 |
Anacapa Island |
 |
General Island Information Anacapa is the closest island to the mainland just 12 miles from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard; travel time is just under one hour. Most of Island Packers departures to East Anacapa Island are from our location in the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Anacapa is comprised of three small islets, East, Middle and West. Exploration is permitted on the East islet accessed by the Landing Cove, and a small beach on the West islet called Frenchy’s Cove. The middle islet and most of the western islet remain a wilderness area set aside for nesting seabirds like the endangered California brown pelican. However visitors can get up-close looks at many types of seabirds on East Anacapa all year round. View Anacapa hiking guide. |
  |
East Anacapa Landing Cove Visitors depart the boat by stepping onto a ladder at the Landing Cove where you climb several rungs to a wooden dock. From the dock there is a winding set of over 150 stairs that take you to the island plateau about 200 feet above see level for stunning coastal views. Once on the platue the hiking is easy, and you will find a small visitor center with a picnic area and outhouse style restrooms. A historic lighthouse still operates on the island, and the buildings once used to house Coastguard personnel have been converted into facilities for the National Park Service. There are no shade trees on east Anacapa Island though some shade is provided by the building that houses the visitor’s center. There is no potable or running water on the island so visitors whether staying for the day or camping need to bring an ample supply of water. |
  |
Camping Hike in camping is available on the island about 1⁄2 mile from the Landing Cove. A picnic table and small storage box is included in each campsite. You must contain and pack out all trash. Be prepared to secure food and trash from mice and gulls that inhabit the island. An outhouse style restroom is located adjacent to the campsites. Island Packers will transport your camping gear but each packed bag must not exceed 45 pounds in weight. Water and any camping fuel should not be included in packed bags but may be carried onboard for special storage. No fires are allowed on the island, propane camp stoves are permitted. Reservations are required and are made directly with the National Park, for complete camping information in the Channel Islands National Park visit http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/camping.htm and to make a reservation go to www.recreation.gov *Important, before you make your camping reservation you must secure transportation with Island Packers. |
  |
Landing Cove Watersports The only access to the water is from the landing cove where a ladder leads to water about 20 feet deep. Snorkeling gear and kayaks may be stowed on the landing cove dock. Water temperature ranges from 55-65 degrees and is warmest during the long summer days. Anyone spending time in the water should dress appropriately for exposure in cold water, which includes some type of wetsuit. Please visit the watersports page for details including information on kayaking, kayak transportation and guided kayak tours, which are highly recommended. For new official kayaking safety and regulations visit the park website. Fishing from the Landing Cove is not permitted because it is within the Anacapa Marine Protected Area. For more information on the Channel Islands Marine Protected areas go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/channel_islands/index.html Fishing outside of the Marine Protected Area is accessible by boat or kayak only. |
| West Anacapa Frenchy's Cove Tidepools | |
 |
There are a limited number of day trips to Frenchy’s Cove in the winter months, where you take a small skiff from the main boat to land through the surf on to a cobble beach. A short hike over a rocky knoll takes you to Anacapa’s south shore and a rocky tidepool habitat. There are no facilities and no camping at this landing area, and exploration (other than crossing the knoll) is limited to the intertidal zone. The intertidal zone is a protected environment within the park and many species of plants and animals thrive here. One can observe aggregate and sunburst anemones, limpets, banrnacles, large mussel beds, and a variety of colorful marine algae. |
 |
Watersports Snorkeling and kayaking are easily accessible from the cobble beach on the north side of Frenchy’s Cove. Water temperature ranges from 55-65 degrees and is warmest during the summer and fall. Anyone spending time in the water should dress appropriately for exposure in cold water, which includes some type of wetsuit. Please visit the watersports page for details including information on kayaking, kayak transportation and guided kayak tours, which are highly recommended. Fishing from this site is not permitted because it is within the Anacapa Marine Protected Area. For more information on the Channel Islands Marine Protected areas go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/channel_islands/index.html |
  |
Seasonal Highlights at Anacapa Island Just as the wildflower peak fades at the end of April, the island comes alive with the cry of western gulls guarding their nest of eggs. Chicks usually hatch about 5 weeks after the eggs are laid and then fledge the nest 6 -7 weeks after hatching. National Park Interactive Dive Program |
| Anacapa Island |
||||
| Schedule of Fares | Adult | Child (3-12) | Senior (55+) | Other information |
| Day Trip | $45.00 | $28.00 | $41.00 | 2-5 hours on island |
| Camper | $58.00 | $42.00 | $53.00 | Use white baggage label |
| North Shore Wildlife Cruise | $27.00 | $18.00 | $23.00 | Seasonal April-November (non-landing) |
| Kayak Transportation | If 13ft. Or less $7.00, over 13ft. Or if fiberglass $10.00. Kayak fare is the same for all islands. Kayak reservations required for kayak transportation. | |||
- Day visitors plan to check in at our office 1/2 hour before departure.
- Campers or anyone transporting a Kayak plan to check in at our office 1 hour before your scheduled departure and pre-board your equipment at the direction of the boat crew.
- Campers, no packed bag or any item may weigh more than 45 pounds.
- Keep fuel and water separate from packed bags.
- Kayakers visit the Watersports page for instructions on kayak transportation.
- Weather can be unpredictable at times; you can call our automated message system (805) 642-1393 after 5:30 a.m. the day of your trip that will inform you if there have been any changes to the days scheduled trips due to weather beyond our control.
|
Island Packers
(805) 642-1393 |
Anacapa |