San Miguel Island, Channel Islands National Park

Visitors going ashore on San Miguel should be prepared for an inflatable boat transfer from the main boat to the beach of Cuyler Harbor. The landing can be wet as the landing may take spray from wind or a splash from a wave in the surf zone. See Packing Tips for beach landings.

To visit the interior of San Miguel Island an island ranger, Island Packer employee or a National Park volunteer naturalist must accompany hikers. If you travel to San Miguel with Island Packers, the National Park will have staff on the island during the camping season.

San Miguel is well known for the strange formations of the Caliche Forest (sand casts of ancient tree trunks and roots) that can be viewed on a day visit. Point Bennett has one of the largest congregations of seals and sea lions found anywhere in the world. This a 16 mile round trip guided hike is available to island campers.

Most trips scheduled to San Miguel Island are for camper transportation. During September and October special trips are scheduled for day visitors when the weather and sea conditions can be the most ideal for the channel crossing and beach landing. 2012 Days Trip are September 8 & October 13.

There is no potable water, and no shade trees on this island, so visitors should bring ample drinking water, a hat and sunscreen. Lunch, snacks, and water should be carried in a day pack. You may also bring a small ice chest if you are planning on just exploring the beach at Cuyler Harbor

When returning from San Miguel you will travel along the north side of Santa Cruz and view the Painted Cave (sea conditions permitting), a large sea cave on the western end of the island.

San Miguel is truly a special place. During the entire season that Island Packers travels to this island you have a chance to view marine mammals, including the possibility of Humpback and Blue Whales.

Throughout the spring and summer different age groups of elephant seals will haul out to molt on the sandy beaches, sometimes right inside Cuyler Harbor.

San Miguel Island trips are set up to be camping trips.
Two days this year we offer a day trip to this island.

Friday May 25 to Monday May 28, 2012
Friday June 29 to Monday July 2, 2012
Friday July 20 to Monday July 23, 2012
Friday August 3, to Monday August 6, 2012
Friday August 31, to MondaySeptember 3, 2012
Friday October 5, to Monday October 8, 2012

San Miguel, the furthest island west, is about 58 miles from Ventura Harbor and travel time, including stops at Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Island to pick up or drop off passengers, is about 3.5 - 4 hours. When traveling to San Miguel, Island Packers often travels along the south side of the scenic Santa Cruz Island coastline. San Miguel Island is truly the backcountry of the Channel Islands National Park.

San Miguel is both remote and exposed to the ever-changing elements at the western portion of the Santa Barbara Channel. Visitors should be prepared for a wide range of conditions including sun, fog, cool temperatures and wind. . The white sand beach and steep 1.5-mile canyon hike, have beautiful examples of native vegetation, and are open to all visitors.

Main Office:
Ventura Harbor
1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B
Ventura, Ca 93001

Satellite Office:
Channel Islands Harbor
3550 Harbor Boulevard
Oxnard, CA 93035 (No Mail)

805-642-1393
805-642-6573 Fax

Info@IslandPackers.com

Office Hours
Main Office
9:AM to 5:00 PM
& One Hour Before Boat Departure
Seven Days a Week

Satellite Office:
Open One Hour Before Boat Departure