channel islands national marine sanctuary

We took the 10 am boat to Santa Cruz (had to be there at 9:15) and lingered on the one-hour crossing to watch the dolphins playing in our wake and then the 3 gray whales hanging out on the surface, blowing and diving We finally left them to get to the island about noon. Still had time to hike to the cavern lookout on the trail just past the 1st camphground and then along the cliff trail to Potato Harbor overlook and back along the Potato Harbor "road" (track in the dirt). Had lunch on the cliff listening to sea lions but couldn't see them from there. Saw a couple of island foxes on the way back near the campgrounds. We were lucky in January to get a clear and sunny day although the islands in the west were in the mist. Went on a Sunday of a three day weekend and the boat was sold out for Friday when we went on Thursday pm to book. Trails were busy but others were generally at a distance so we felt the silence and solitude of undisturbed nature. This was the high point of Ventura and Oxnard for us.

We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit!

Took a day trip to see the Santa Cruz Island (part of the 5 Channel Island). Booked tickets online with Island Packers (1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B, Ventura, Ca 93001 - Phone: 805-642-1393 Info@IslandPackers.com) and took their 9:00am ferry to Santa Cruz ($59 adult, awesome service, quick booking). We reached SCruz in about an hour and took a short hike with one of the volunteers who explained the history of the island with the Chumash Indians etc. Nice story and also gave a good layout of the place.There are NO buildings, you need to carry your own food (lunch, snacks) and water. But there is a campground very close to the landing area.This was a fantastic trip - its less travelled by tourists (most go to Catalina) and this one is pure nature with hikes and lazy hanging out in one of the most picturesque parts of California. This is also the time of the year when Grey whales (others too) migrate fom Alasks down south to Baja California (Mexico) and we spotted a lot of whales. Island also offers kayaking though it needs to be booked in advance.Highly recommended if you are into just hanging out in a beautiful open space - hiking is NOT strenous at all.

Took the boat out to Santa Cruz Island in August. Beautiful day. Took a guided hike to a bay bordering the Nature Conservancy side of the island. Was disappointed we didn't have time to make it all the way to the bay but other than that we really enjoyed ourselves. The boats should leave earlier to accommodate the time it takes to make the hikes advertised. The boats ran on time and it was a lovely cruise both ways. In fact we were so comfortable we both fell asleep basking in the sun on the way back.

Taking a boat out to The Channel Island is a must do for all nature lovers. From sea birds, sea lions, seals, dolphins, whales and other marine life to the rare Island foxes This is a must stop when you are in the area.

We spent a day on Santa Cruz island, one of the channel islands off of the coast north of Los Angeles, and to the west of Santa Barbara. Island Packers tours are the only boats allowed to land, so check them out for the transportation (boats out of Ventura and Oxnard). They were great. We did not realize how unshaded it was, or that the hike we chose from Scorpion Landing to Smugglers Cove was so extremely difficult (7.5 miles, all vertical to the center, then steep down side that must be climbed on the return). But it was amazing- just be sure you get back in time for the boat out! We did, but just barely. We had two kids with us aged 8 and 10, and it wore them out. Be sure to bring lots of water- and forego anything but the smallest snacks. You'll be exercising the whole time. It seems optimal for overnight camping. Very much worth doing.

A Must-Do for anyone in the LA to San Fran corridor. I began at the Ventura Visitors center, watched the amazing video and then drove to Oxnard Marina and got a boat trip "on standby" The TA choices to review this marvel are frustrating as there is no CINP option.!The options to visit the islands or cruise around them are limited, so go online and reserve in advance from May to mid-October. There are NO services on the islands. Trekking-in for a day or to camp requires advance planning to pack it all in & out.But the boat ride around the islands with narrative was extremely informative and enjoyable. i have lived in So Cal for 25 years and never knew that this gem was only a few hours away.

Watched a 15 minute video about the islands that was narrated by Kevin Costner. It was very informative and made you want to visit the islands.

If you have young children and you want an awesome place to take them to learn about nature and particularly the Channel Islands, take them to the National Park Service's Visitor Center located in Ventura Harbor. Go to the end of the Harbor entrance road, just past the Island Packers where you board boats for a trip out to the Islands. Parking is free at the beach lot on your left. This spot at the end of the road gives you perhaps one of the best views in Ventura County. Looking West is a terrific view of Ventura and its local mountains. Looking South is a view of the ocean and the Channel Islands on a clear day. And of course the harbor itself is beautiful.Now about the Visitor Center. It is specifically set up for young children but is also interesting for adults. There is a small aquarium where the kids can get a good look at local fish, shells and underwater plants. There are several interactive displays that teach about the islands' history and the recent attempts at preservation & restoration. There are also some hands on displays that will keep the young ones amused and interested. Don't miss a climb to the 3rd floor observation tower, a good place to capture the views I spoke about. There is also a 25 minute film about the Islands and the Park Service's activities. It is in HD and it is great. Occasionally they will broadcast, real time, the researchers during their actual dives off the Islands.Now here is the best part for the little ones. The Park Service has a Junior Ranger program. They will give your child a workbook for them to fill out as they explore the visitor center. It takes them through most of the exhibits and helps them learn about what they are seeing. After they complete their assignments (we spread this out over three visits for our 4-year old grandson) they interview a ranger, get their workbook checked and receive their Junior Ranger badge. It is a very worthwhile children's activity and interesting for the parents as well.On the way out of the center don't miss the small but interesting native plant garden in front of the center. Also, if you want to make a full day of your visit to the harbor, you can spend several hours at the beach right across from the Visitor Center. It has one of the best protected beaches for young children just to the right of the jetty. On the left side of the jetty the beach is open to the full force of the waves, so everyone can be happy here. After swimming you can treat the family to some shopping in the harbor's unique shops and then get some dinner at one of the local restaurants. My favorite is Brophy Brothers. They have a great happy hour during the week from 4-7 PM.So don't miss a day out at Ventura Harbor!

Boat leaves from Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. Trip takes an hour, maybe longer if the captain finds Whales to watch. The Island is completely made up of tall cliffs. No beach access. Anything that is accessible has Sea Lions on it and are protected. There are trails on top of the Islands with magnificent views of the cliffs, ocean, and other islands. This island is a Sea Gull colony during the spring, and although I was there before the nesting season it it supposed to be an awesome sight when thousands of gulls are nesting everywhere. Only port-o-poties on the island. Bring your own water and food. Great way to spend the day. We saw 100.s of common dolphins on the way out to the island and 1 gray whale.

Channels Islands National Park consists of five islands off the coast of southern California. The visitor center is in Ventura, Ca and from the harbor there you can take a one hour boat ride eleven miles to East Anacapa Island. A peaceful silence surrounds the tile-roofed buildings below the lighthouse on the cliff. It is a silence pierced by the cry from a gull flying overhead or the bellow of a male sea lion on the beach below the cliffs. History, wildlife and wonderfull scenery awaits as you explore the island alone or on a ranger-guided walk. Return to Ventura harbor in the late afternoon. A wonderful and relaxing way to spend a spring or summer day.

ロス1週間の旅行中、ヨセミテ公園に行く余裕はないけど、どうしてもカリフォルニアの自然を体感したくて色々調べたところ、チャンネル諸島という諸島があると知り、以下からネットでツアーを申し込みクルーズしました。（個人ではいけないので）http://www.islandpackers.com/アシカ、１０種類くらいのイルカ達の野生の姿をみれて感動！イルカが楽しそうに船を追いかけてくるので、本当に可愛かった！！行ってよかったです。海の上は10度以上気温差があるらしく、上着を準備していなかったのでインフォメーションセンターでウインドブレーカーを購入しました。それがなかったら、寒くて船外に出れなかった所でした。