Visiting Channel Islands National Park For a Day Trip

The Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary encompasses five islands of an eight-island chain, including their ocean environment in the crystal-clear Pacific Channel waters along the Santa Barbara coastline.

Often referred to as California’s Galapagos, the islands of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara are a place where you can escape the mainland grind, but it takes some planning. Here’s the lowdown on visiting California’s Channel Islands.

Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center

Channel Islands National Park offers a wide range of activities, including year-round camping, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors will want to begin their trip by visiting the Channel Islands National Park’s Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive. The center is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Year-round charter boat day trips are available to the Channel Islands, offering kayak and camping options.

On Island Visitor Centers

Two additional visitor centers are located on the Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands. Once you’ve learned a little about how the different islands were formed, it’s time to head out. The islands are accessible by small private aircraft and boats, with the latter being the most popular mode of transportation.

Island Packers, the official Concessionaire

Island Packers is a family-owned and operated business that has been in operation since the 1970s. Boat trips depart from Ventura or Oxnard. Round-trip fares range from $63 to $85 for day trips to Anacapa or Santa Cruz and inter-island camping trips. Travel time to Anacapa is about an hour; travel time to San Miguel can take 3-4 hours. Book early, especially for summer or weekends, as boats tend to fill up quickly. Check islandpackers.com for schedules.

Traveling Options for the Islands

Island Packers is one of the boat concessionaires that transports passengers to Channel Islands National Park. Condor Cruises and Sail Channel Islands also offer day trips to the island, as well as camping trips, kayaking adventures, and wildlife cruises. Half-day or full-day excursions are available. Those prone to seasickness can whale-watch from land. The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center features a tower equipped with telescopes that can be used for whale watching during the annual gray whale migration.

Channel Island Adventures

If you’re in the mood for adventure, consider a one-day kayaking trip to Santa Cruz Island with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, available year-round. To reach the island, you will need to purchase ferry tickets from Island Packers. Channel Islands Adventure Company is the exclusive kayak guide and outfitter for Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage. They also offer Santa Ynez wine tours and La Jolla Sea Cave Tours; visit their website for details.

Channel Island Sport Fishing

Finally, the Islands are the Mecca for sports fishing. Seven days a week, you’ll notice the steady flow of fishing enthusiasts heading out into the deep blue Pacific Ocean around the Channel Islands in search of fish. If you don’t happen to be one of those folks with your boat, gear, and fishing experience, consider booking a half-day trip on a fully equipped 70-foot sports fishing boat with Channel Islands Sportfishing Center. You’re sure to fill your bag and maybe even win the daily jackpot for the “Biggest Fish” wagering pool while viewing nature at its best.

Each Channel Island IS A Unique Experience

Anacapa: Closest to the mainland (12 miles), great for day trips. Hike the 2-mile loop for lighthouse views and Inspiration Point’s epic cliffs. There are no sandy beaches, just rocky coves.
Santa Cruz: Largest island, with tons of hiking (40+ miles of trails) and sea caves for kayaking.
Santa Rosa: Windswept and wild, with beaches, hiking, and rare Torrey pines. Good for backpacking, but exposed—bring windproof gear.
San Miguel: Remote and windy, with 14 miles of trails and a massive sea lion rookery at Point Bennett (16-mile round-trip hike). Requires stamina and preparation.
Santa Barbara: Smallest, with steep trails and elephant seal colonies. Great for wildlife lovers, but with limited facilities.

Getting to Channel Islands National Park

You can’t drive directly to the islands, but you can drive to the visitor center located in Ventura, California, which is 70 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. Air, train, and bus services are available to both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. From these cities, you can reach the visitor center by train, bus, or private car.

Why The Channel Islands are Worth A Visit

The islands offer an unspoiled glimpse of California’s past, featuring pristine ecosystems, minimal crowds, and abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll discover unique species not found on the mainland, such as the endemic island fox and vibrant kelp forests brimming with life. This experience is not a luxury vacation; it’s an adventure for those who seek nature in its raw form. Start with a day trip to Anacapa or Santa Cruz for an introduction to the area. If you find yourself captivated, consider planning a camping trip to Santa Rosa or Santa Cruz for a more in-depth exploration.

Ventura, California Day Trips