East Anacapa Island
East Anacapa is one of the most popular destinations for first time visitors to the Channel Islands. This small rugged island is big on sights and sounds of a remote island wilderness. To see an overview of our education program for Anacapa Island download the pdf "East Anacapa pre-visit guide".
*Click image to the right to download.
Arriving at Anacapa Islands Landing Cove, be prepared to step from the boat to a ladder, then climb a steep stairway to the top of the island. The top of the island is an ancient wave cut terrace where you can easily explore up to two miles of hiking trails. Features include the Anacapa lighthouse, and several scenic overlooks. During your visit, you will have a chance to experience the delicate ecology of this little rocky island, and learn how the National Park Service conducts research and restoration projects designed to preserve and protect this special place.
In early spring, February - March the wildflowers can be at their best. In mid-April - June you can expect to see the activity of nesting gulls and gull chicks. All year you will be treated to seabirds, and seals and sea lions that make Anacapa their home.
In April 2003, 12 new marine protected areas were established in the Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. During the portion of your visit that focuses on the marine environment around Anacapa Island students will have a chance to participate in a young marine scientist activity. This new activity is designed to foster an appreciation for the biodiversity found in healthy ecosystems, and an awareness of the Channel Islands Marine Protected Areas.
West Anacapa/Frenchy's Cove
The west Anacapa tidepool area, also known as Frenchy’s Cove offers a pristine rocky shoreline. This area is one of the National Parks long term monitoring sites, where biologists study organisms of the rocky intertidal zone. During your visit students will have an opportunity to increase their understanding and appreciation for marine ecosystems. They will also have a chance to study a variety of tidepool plants and animals as well as learn some identification techniques. To learn more
about the tidepools at Frenchy’s cove, that includes an identification guide for local tidepool animals download the pdf "Anacapa Tidepools". *Click image to the right to download. There are also helpful links to additional websites that focus on California tidepools that you can access through Island Packers educational links page.
This field trip is a seasonal excursion that is offered in winter and early spring. Frenchy's trips can only take place during time periods of very low tides. Access to the shore is by a skiff landing on a cobble beach. There is a short climb on a dirt trail over a rocky knoll to the tidepools. Isolated from the mainland, these tidepools are seldom visited. The tidepool areas within the Channel Islands National Park are protected and no living or non-living things may be collected here. Due to this protection, anemones, sea snails, barnacles, mussels, and carpets of multicolored seaweeds thrive here. Students are likely to get their feet wet, if not more, and should dress accordingly.
Preparing for an Educational Cruise:
Many young people have little experience with the outdoor environment, and even fewer have had an opportunity to travel on the ocean and spend time in an island wilderness site. Being prepared for an outdoor adventure can help a make a good experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
• Dress for outdoor activity; wear sturdy close-toed shoes for safety and comfort. Dress in layers and bring a jacket since it can be cool and breezy even on a sunny day.
• Put on sunscreen, and or bring a visor or hat, some island locations have no shade trees.
• Pack a lunch and beverage, there are no stores or vending machines on the islands, and some do not have running water (avoid glass containers they can break and be a safety hazard).
• There are no trash cans on the island so be prepared to pack out your trash in a bag or in a backpack.
• Get lots of rest the night before your trip, and eat normal meals. Most people do not require any seasickness medication, but if you are very sensitive to motion it should be taken at least 1/2 hour prior to getting on the boat.
• Please come to enjoy the isolation and the natural beauty of the ocean and the islands. Bring a camera, binoculars or a note pad, but leave electronic music and games at home.