Ciheli is the sole tour operator authorized to fly around the channel islands national park and over channel islands marine sanctuary including santa barbara island, anacapa island, santa rosa island, santa cruz island and san miguel island. Of the 78 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the world, 29 have been spotted near the channel islands national marine sanctuary. View our island trips for details on day trips, camping, island activities and special trips. Island packers cruising the california channel islands.
Established as channel islands national park in 1980, this park includes a marine sanctuary that protects six nautical miles of water around the park itself. Whether you have half a day or more than a week to experience channel islands national park, here are some of the best ways to explore the islands by kayak, yacht, or just by foot. No other area of the park offers as many sea cave kayaking opportunities. Without a rental car, taking in guernseys coastal cliffs, bays, and forts in a halfday is nearimpossible. The park s boat transportation concessioner island packers announced a twoweek halt to its public transportation services as a result of the covid19 outbreak. The national park service is modifying its operations on a parkbypark basis in.
Channel islands national park visitor information visit oxnard. To get the most of your time, join a kayak tour of the channel islands. Close to the mainland, yet worlds apart, channel islands national park has come to be known as the galapagos islands of north america. Channel islands national park susan lamb, george h. Sequoia and kings canyon national park, joshua tree national park, channel islands national park, yosemite national park, big sur, death valley, mojave national preserve.
The channel islands national park visitor center features a bookstore, gift items, live tidal pool with daily talks, viewing tower, and exhibits featuring the unique character of each park island. Channel islands sportfishing center 4151 victoria ave. While you are on the whale trail download the free mobile application, whale alert. Channel islands whale watching frequently asked questions. Over the past 10 years, the population of humpback whales and blue whales in the santa barbara channel has grown tremendously with multiple sightings common during a seasonal whale watching expedition. In the park, santa cruz is the most developed island with opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, camping and hiking. Everything you need to know about channel islands national park. Southern california waters of the santa barbara channel. Channel islands national park, california travel guide. Channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary.
Located off the southern coast of california, channel islands national park contains one of the most diverse collection of plant and animal species in the united states. Channel islands national marine sanctuary news and events. Channel islands kayaking tours explore the national park. About a third of the worlds cetacean species 27 to be exact can be seen in the. April to september is the season for blue and humpback whales due to the. Channel islands national park was established on march 5, 1980. Explore channel islands national park holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Hi, we are a couple in our mid 20s and we will be in the channel islands area mid septenber. The national park service is modifying its operations on a parkbypark basis in accordance with. Island packers offers both winter and summer three to threeandahalfhour whalewatching cruises along the santa barbara channel, with the option of extending your trip to a full day to land on anacapa or santa cruz island. Everything you need to know about channel islands national park from our travel experts.
Channel islands national park, established by congress in 1980, comprises five of the eight channel islands off the southern california coast. The waters surrounding channel islands national park are home to many diverse and beautiful species of cetaceans whales, dolphins, and porpoises. I would love to ask a few questions because i didnt really understand how it works. Channel islands national park travel california, usa. We offer the ability to tailor your trip to fit your needs and desires. Its easier to access than you might think, and the payoff is immense. Things to do in ventura ca channel islands national park. West coast whale watching national park foundation. The channel islands national park and marine sanctuary is a natural wonderland and incredibly rich ecosystem located 20 miles offshore of santa barbara.
Located just off the southern california coast in the santa barbara channel, the series of islands that encompass channel islands national park are sparsely visited, especially given their incredible natural beauty. Travel time is approximately one hour, a little longer if we come across interesting wildlife in the channel. Santa barbara island, channel islands national park, ca. Summer is the most popular season to visit the islands with perfect weather and blue and humpback whale watching opportunities as the whales migrate north. The channel islands national park is a wonderful setting for whale watching along the california coast. The coast of southern california might be one of the most densely populated areas of the united states, but a quick hop out to channel islands national park provides a picture of coastal living in the region before human development. Our adventure sea cave kayak tour is our most popular channel islands national park tour. Our national parks channel islands ferry is only way to go. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Island transportation channel islands national park u. Where to go whale watching in californias channel islands. January until march has the highest chance for gray whale sightings. Santa barbara adventure company leads an exclusive painted cave kayak day tripone of the only such island tours that departs directly from santa barbara harbors sea landing.
Guided adventures at channel islands visit california. Get information on channel islands national park hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. Sea kayaking and camping are other popular activities, as are guided tours of interesting park areas. Anacapas kelp forests in californias channel islands national park, which also has its. Familyowned and operated, the connally family and their dedicated staff provide trips to all five of the channel islands. Channel islands national park is home to a wide variety of significant natural and cultural resources. Whether its an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best channel islands national park cruises around. Channel islands national park visitor information visit. Channel islands national park fast facts national parked.
Channel islands charter boat fishing whale watching more. Download our handy guide to creating a special and very memorable. Channel islands whale watching in oxnard, ca groupon. The park, which includes santa cruz, santa rosa, san miguel. My wife and i visited this beautiful place in june of 20, just after the budget cuts had gone into effect. National monument in 1938, and then a biosphere reserve in 1976. Whale watching tours that run between the ventura coast and the channel islands are almost always eventful.
Channel islands naturalist corps will be on hand to explain the regions diverse ecology and introduce visitors to marine life on whale watch tours and island hikes all weekend. The bonus attached to island hopping on the channel islands is some of the best whale watching in the world. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can. Watch these videos on a mobile device to get the full experience move around to. Yosemite, sequoia, death valley and channel islands amid.
Group whale watching at the channel islands kayak and. Frequently asked questions channel islands national park. Channel islands day trip channel islands national park. Channel islands national parks conservation association. All of the following trips are sightseeing excursions that do not land on the island. Island packers, ventura countys official concessionaire to the channel islands national park, provides 3 12hour, nonlanding narrated trips. Whalewatching in channel islands national park fodors. The city of oxnard, which is less than 10 miles from channel islands national park, is a perfect home base for a whalewatching excursion. Channel islands whale watching was founded in 1999 specializing in ecotourism and wildlife adventures. Transportation to the channel islands national park island packers has been transporting visitors to the channel islands since 1968.
The islands not only offer a delightful break from the congestion and clamor of urban life, but also numerous activitieshiking, camping, snorkeling, kayaking, birdwatching, photography, or just relaxing to the soothing sounds of the natural world. Offerings include summer and winter whale watching, birding excursions, island wildlife cruises, and harbor cruises, as well as. Tips before you go for summer, winter, fall, spring. Dougs channel island tours offers you a more personalized whale watching experience. Whale watching tours channel islands whale watching offers breathtaking excursions through the waters surrounding channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary off the coast of southern california. Channel islands national park travel guide expert picks for. They also offer multiday trips if you are considering camping and kayaking. For your convenience, we offer preplanned trips that you can customize to fit your needs. To get to the channel islands by boat, island packers is the official channel islands national park concessionaires, providing regular boat service, both oneday trips, and longer excursions. Nov 19, 2010 these are all easily seen on the island packers boat tours to southern californias channel islands. Whale watching tours, birding excursions and harbor cruises are also offered. The cities of ventura and oxnard are the launching points for trips to the islands. Island packers visits all five of the islands that make up the channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary.
The five remote islands that comprise channel islands national park remain open to public visitation. The 10 best channel islands national park tours tripadvisor. Ready to see stunning ocean views, jutting rock cliffs, and wildlife that you cant find anywhere else in the world. Condor express whale watching offers a variety of spectacular excursions in. Jan 26, 2015 coowner of island packers cherryl connally visited the kcal9 studios monday to talk about their whale watching adventures to channel islands national park.
Although anacapa and santa barbara islands were designated a national monument in 1938, it was not until march 5, 1980 that congress established san miguel, santa rosa, santa cruz, anacapa, santa barbara, and the submerged lands and waters within one nautical mile of each island as channel islands national park. The company, which has been serving channel islands national park visitors since 1968, dedicates itself to providing an outlet f or education, recreation and research on marine and island wildlife. Channel islands whale watching offers breathtaking excursions through the waters surrounding channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary off the coast of southern california. Since gray whale watching occurs in the winter, visitors are encouraged to dress warm.
Southern california whale watching at its finest we offer whale watching excursions during the annual gray whale migration. The chumash indians inhabited the channel islands in the early 1800s, travelling between the islands by canoe. Channel islands whale watching tours and booking information. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this tour lets you experience the main beauty spots with minimum effort, and with a guide so you dont miss any sights or historical facts you should know. Oxnard visitors can take a quick trip to channel islands national park, located just eleven miles off the coast from oxnard. The first hour was uneventful and was beginning to loose hope when the captain announced he could see a humpback on the horizon, that was when the action began, we had sighting. Santa barbara adventure company visit santa barbara. The santa barbara sailing center welcomes you to explore the majestic channel islands national park and marine sanctuary with a uscg captain aboard one of our fantastic cruising yachts. Channel islands whale watching oxnard 2020 all you need.
The five remarkable islands of channel islands national park preserve a part of california many visitors thought had long vanished. Santa barbara adventure company has been creating funfilled. We are the number one choice for channel islands national park outfitting and tours. Channel islands cruise santa barbara sailing center. Santa barbara adventure company offers kayak trips and channel islands aviation provides air service from the camarillo airport to santa rosa island.
Channel islands national park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. While other tours are 3 hours plus, our whale watching tours are 2. The channel islands are comprised of eight islands anacapa, san miguel, santa cruz, santa rosa, san nicolas, san clemente, santa barbara, and santa catalina off the coast of. Channel islands national park is located off the coast of southwest california, with the mainland visitor center located in ventura. The separation from the mainland has allowed many unique animals and plants to flourish on these islands. Dougs channel islands tours offers fun charter boat adventures in the waters around and on the channel islands national park. If you plan ahead, you can also camp on the island and make it a multiday hike. Trails on santa cruz island provide expansive views of the channel, or out to the open ocean.
Channel islands national park is located in the pacific ocean off the coast of california. The oldest human remains in north america were found in channel islands national park, on the island of santa rosa. Kayak tours channel islands adventure company kayaking. Guide to whale watching at the channel islands national park. Come join captain frank and the ranger 85 crew as they take you through the waters surrounding the channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary off the coast of southern california. What is the best way to see the islands or one of the islands. The viewing tower offers one of the best views of ventura harbor, the channel islands, and the ventura coastline. Channel islands adventure company is an authorized kayak guide and outfitter service permit holder for the channel islands national park at scorpion anchorage and all other areas of the park.
Our whale watching tours take place in the pristine waters surrounding channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary, just off the coast of southern california. Channel islands harbor gears up for whale watching season park. Depending on the season, youll see wonderful wild flowers along the trails. Channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary has become one of the premier whale watching destinations on our planet. The pristine channel islands seem made for adventure, and the activity menu here includes hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, whale watching, and camping on remote beaches. This chain of five islands santa cruz, anacapa, santa rosa, santa barbara, and san miguelis rich with untouched natural beauty and a california destination worthy of your consideration.
Jan 05, 2017 guide to whale watching at the channel islands national park and throughout the santa barbara channel whale watching. How lucky are we to have a national park minutes from our home. Lush with kelp forests and teaming with marine life, diving at the channel islands santa cruz and anacapa islands are very accessible from the ventura coast out of ventura harbor. The water surrounding those five islands to a distance of six miles comprise the channel islands national marine sanctuary, with an area of 1,110 square nautical miles. Immerse yourself in a 360 video take a virtual visit and tour to channel islands national park with jordan fisher and crater lake national park with dierks bentley. However, current access will only be via private vessel. The channel crossing to channel islands national park and marine sanctuary can make for a windy boat ride, so layers are recommended to be comfortable on the boat deck while keeping an eye out for marine wildlife sightings with the boat crew. Our charter boat service accommodates up to 6 passengers and their gear. Imagine hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, camping and whalewatching, and doing it all amid a raw, endoftheworld landscape. Anacapa is the closest island to the mainland, just 12 miles from the channel islands harbor in oxnard.
Set sail on your destinations toprated boat tours and cruises. Over 20 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises have been documented in the channel, so keep your eyes open while crossing the santa barbara channel to one of the most extraordinary chains of islands on the planet. Anacapa, santa cruz, santa rosa, san miguel, and, so far away it is rarely visible from the mainland, santa barbara island. Santa cruz island channel islands national park all you. Mar 16, 2020 how to get to channel islands national park. Channel islands national park has amazing sea cave kayaking. Over the summer we plan an adventure to santa cruz and anacapa to hike.
The santa barbara channel harbors 27 whale and dolphin species, including blue whales, orcas, and bottlenose dolphins. The channel islands region is a premier global destination for whale watching and marine wildlife sightings. Channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary are a world class destination for viewing marine wildlife. The channel islands national marine sanctuary is one of the most amazing places to view marine mammals in the wild. Sightseeing tours that take place in channel islands np, california are listed below.
While at this visitor center you can shop at the bookstore, as well as view a marine aquatic life exhibit, which features the unique character of each park island. Channel islands national marine sanctuary and national park are usually on. The 10 best channel islands national park boat rides. Island packers now offering whale watching tours to channel. Explore the channel islands national park and channel islands marine sanctuary. The park visitor center has a tower with telescopes, and guided whale watching tours explore the area throughout the year. Channel islands national park best time to visit top. All of our trips take place in the pristine waters surrounding channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary.
Lagomarsino visitor center at channel islands national park is located at 1901 spinnaker drive, ventura, ca 93001. The four northern islands make up the southern boundary of the santa barbara channel and together with santa barbara island comprise the channel islands national park. In addition, island packers offers whale watching trips. I cant say enough how fortunate we are to have these parks set aside for all to enjoy. Anacapa and santa barbara islands were designated as a national monument on april 26, 1938. I headed out on this three hour excursion in the hope of seeing my first ever whale. Californias channel islands, located just off the coast of santa barbara and ventura, are a national park dreamcometrue for marine nature lovers. With more than 100 species of flora and fauna unique to the five volcanic, windswept isles, visitors are virtually guaranteed a memorable experience. Channel islands helicopter tours, trips, rides, flight. The crystal clear pacific channel waters, breathtaking cliffs, abundant wildlife, and mild weather combine to lure expert kayakers and novices alike to explore their natural wonders. There was a park ranger who informed us that she was the only one, and while trained in first aidcpr, she was not medically trained. The channel islands national park and marine sanctuary offers worldclass diving options. Island packers temporarily halts channel islands national park trips typically, this would be one of the familyrun companys busier times the tailend of whale watching. All eight of the channel islands were designated as a biosphere reserve by unesco in 1976.
Whale watch tour with sanctuary naturalist, august 4, 2019 10 am 4 pm island packers, ventura harbor. Sep 09, 2019 this post covers everything you need to know for planning a trip to any of the five islands in californias channel islands national park and marine sanctuary. Channel islands whale watching channel islands harbor. Channel islands national park best time to visit top tips before. Further directions and maps can be found at getting to channel islands. Imagine hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, camping and whale watching, and doing it all amid a raw, endoftheworld landscape. Please click on the links below to learn about activities within the park. The discovery channel captured a whale shark the largest fish on the planet in 360 degrees. The channel islands national park and national marine sanctuary is home to some of the most interesting marine wildlife.