Off the coast of southern California near the city of Ventura lies Channel Islands National Park, a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape from the noise of urban life. Consisting of five islands—Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara—and their surrounding waters, the park is teeming with natural beauty and outdoor activities. Check NPS.gov for current alerts.
Hike the Island Trails
The park has miles of hiking trails that allow you to explore the islands’ diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
Trails for All Levels
On Santa Cruz Island, with more than 86 miles of trails from simple to strenuous, hike the scenic Cavern Point Trail for stunning ocean views and a tour of the historic Scorpion Ranch. Santa Rosa Island features the rare Torrey pine tree, which you can see on a hike to Torrey Pines. For more of a challenge, make the 16-mile roundtrip trek to Point Bennett on San Miguel Island, home to thousands of seals and sea lions. On Anacapa Island, the easy Inspiration Point Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the island and ocean below.
Know Before You Go
Before embarking on Channel Islands hikes, review hiking safety information from the NPS. Prepare for sun exposure, wind, poison oak, ticks, steep drop-offs, island wildlife, and wet creek crossings on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. Always carry plenty of water, hike with a buddy, and closely supervise children. Arrive prepared with a trail map, proper footwear, layers, hat, and sun protection.
Island Isolation
The Channel Islands’ remoteness is part of their mystique but requires extra planning. Transportation is only by boat or plane, so confirm your return time to avoid getting stranded. Limited amenities means packing everything you need, including food, water, and first aid. While cell service is unreliable, the striking beauty and tranquility of these islands make unplugging completely worthwhile.
Get Under the Water at Channel Islands
Channel Islands National Park is a diver and snorkeler’s paradise. With kelp forests, sea caves, and secluded coves, this marine sanctuary offers some of the best underwater sights in the world.
Prime Snorkeling and Diving Islands
The best snorkeling and diving is found on Santa Barbara, Anacapa, and the eastern part of Santa Cruz Islands. Strong winds make Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands unsuitable for beginners. Anacapa’s cathedral-like arch invites exploration. Santa Cruz Island’s Scorpion Anchorage offers easy access to remarkable kelp forests teeming with colorful fish.
Know Before You Go
While rewarding, diving and snorkeling here require caution. Check forecasts; ocean conditions vary. Swell and wind strengthen midday. From October through January, watch for east winds. Currents outside coves sweep strongly. As no lifeguards patrol, use the buddy system and leave float plans with shore contacts. Follow regulations like displaying dive flags. Allow extra time to explore captivating sea caves. Wear wetsuits to withstand 55-70 degree water.
Where to Rent Gear and Join Tours
No need to bring gear from home. Rent snorkel equipment and join guided tours through the Channel Islands Adventure Company at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Or consult local dive shops and operations to book boat trips and learn about island sites. The visitor centers offer recommendations too.
Undersea Wonderland Awaits
Home to more than two thousand unique marine species, Channel Islands National Park promises unforgettable underwater adventures. Whether diving amid swaying kelp or snorkeling through a sea cave, you’ll discover a landscape as magical below the surface as above. Time in this aquatic sanctuary reconnects us to the power and beauty of nature.
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Observe Channel Islands Wildlife
The Channel Islands boast a rugged beauty, with towering sea cliffs, deep canyons, lush valleys, and sandy beaches. As you explore the islands on foot, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, with some trails leading to secluded coves and seastacks. Since the islands have no land bridges, native plants and animals evolved in isolation here, enhancing the islands’ uniqueness. More than two thousand plant and animal species can be found in the park, including 145 land and marine birds like the island scrub jay. Marine mammals are especially abundant—keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, dolphins, and gray, blue, and humpback whales. The best land-based wildlife viewing spots are Point Bennett on San Miguel and Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz.
Terrestrial Animals
The islands host a variety of land mammals, some of which are endemic subspecies found nowhere else. Look for the island fox, a diminutive canine measuring just 12 inches tall. Deer mice scurry around the landscape, while herds of introduced fallow deer graze in the grasslands. Keep an eye out for the nocturnal barn owl, hunting for prey under the cover of darkness.
Marine Animals
In the surrounding waters, you’ll find everything from tiny plankton to massive whales. Blue and humpback whales migrate past the islands each year. Playful dolphins ride the bow waves of boats, while lazy sea lions lounge on offshore rocks. Under the waves, Garibaldi damselfish dart amidst swaying kelp forests. Divers can spot leopard sharks, octopuses, and a colorful array of other fish.
Birds
From shorebirds to raptors to songbirds, over 200 bird species have been recorded in the park. Watch for the endemic island scrub jay with its bright blue feathers. Pelicans, cormorants, and other seabirds nest on the cliffs. Majestic bald eagles soar overhead, scanning for prey. Migrating birds use the islands as a stopover site along the Pacific Flyway each spring and fall.
Kayaking Adventures Await at Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park offers spectacular kayaking opportunities for adventurous travelers. With its pristine marine environment and secluded islands, this national park is a paddler’s paradise. Safety is always the first priority, so be sure to follow NPS’s guidelines.
Paddling Along Santa Cruz Island’s Dramatic Coastline
The best kayaking in the park is found off Santa Cruz Island. Paddlers can explore this island’s incredible shoreline dotted with breathtaking sea caves, cliffs, and offshore rocks. Most kayaking excursions launch from Scorpion Anchorage, which offers easy beach access, nearby camping, and concessionaire services. Experienced kayakers can also paddle to less-visited coves and beaches on the island’s remote east end.
When to Go Kayaking
The best kayaking conditions are typically found between August and October when winds and seas are calmest. However, high winds can happen any time of year. Schedule your trip during morning hours when winds tend to be lighter. With proper precautions, Channel Islands National Park offers world-class kayaking opportunities year-round. Just be sure to check forecasts and paddle within your limits.
With its protected coves, sea caves, offshore rocks, and islands to explore, Channel Islands National Park is a sea kayaker’s dream destination. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a guided paddle or an expert planning an epic self-supported kayaking adventure, unforgettable moments await amid the park’s stunning coastal scenery and marine wildlife.
Relax and Recharge
With their secluded beaches, scenic trails, and panoramic vistas, the Channel Islands are the perfect place to slow down and relax. Pitch a tent at one of the island campgrounds, enjoy a picnic lunch on a sandy beach, or simply find a quiet spot to read and recharge. Watching the sunset over the Pacific is the perfect way to end the day. Leave the crowds behind and experience the tranquil beauty of Channel Islands National Park.
By Julie Thompson
