westernmost of California’s Channel Islands lying 45 nautical miles (nm) from Santa Barbara. San Miguel is the sixth largest of all eight offshore islands at 9,500 acres or 14 square miles, including offshore islands and rocks. The island at its furthest extent is 8 miles long and 3.7 miles wide. The highest peak is San Miguel Hill, at 831 feet. Its maritime location makes San Miguel subject to high winds and lots of fog. The cold, nutrient-rich water surrounding the island supports a diverse array of sea life that is not found on the southern or eastern counterparts.

Channel Islands Expeditions can take you to this windswept tableland of lush grasses and wildflowers, with 27 miles of jagged, rocky coastline dotted with sandy white beaches. An impressive Caliche forest (sand-castings of an ancient forest) near Cuyler’s Harbor reminds us that San Miguel once supported much more varied plant life than it does now. The westernmost beach, Point Bennett, is the only place in the world where up to five different species of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) can be found. When the weather permits, scuba diving and kayaking with these creatures is a truly unique experience.

San Miguel has some of the most spectacular scuba diving found anywhere off the coast of California. On a given day the water can be 10 to 15 degrees colder at San Miguel so proper equipment (7 mm wetsuit minimum or drysuit) is needed to enjoy this remote dive location. The topography at its offshore pinnacles makes a diver feel small. Mountainous pinnacles can go from 20 feet of water to 200 on some walls. More varieties of seals and sea lions can be viewed here than any other Channel Island. Protected coves, banks, offshore rocks and pinnacles make this a sought-after destination for scuba divers. Weather protects this island from too much human visitation so patience is needed to dive here on a nice day. A nice day at San Miguel is about as good as it gets.

Weather, weather, weather. Anyone who sets out to enjoy a day of kayaking around San Miguel Island needs to understand that the weather at this remote island can change in a minute. Generally, it would be considered a more advanced area to kayak but good weather periods do happen. The remoteness and wildlife at this island make kayaking incredibly unique. Large seal and sea lion colonies are spread out along the shores. Many varieties seabirds call this home and dolphins and whales are commonly sighted near shore. Special arrangements can be made on private charters for island to island kayaking. Advanced kayakers have found the downhill run in a northwest wind to be invigorating. Attempting this should be done by only those who have the skill and endurance along with support vessel assistance supplied by Channel Islands Expeditions on its multi-day liveaboard excursions.

There are several trails that traverse San Miguel Island providing a variety of hikes. Many parts of the island are closed to protect wildlife, fragile plants, and geological features, so hikes outside of the Cuyler Harbor beach, Cabrillo Monument, and Lester Ranch site are done with a qualified naturalist or Park Ranger. Longer hikes are available on Channel Islands Expeditions multi-day liveaboard excursions to San Miguel. A vigorous 16-mile hike to Point Bennett will take you to see one of the most spectacular wildlife events on our planet. Over 30,000 seals and sea lions can be hauled out on the point at certain times of year.

There is no pier on San Miguel Island so all landings are done by inflatable skiff at Cuyler Harbor. Landing on the island can be an exciting experience as the surf can make the landing challenging. Channel Islands Expeditions has developed a “launch line” procedure that has made this operation much safer for our passengers.

Being the most westerly of the Channel Islands, San Miguel Island is more prone to receive the brunt of any weather systems that move through the area. Most of the time a strong northwest wind blows across the island and these winds typically exceed 25 mph and can surpass 50 mph. When strong high pressure is over the mainland, the winds often cease creating a surreal environment. On warmer days the fog will burn off only to have the strong northwest wind blow in additional fog from the open ocean. On foggy days the temperature will rarely exceed 55°F.

The National Park Service maintains two airstrips, a ranger station and a research station on the island. San Miguel is normally staffed by a ranger who enforces park laws, while also sometimes providing interpretive services for public visitors. The island also hosts scientists that study pinnipeds and manage the Island fox (Urocyon littoralis) captive breeding program that is conducted on the island. Volunteer interpretive rangers often fill in for regularly paid rangers due to budget deficits within the park. Park employees and researchers are flown to the island by Channel Islands Aviation. Public visitors are not permitted to fly in.

Archaeological research has uncovered over 600 fragile and relatively undisturbed sites belonging to the native peoples that once lived here. Some have been radio-carbon dated to 11,600 years ago. Because the northern Channel Islands have not been connected to the adjacent mainland in recent geological history, the paleoindians who first settled the island clearly had boats and other maritime technologies. Rough seas and risky landings did not daunt the Chumash who lived there in later times, nor did they deter the first European explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, in 1542, who first claimed the island for the Spanish crown, named it “La Posesion.” San Miguel is also rumored to be Cabrillo’s burial place (there is a monument there in his honor).

Ranchers raised sheep from 1850 to 1948. One of the longest homesteaded ranching families were the Lesters, a family of four that parted their way from the island during Pearl Harbor due to the dangers the war posed on them. The detailed information was written and published in a book called “The Legendary King of San Miguel Island,” by Elizabeth Sherman Lester. Later, the United States Navy used the island for a bombing range.

San Miguel is world famous for its pinniped viewing. In the winter, as many as 30,000 individual seals and sea lions of five different species can be seen at one time on Point Bennett, where they breed and birth their pups. Other wildlife includes the Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ), a species that is found only on the Channel Islands. Over one third of the bird-life in the Channel Islands National Park lives here on San Miguel Island. Species like the California brown pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis californicus),  cormorants, and Cassin’s auklets all breed on the island and its surrounding islets. Terrestrial birds include the Western meadowlark ( Sturnella neglecta ), Channel Islands song sparrow ( Melospiza melodia graminea ), and Peregrine falcons ( Falco peregrinus ).

A geologic feature called the caliche forest attracts many people. This ghost forest was formed by caliche sand castings of plant roots and trunks. Today the plants are long gone, leaving behind the eerie stone replicas. Come springtime, San Miguel’s wildflowers are spectacular due to the abundance of fog and moisture. Any one of these natural features is stunning in its own right. Together, they make for a photographer’s paradise.

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The Spectre Dive Boat

Venture beneath the waters of anacapa and santa cruz islands, video of your dive day.

• Most Popular!

This is an all day diving trip to either Anacapa or Santa Cruz Islands. Dive locations are selected by best overall conditions for that day.

Starting at: $95/Snorkel and $149/Scuba

This is an all day scuba diving trip to either Anacapa or Santa Cruz Islands. Dive locations are selected by best overall conditions for that day. Depths typically range between 20 and 50 feet and are suitable for open water divers.

Dive Trip Calendar

• Chevron down Dive Information
• No one is closer to Channel Islands diving than the Spectre dive boat.
• Year-round day trips departing at 7 A.M.
• All ages and skill levels welcome. Dive, snorkel or relax in the hot tub.
• Rent gear online before your dive! It will be on the Spectre when you arrive.
• Remarkable meals, daily barbeque, drinks, snacks and dessert are included.
• Check our dive boat calendar for open dates and easy booking for securing your trip now!
• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

For full refunds or reschedules cancel by the following times:

Weekend dive trip – 7 days before departure. Weekday dive trip – 72 hours before departure. Rental equipment – 72 hours before departure.

“No shows” or last-minute cancellations are never refunded or rescheduled for any reason. The captain of a dive vessel may cancel a trip due to weather. In this case, refunds are always given. If you have any questions about cancellations please ask before you book a trip. We are here to help.

Gear Rental

• Rent gear online before your dive!
• It’ll be on the Spectre when you arrive. 
• Dives fill up quickly!
• Book online now to guarantee your spot.

Scuba & Snorkel Gear Rental

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#1 Tour in Ventura On TripAdvisor

As usual, the Captain and crew took care of us from the moment we stepped on the boat. The Captain found the best possible dive sites given the day's conditions. The crew kept things running smoothly, and jumped to help passengers sometimes before we knew we needed it. And of course the food was as tasty as ever. Another fun day of diving on the Spectre. I will definitely be back!

Fantastic outfit. Easy to use website for booking, big + comfortable boat, boat and equipment are in great shape, boat crew are super competent and friendly, the cook somehow conjures up tasty breakfast and lunch from a tiny galley… and the dive sites are beautiful. Go!

Top notch crew and boat! Dive sites were well chosen and effortlessly organized. Dive briefing was full of great and useful information. I will be recommending to all my dive buddies! Hot tub - need I say more?

Always goes to the best available dive locations. Every year when we make the trip out from Colorado to dive from the Spectre the boat always shows upgrades. Very clean, organized, and well managed. Food is delicious with generous portions. Good air fills and ready to dive at each dive site. We saw octopus, sea lion, Seals, and even a Mola Mola. Fantastic trip and a great way to spen three days diving.

Cal Boat Diving

Our aim at Cal Boat Diving is to ease you from your seat by the computer to a rocky reef beneath the kelp forests of the Northern Channel Islands. We are a specialized company devoted to getting you scuba diving under the waters of Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands. We take you to the best channel islands scuba diving sites available, deliver rental gear to the boat, and make this one of the most memorable dives of your life.

ANACAPA ISLAND CAMPING

CAMPING IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK - ANACAPA ISLAND

Anacapa Island Camping requires that you must have both a boat reservation and a campground reservation. By clicking the two buttons to the right you will be able to view both the reservation system for the boat and for the campground in two separate windows. You can use these programs to check availability.

Please review both links below to help in the ease & speed of the loading of all camping gear:

• Island Packers Gear and Packing Guidelines
• How to Pack Your Overnight Gear

About the Campground

Anacapa Island in the Channel Islands National Park offers seven camp sites. Three sites that hold up to 4 campers and four sites That hold up to 6 campers.

There is no shade in the campground area. Picnic table and food protection boxes are at each site. NPS suggest you bring your own toilet paper to this island.

Including the 157 steps, it is approximately a half mile to the campsite from the landing. Anacapa camping is primitive and the island has little shade and no potable water.

For your time on the island, you must carry/hike in all supplies up the stairs including your water.

Anacapa Island is a small Island with only a 1.5-mile hiking trail due to its tiny size. It offers beautiful vistas and overlooks as well as a 360 degree view of the ocean for full views of sunrises and sunsets (weather permitting).

Experienced kayakers will enjoy the crystal-clear water and abundant ocean life found along the shores of Anacapa. Due to the cliff structure of the island, kayaks must be lowered and raised from the landing dock after use.

CAMPING PREPARATION | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW & BRING

• Please arrive at your harbor of departure a full hour before your departure time. Late arriving gear may not be loaded onto the boat.
• Food for your time on the island.
• Fresh /Drinking Water (suggested 1 gallon per day per person). Anacapa Island has NO POTABLE WATER available. Water weight is not included in your 60 lbs of gear
• Kitchen utensils and camp stove (No campfires are permitted)
• Tent(s) and sleeping bag(s)
• A campsite reservation.
• An Island Packers reservation.
• Flashlight or lantern
• Sturdy shoes and warm clothes for the cool evenings that can occur year-round.
• Gear that meets the Island Packers Restrictions/Guidelines See button below.
• Hat, Sunscreen and long-sleeved shirt for UV protection. UV is present even on overcast days.
• NO Single Item weighing more than 45 LBS (required)

ATTENTION CAMPERS:

During the rough weather months, November through May, you will need to make sure Island Packers schedule has not been changed due to ocean and/or weather conditions before you leave the camping area for the day.

Schedule changes are relayed to the park in the morning and the bulletin board or the ranger will have schedule change information. Campers during these months should come prepared with extra food in case weather prevents us from our planned pick up.

Important Links to Additional Information:

• Channel Islands National Park – Camping
• Anacapa Island Hiking & Interpretive Guides
• View Anacapa Campground in Google Trekker
• Marine Protected Areas Information
• Kayaking Information
• Explore a Guided Kayaking Tour Adventure

Get the National Park Service App!

Island Packers recommends visitors utilize the National Park Service App for a more complete island experience. 420 + Parks all in one App. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more. Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! The app is free and available online.

• iOS App Store / Google Play Store