| Island Trips |  |
| General Infromation About the Five Islands in the Park | |
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There are five islands, and seven destinations available for you to visit in the Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers lands at Anacapa Island’s Landing Cove, and two destinations on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners’ Harbor, year round. During certain days of the year with very low tides, Frenchy’s Cove at Anacapa Island can be visited for tidepool exploration. We also offer trips to the more remote islands, referred to as the outer islands due to their increased distance from the mainland, these trips are seasonal. Trips to the outer islands, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel, are scheduled when ocean conditions on the outer waters are likely to be optimal for traveling. Trips to Santa Barbara Island operate from April to October, landings at San Miguel are scheduled May to October, and on Santa Rosa from April to November. Whale watching trips are scheduled for two different seasons, gray whales January through early April, and blue and humpback whales July to September. North shore cruises where you can view the scenic coastline of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island without going ashore are also available on a seasonal basis.
There are no services on the islands, please pack in what you will need for the day, including food and water, and pack out all trash. Dress in layers for outdoor activity, and wear sturdy shoes for safety and comfort. Certain sea conditions can prohibit landing at any time of the year. Our experienced captains will make these decisions with your safety in mind. |
| Adventures Activities in the Channel Islands National Park | |
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The five islands and surrounding waters that comprise the Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary offer a unique and rich nature experience throughout the year. Traveling to the islands you have a chance to view many types of marine life including several species of seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins, as well as pelagic fish, and sea birds. However, there are seasons both on and around the islands when you are more likely to have specific encounters.
From late December through March the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale migrates past the waters of the local coast and the Channel Islands. In the spring and summer nutrient rich upwelling often provides food for blue and humpback whales as well as a wide variety of sea birds. Winter through spring the grasslands are green and wildflowers are plentiful on all of the islands. On Anacapa and Santa Barbara Island, western gulls nest adjacent to hiking trails where their life cycle can be viewed by visitors in the late spring and early summer. In the summer months many unique island plants including endemic species of buckwheat, asters, and sunflowers bloom. The longer days of summer are ideal for long hikes and camping on all of the islands, the ultimate way to enjoy the island wilderness. All islands can also be visited for a single day, and the nearby islands of Anacapa and Santa Cruz may also be visited on a half day excursion or a non-landing Wildlife North Shore Cruise. The Channel Islands National Park is an excellent place to simply relax and enjoy the quite isolation of an island experience. Each island has a variety of hiking trails, and Island Packers naturalists, Channel Islands National Park Rangers and Naturalist Corps volunteers all offer guided hikes, and at most locations you can also explore on your own. Those interested in water sports can snorkel from shore or with prior arrangements, explore the island coastline in a kayak, see the Watersports Page for more information. Visit the Channel Islands National Park Website for more information about all things to see and do in the park. |
| Protecting Your National Park and National Marine Sanctuary | |
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There are many ways to enjoy your national park and marine sanctuary. Hopefully your visit will leave you inspired to learn more about the Channel Islands and visit again. The islands are home to many species of unique plants and animals. However, many of the unique species that are found only on the Channel Islands are actually endangered, like the Island Fox. You can help care for the unique and native flora and fauna of the islands during your visit by following some simple precautions, and regulations /things you may not bring. Leave your pets at home, they are not allowed on the islands as they could introduce diseases that the native and endemic animals have no resistance to. If you have been camping or hiking in other areas, please check your boots and gear for seeds and clean them off so you do not accidentally introduce a weed or invasive plant to the island. Although you will be packing out all your trash, take care not to toss organic matter like apple cores and other seedy foods onto the island, as this is another way new species are introduced. To learn more about island plant life visit the Wildflower page on the CHIS website, you can even download a species check list and color identification field guides. A birdwatching list is also available.
The oceans that surround the islands are also part of the park, and can add to the enjoyment of your visit. In the year 2003 some new marine protected areas were established around the island in the park to help enhance and restore marine life. In these zones you may not fish or collect of any living thing, however most areas are still open for fishing. For more information on the Channel Islands Marine Protected areas and to download a map go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/channel_islands/index.html. Also, all intertidal areas are protected and there is no collecting of any kind allowed on the islands. By treading lightly during your visit to the Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary it will remain a special place for future generations. |
| Call Island Packers for more information or to make a trip reservation (805) 642-1393 | |