Channel Islands

Overview

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five islands off the Southern California coast that have been called the Galapagos of North America. Separated from the mainland for thousands of years, the islands harbor 150 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, including the island fox (a cat-sized descendant of the mainland gray fox), the island scrub-jay (limited entirely to Santa Cruz Island), and ancient Torrey pines. The surrounding waters teem with whales, dolphins, sea lions, and one of the world's richest kelp forests. Santa Cruz Island, the largest, offers hiking through rugged canyons to Scorpion Bay and Prisoners Harbor, where kayakers paddle into sea caves carved by waves into the volcanic rock. Anacapa Island, the closest to the mainland, is a narrow ridge of rock topped by a lighthouse and surrounded by crystal-clear water where snorkeling among kelp forests and garibaldi fish rivals anything in the tropics. Santa Rosa Island has white sand beaches and a grove of rare Torrey pines. Getting to the islands requires a boat ride from Ventura or Oxnard (1-4 hours depending on the island). There are no services on the islands — no food, no water, no cell service. Visitors must bring everything and pack everything out. This self-reliance requirement keeps crowds small and the islands pristine.

Things to Do

• Kayak through sea caves on Santa Cruz Island
• Snorkel the kelp forests off Anacapa Island
• Hike to Cavern Point overlook on Santa Cruz
• Spot island foxes on Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa
• Watch gray whale migration from the cliffs (winter)
• Camp under the stars on a remote island
• Photograph the Anacapa Island lighthouse

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round (55-75°F). Fog and wind are common, especially in spring. Water temperatures are cold (50-65°F); a wetsuit is needed for snorkeling.