Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is a United States National Park comprised of a series of islands that are located off the coast of Ventura County and Santa Barbara County in Southern California. Only five of the eight Channel Islands are part of the national park: Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa.

Although the park is located in "sunny" southern California, we actually do have seasons here. Each season has its own character and casts a unique mood over the islands.

In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. Although this makes planning your visit a little difficult, we must remember that this unpredictable and, at times, unforgiving weather is one of the main reasons that the islands have been afforded so much isolation and protection from the rapid changes seen on the mainland. It is, in part, what makes the Channel Islands such a unique and wonderful place.

The islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended. There is no transportation available on the islands. All areas must be accessed on foot or by private boat or kayak.

Public boat transportation is available year-round to all five islands by the park concessionaires, Island Packers and Truth Aquatics. In addition, Island Packers offers whale watching trips while Truth Aquatics also offers scuba diving trips.