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San Miguel Island |
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San Miguel Island General Information San Miguel Island is truly the backcountry of the Channel Islands National Park; it 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. 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 backpack or similar style bag since hiking trails are steep and narrow in some places. If planning to stay on the beach at Cuyler Harbor (day visitors only, no beach camping) a small ice chest can be used. The white sand beach of Cuyler Harbor, and a steep 1.5-mile canyon hike with beautiful examples of native vegetation are open to all visitors. To visit the pristine interior of San Miguel Island an island ranger or a National Park volunteer naturalist must accompany hikers. If you travel to the San Miguel with Island Packers, the National Park will have staff on the island during the camper season to provide this service. San Miguel is well known for the strange formations of Caliche, which are sand casts of ancient tree trunks and roots. In addition, though not accessible in a day visit (a 16 mile round trip hike) is the famed Point Bennett, that has one of the largest congregations of seals and sea lions found anywhere in the world. View the San Miguel hiking guide. |
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Camping Hike in camping is available 1 mile up a steep and narrow canyon trail. A simple windbreak and picnic table with an animal proof box are provided with each site. Outhouse style restrooms are situated adjacent to the campground, however there is no running water or potable water available. You must contain and pack out all trash. Be prepared to secure your food from island animals including mice, foxes, gulls and ravens, one storage box per site is provided. 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 in the campground or beaches, but propane/gas camp stoves are permitted. Reservations are required and can be made directly with the National Park reservation system at www.recreation.gov or for complete camping information in the Channel Islands National Park visit the Park website at http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/camping.htm. Important, before you make your camping reservation you must secure transportation with Island Packers. |
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Watersports Access to the water is limited to Cuyler Harbor with a sandy beach that slopes to a depth of over 50 feet inside the bay. Kayaking is possible but kayakers should have experience in reading wind and currents both which can be strong at times in the bay and anywhere along the islands coastline. Kayaks can be kept on the beach and should be hauled high up on the sand (see ranger on the island for recommended kayak storage). Water temperature ranges from 50-60 degrees and is warmest during 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 kayak and water sports page for details including information on kayaking, kayak transportation. You can also view the new kayak safety information and regulations at the park website. Fishing inside of Cuyler Harbor is permitted, but the area outside of the points of land that comprise the harbor is closed because it is within the Harris Point, San Miguel Island Marine Protected Area. For more information on the Channel Islands Marine Protected areas go to: www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/channel_islands/index.html |
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Seasonal Highlights Due to the amount of moisture from regular fog and the cooler temperatures found at the western end of the channel, plant life and wildflowers can be viewed year round, though the abundance of different species blooming is nearer the spring months. |
| San Miguel Island |
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| Schedule of Fares | Adult | Child (3-12) | Senior (55+) | Other information |
| Day Trip | $75.00 | $58.00 | $70.00 | 3-3 1/2 hours on island |
| Camper | $108.00 | $90.00 | $103.00 | Use blue baggage label |
| Kayak Transportation | If 13ft. Or less $14.00, over 13ft. Or if fiberglass $20.00. 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.
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Island Packers
(805) 642-1393 |
Anacapa |
San Miguel
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