Boat trips are 4 hours. Channel Islands National Park consists of 5 islands in Ventura County just off the California Coast. Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Santa Barbara lies much further south than the other four northern Channel Islands and is the smallest, measuring just one square mile. The five remote islands that comprise Channel Islands National Park remain open to public visitation. Landing Conditions: Flights land on a dirt airstrip. More... Year round, variable schedule 3-7 days per week. Private boaters must anchor a reasonable distance from these moorings. ), it remains as being one of the lesser visited National Parks in the United States, ranking at #43 out of 60 parks in attendance. When the piers are closed, landings are via skiff onto the beach. On a trial basis, flights are available to San Miguel Island as well. A permit (including liability waiver) is required to visit the island. The isolated, rugged islands are unique, so you can see things that don't exist elsewhere. 2. Diving in the kelp forests around the Channel Islands is a unique and different experience for divers more accustomed to tropical waters. The first step to planning a visit is to choose an island to visit and make transportation arrangements. 805/642-1393; www.islandpackers.com), is one of the park's two concessionaires for boat transportation to and from the islands. The Channel Islands National Park established a bald eagle webcam on their website in 2007. Located approximately 29 miles away from Santa Barbara, California on the mainland, you will find Channel Islands National Park, a collection of 5 jaw-dropping islands. Is it possible to visit all five islands in a single day? Boat trips run April through early November, 2-4 days per week. San Miguel Island is owned by the U. S. Navy and open for landing only when National Park Service personnel are on the island. Due to challenging weather conditions, boating should not be attempted by the novice or anyone who is not properly trained, conditioned, and equipped. The landing dock is available for unloading purposes only. Here you will also face new challenges and may encounter unexpected dangers. A fee is charged and no overnight island use is permitted. Anacapa Island Boat Tour. Anacapa Island: A permit is not required to and or hike on East Anacapa Island or at Frenchys Cove. It is recommended that one person stay on board the boat at all times. Channel Islands National Park is one of the least-visited national parks, which contributes to the islands’ vibe of solitude. See reviews and photos of boat tours & water sports in Channel Islands on Tripadvisor. ), it remains as being one of the lesser visited National Parks in the United States, ranking at #43 out of 60 parks in attendance. Boat trips are 3 hours. 305 Durley Avenue Boating (excluding personal watercraft—see Park Regulations and Safety for more information) is a unique and rewarding way to experience the pristine marine environment of Channel Islands National Park. Theoretically, yes. Please remain on the wet sand (below mean high tide) or the road throughout this area. Sea Caves: Sea caves can be very dangerous-large waves or swells can fill a cave unexpectedly. We offer trips to the “outer islands”, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara from March through November on a … Dense fog is common during the summer months, but may occur at any time, making chart and compass navigation mandatory. Allow at least 10 business days for processing. For information on transportation to the islands visit Island Transportation. For instance, you can travel to Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island year round, but trips to the other three islands … These are all easily seen on the Island Packers boat tours to Southern California’s Channel Islands. These are all easily seen on the Island Packers boat tours to Southern California’s Channel Islands. Visitors may land only on the beach at Cuyler Harbor. Enjoy a superb deli lunch, excellent wines and the spectacle of America's least-visited National Park. Due to challenging weather conditions, boating should not be attempted by the novice or anyone who is not properly trained, conditioned, and equipped. Santa Rosa Island While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) and planes (Channel Islands Aviation) or private boat. The park covers 249,561 acres (100,994 ha), of which 79,019 acres (31,978 ha) are federal land. A pier is available at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. The company, which has been serving Channel Islands National Park visitors since 1968, dedicates itself to providing an outlet f or education, recreation and research on … We also host weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, and private parties. Visitors must climb a steel-rung ladder to the top of the pier from a skiff. High winds may occur regardless of the forecast. To help you decide which island to visit, specific island information is available at Places To Go or from the visitor center through publications, exhibits, and the park movie. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE - New National Park Videos Uploaded Weekly! Channel Islands National Park consists of five of the eight Channel Islands off the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Visitors may boat on their own or with a park authorized commercial service operator. West Anacapa (except Frenchys Cove) is a protected research natural area and is closed to visitors. in … Transportation to the islands is available year-round only by park concessionaire boats and planes or by private boat. Santa Barbara Island. The four northern islands make up the southern boundary of the Santa Barbara Channel and together with Santa Barbara Island comprise the Channel Islands National Park. Check out our list of must-do water activities in Channel Islands. For those wishing a truly private experience aboard a luxury sailing yacht, Channel Islands Charter is the only way to go. The water surrounding those five islands to a distance of six miles comprise the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, with an area of 1,110 square nautical miles. See Laws and Policies for sea cave closure information. Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Often referred to as the Galapagos of North America the islands are alive with a tremendous amount of sea life including dolphins, sea lions and whales. San Miguel Island may only be reached by boat or aircraft. Hop on a boat for a day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, where you can see breathtaking views of the Southern California coastline. To get there you need to cross the Santa Barbara Channel. With a bustling culture, high end and vintage shopping, a lively culinary spirit and beautiful outdoor experiences, Ventura County Coast calls on every visitor to find their vibe. It is the responsibility of private boaters to contact the park to ensure the island is open before coming ashore. Currents, shifting swells, fog, and strong winds can change quickly in the channel. Kelp can grow to heights of more than 120 feet forming overhead canopies. Skip to a section: Where is Channel Islands National Park? In actuality, you are most likely to visit only one. To get to the Channel Islands by boat, Island Packers is the official Channel Islands National Park concessionaires, providing regular boat service, both one-day trips, and longer excursions. Make reservations 2 or more weeks in advance for weekend and holiday trips. It is recommended that boaters contact the park ranger on each island before landing for an orientation, information on daily events, island safety, landing instructions, weather conditions, or camping check-in. However, boaters may not use the mooring buoys in Bechers Bay. This area is owned by the NPS and is east of the property line between Prisoners Harbor and Valley Anchorage. Detailed boating information about the channel and islands may be obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) "Local Notice to Mariners" publication by contacting the Coast Guard at (510) 437-2981. Visiting the Channel Islands has been on my wish list for years, and I finally went on an Anacapa Island Boat Tour. Boaters are responsible for any damage to the resources caused by their boat. Private boaters may land on all five islands within the park throughout the year. From fishing and spearfishing, to whale watching, cave kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, and on the islands hiking trips -- Doug's offers it all … If you cannot hail the park ranger on the island on which you plan to land, try contacting one of the other island rangers on a neighboring island, as island canyons and mountains sometimes obscure radio transmission. Camarillo, CA 93010 Some Channel Islands tours are day trips while others will … All areas must be accessed on foot or by private boat or kayak. Operator: Island Packers and Channel Islands Aviation This section is designed to help in planning a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sound boating trip in the park. Once ashore, visitors must walk uphill 1/4 mile with 131 long steps to the top of the island. Advanced planning is highly recommended. San Miguel Island: Overnight anchorages are restricted to Cuyler Harbor and Tyler Bight. Please refer to Laws and Policies and Limiting Your Impact for more information on regulations and guidelines. run by dedicated and knowledgeable wildlife workers– would really recommend." No craft, including kayaks and inflatables, should be left moored to the dock. Ocean currents of considerable strength may be encountered both near and offshore from the islands. Public Airplane Transportation Although the islands are close to the shore of the densely populated state, they have been relatively undeveloped. Transportation to the islands is available year-round only by park concessionaire boats and planes or by private boat. Most public boats depart from either Ventura Harbor or Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbor in Ventura County. Channel Islands National Park is just a short boat ride from Ventura, California and offers camping, kayaking, hiking, diving, and more. Weather We offer the ability to tailor your trip to fit your needs and desires. The park is only accessible by boat or by small commercial flights. Currents, shifting swells, fog, and strong winds can change quickly in the channel. Traveling to Channel Islands National Park. The California Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary consists of thirteen Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around the five islands of the Channel Islands National Park. Frequency of Trips: Year round, variable schedule 3-7 days per week Channel 16 is a hailing frequency only, and rangers will instruct you to switch to another channel upon contact. Travel Time from Ventura Harbor: 1 hour Channel Islands Harbor. Channel Islands National Park closed its visitor center at Ventura Harbor starting this week. It is recommended that one person stay on board the boat at all times. Landing Conditions: Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. islandpackers.com Kelp can grow to heights of more than 120 feet forming overhead canopies. The shoreline between Arch Point (northwest of Scorpion Anchorage) and the east boundary of Potato Harbor is closed to landing to protect nesting seabirds. Which is great, because each of the Channel Islands offers more than enough sites and activities for one day. Make your way to the south shore during the summer and fall to enjoy the south swells, or head toward the north shores to experience the north-west swells the rest of the year. Santa Cruz Island: Boaters may land on the eastern 24% of Santa Cruz Island without a permit. Pick up a board from Channel Islands Surfboards and head out to Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, or San Miguel Island on a private boat. From fishing and spearfishing, to whale watching, cave kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, and on the islands hiking trips -- Doug's offers it all … Our crewed boat rentals are perfect for parties of up to 6 passengers. Frequency of Trips: Flights are year round on demand. A trip to Channel Islands National Park requires an entire weekend (and sometimes that’s not even enough) in order to enjoy all that this unique park has to offer. No buoys are available at any landing area. Once ashore, visitors must climb 157 stairs to the top of the island. Santa Barbara Island There is no transportation available on the islands. Set sail on your destination's top-rated boat tours and cruises. Allow a full day to visit one island. Doug's Channel Islands Tours offers fun charter boat adventures in the waters around and on the Channel Islands National Park. The isolated, rugged islands are unique, so you can see things that don't exist elsewhere. They will take you on a range of scheduled excursions, from 3 1/2-hour nonlanding tours of the islands to full-day excursions, and will transport you to and from the islands for overnight trips. Be sure to arrange your boat ride before reserving a campsite. Wondered if any of the tour companies do overnight trips. Boaters should obtain the latest weather broadcast provided by the NOAA Weather Service by calling (805) 988-6610, visiting Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary's Internet Weather Kiosk and by monitoring weather radio on VHF-FM 162.475 MHz (weather station 3) for marine forecasts and VHF-FM 162.55 MHz (weather station 1) and VHF-FM 162.40 MHz (weather station 2) for land-based observations. Combined, these smaller thirteen zones are 124,676 acres in size. Provide your name, phone number, vessel name, and dates of requested escorted hike. Island Packers Co. offers boat trips to each island departing from Ventura (1691 Spinnaker Dr.) and Channel Islands Harbor (3550 S. Harbor Blvd. Visitors are required to arrange transportation to the island before reserving a campsite. Private boaters may land on all five islands within the park throughout the year. It has been described as one of America’s best secret National Parks. Island Packers is the park’s concessionaire for boat travel departing from Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors to all of the islands. The park is only accessible by boat or by small commercial flights. Boating (excluding personal watercraft-see Laws and Policies for more information) is a unique and rewarding way to experience the pristine marine environment of Channel Islands National Park. Santa Cruz Island The only way to get to four of the five islands in Channel Islands National Park is by boat—either a privately owned vessel or on a trip run by the park-authorized concessionaire, Island Packers. Private boaters are required to e-mail us prior to their mainland departure to arrange for an escorted hike by a ranger. Times and frequency of trips vary to the islands, so you'll want to plan ahead. California Regulations. The landing dock is available for unloading purposes only. Please lift your inflatables and kayaks up to the lower landing. Safety Channel Islands National Park. We have a variety of boats and yachts to provide you with an experience tailored to your needs and expectations. Weather conditions vary considerably in the channel. Camping near Channel Islands National Park is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a dock. (If you’re traveling from Santa Barbara, it’s about a 30-minute drive south to Ventura along Highway 101.) The Channel Islands are an archipelago of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, five of which form Channel Islands National Park. Only experienced boaters with vessels capable of withstanding severe weather are advised to make the cross-channel passage. Diving in kelp is like swimming through a lush forest of trees. 1691 Spinnaker Dr. Island Packers, at Ventura Harbor at 1691 Spinnaker Dr. (tel. Strong winds and rough seas are possible. Channel Islands National Park is a United States National Park comprised of a series of islands that are located off the coast of Ventura County and Santa Barbara County in Southern California.Five of the eight Channel Islands are part of the national park: Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island and Santa Rosa Island. Hop on board a boat with the Island Packers, a park concessionaire boat, to reach any of the five islands. Private Airplane Transportation San Miguel Island. And the numbers bear it out. Travel Time from Ventura and Oxnard Harbors: 1 hour Boat visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Bechers Bay. Sail with Capt. www.flycia.com No off-trail hiking is permitted. Visiting the Channel Islands has been on my wish list for years, and I finally went on an Anacapa Island Boat Tour. You actually get to the islands by taking a the official Channel Islands National Park ferry run by Island Packers Cruises. Advanced planning is highly recommended. Any survival and special emergency equipment should be listed (EPIRB, VHF, food rations, flares, etc.). This information can be invaluable for a search operation if something goes wrong. (BTW, if you're going to do that drive to catch the boat to the park, start before 6 a.m., or you're going to do a lot of sitting in traffic.) It takes between 1-4 hours via an Island Packers ferry from Oxnard or Ventura Harbor Village to reach the islands. Family and/or friends should also be informed of your float plan. Travel Time from Camarillo Airport and Ventura Harbor: Flights are 25 minutes. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Channel Islands National Park. It is recommended that one person stay on board the boat at all times. Once ashore, visitors must walk uphill 1/4 mile with 131 long steps to the top of the island. Whether it's an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best Channel Islands cruises around. To get to the Channel Islands, you can take an Island Packers boat, book a flight with Channel Islands Aviation, or use a private boat.Flights are extremely expensive, and most of us don’t have a private boat, so the best option is to book a trip with Island Packers.Island Packers operates trips to Santa Cruz Island 5-7 days a week, year round. (805) 642-1393 A permit (including liability waiver) is required to visit the island. Be extremely careful and wear a helmet at all times when exploring sea caves. Sean and Captain Mark on a Private sailing day charter in the beautiful Channel Islands. Private aircraft may not land within park boundaries. Diving in the kelp forests around the Channel Islands is a unique and different experience for divers more accustomed to tropical waters. Whether it's an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best Channel Islands cruises around. However, FAA regulations state that pilots are requested to maintain a minimum of 2,000 feet above ground level over national park. However, a landing permit is required to land on The Nature Conservancy (TNC) property on Santa Cruz Island. No craft, including kayaks and inflatables, should be left moored to the dock. Ocean water temperatures range from the lower 50s (°F) in the winter to the upper 60s (°F) in the fall. Access to the island is permitted only at the landing cove. "This trip organised through Alderney Wildlife Trust is an excellent way to enjoy wildlife ( we saw puffins, gannets, seals, and loads of birds) and the fortifications from the sea." Visitors are required to be escorted beyond the ranger station. Transportation to the Channel Islands is available year-round, but only by park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) and planes (Channel Islands Aviation) or by private boat. For prices, schedules, and reservations, write or call: Island … We offer the ability to tailor your trip to fit your needs and desires. The shoreline between Arch Point (northwest of Scorpion Anchorage) and the east boundary of Potato Harbor is closed to landing to protect nesting seabirds. Due to surf and swell conditions, boaters should use extreme caution when making surf-landings at any beach, especially Smugglers Cove and those beaches facing south and southeast between San Pedro Point and Sandstone Point. Anacapa Island Located approximately 29 miles away from Santa Barbara, California on the mainland, you will find Channel Islands National Park, a collection of 5 jaw-dropping islands. Channel Islands National Park closed its visitor center at Ventura Harbor starting this week. The Channel Islands are about 70 miles north of Los Angeles near Ventura. Boaters should be aware of their location and use caution when crossing them. Advanced planning is highly recommended. Home to eight unique mammal species found only on the islands, including the island fox and deer mouse, you’ll find solitude and beauty on Channel Islands National Park. The National Park Service, as part of United States Department of the Interior, is the authorizing agency. Our charter boat service accommodates up to 6 passengers and their gear. You will find solitude and splendor. From March 1 to September 15, the back beaches and sand dunes between and including Skunk Point to just north of East Point are closed to hiking to protect the nesting area for the snowy plover, a federally listed, threatened shorebird. Please lift your inflatables up to the upper landing. However, current access will only be via private vessel. Camping reservations are required prior to arriving on the island. Conditions in the Santa Barbara Channel and around the islands are variable and the ocean is unforgiving. More. We offer the ability to tailor your trip to fit your needs and desires. Go Surfing in Channel Islands National Park. Doug's Channel Islands Tours offers fun charter boat adventures in the waters around and on the Channel Islands National Park. No pets are allowed on the islands. Take the helm and learn to sail or just relax and enjoy the view. Check out our list of must-do water activities in Channel Islands. Cruising guides to the Channel Islands and nautical charts are available from local marine stores and online bookstores. They are reserved for the NPS, the Coast Guard, and the park concessionaire. In addition, Island Packers offers whale watching trips. Channel Islands National Park is a United States National Park comprised of a series of islands that are located off the coast of Ventura County and Santa Barbara County in Southern California.Five of the eight Channel Islands are part of the national park: Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island and Santa Rosa Island. There is no transportation available on the islands. The company, which has been serving Channel Islands National Park visitors since 1968, dedicates itself to providing an outlet f or education, recreation and research on marine and island … Doug's Channel Islands Tours offers fun charter boat adventures in the waters around and on the Channel Islands National Park. Only 350,000 or so people a year visit this national park: compare that to the 5 or so million annual visitors to Yosemite each year! Traveling to Channel Islands National Park. The calmest winds and sea conditions often occur August through October. Forty-knot winds are not unusual for Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands. The place, date, and time of departure and return should be logged as well as destination(s). Public boat transportation is available year-round by the park concessionaire Island Packers. Visitors to Channel Islands National Park should prepare for their trip in order to get the most out of their visit. For those wishing a truly private experience aboard a luxury sailing yacht, Channel Islands Charter is the only way to go. Advanced planning is highly recommended, especially in the summer months. Click here for driving directions to Island Packers. Operator: Island Packers Operator: Island Packers Marine. Boaters may land according to the following procedures: Santa Barbara Island: A permit is not required to land or hike on Santa Barbara Island. Camping is available year round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park in National Park Service-managed campgrounds. The 5 islands hosts hidden beaches, sea caves, wildlife and scenery. Travel Time from Camarillo Airport and Ventura Harbor: Flights are 40 minutes. A variety of trips, from half-day to multi-day, are offered. Non-landing trips are available. Sail to the Channel Islands on board the economy yacht Wiley. There are no landing permits required for the islands administered by the National Park Service (NPS). A permit to land on the other 76% of Santa Cruz Island is required from TNC. While its five islands are still open, they only can be accessed via a private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended. If you can’t make it to all of them, at least see all five in the national park islands along with Catalina Island. Hiking. Warnings, cautions, caveats and so forth: I endeavor to keep this Channel Islands Cruising Guide up-to-date, but I cannot guarantee that nothing has changed since my last visit. We have a variety of boats and yachts to provide you with an experience tailored to your needs and expectations. Reservations can be made on the Island Packers website with prices starting at around $35 for a single adult. Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the steep trail from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views. There are no public moorings or all-weather anchorages around the islands. See whales and sea lions and the Painted Cave. 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