Channel Islands National Park offers an incredible retreat from nearby Los Angeles. While some people merely visit the mainland Visitor Centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara, California, there is no better way to experience the wild nature of this special region than to visit the islands themselves. There are a variety of charters available to take you to the island(s) of your choice, where a wealth of wildlife and surreal vistas await.
Wildlife
Perhaps the most cherished feature of Channel Islands National Park is the opportunity to see dolphins, grey whales, and rare blue whales, especially in summer, when these waters contain the largest aggregation of blue whales in the entire planet. Wildlife watchers will thrill at droves of California sea lions sunning on rocks or beaches. The harbor seal is also a resident, coming to the shores during breeding, while northern elephant seals abound on the western end of San Miguel Island. Bird watchers are in for a treat, as many species including the Island scrub jay, horned lark, kestrel, bald eagle, and brown pelican make Channel Islands National Park their home.
Activities
Land-based activities include hiking, camping, and backpacking. The terrain is remarkably diverse, offering everything from beaches to mountain trails. Visitors can also learn about the Chumash culture and other civilizations that have lived on the islands for a bit of educational fun. Boating is a very popular activity with the promise of whale and other marine mammal sightings, but SCUBA diving and kayaking are available for those who would like an in-depth experience diving with sea lions and dolphins, or exploring the Sea Caves for a glimpse into rarely seen ecosystems.
The Islands
Each island holds many reasons to visit this national park. Santa Cruz Island is the largest island with high peaks, giant sea caves, pristine tidepools, and large beaches. Santa Rosa Island offers archeological sites as well as a remarkable coastline, mountains, and lagoons. The Anacapa Island is actually a chain of three islets with a remarkable seabird habitat along steep cliffs. Known for seals and sea lions, the isolated coastline of San Miguel Island offers a rare flat plane. Rangers take hikers on a 16-mile round trip. The even smaller Santa Barbara Island is known for snorkeling at Landing Cove. Whatever outdoor activity appeals to you most, you are bound to find it in Channel Islands National Park!
Images via Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith, orca_bc
