EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION
Channel Islands National Park rises from the Pacific between Ventura and Santa Barbara — five islands supporting unique species found nowhere else on Earth: island foxes, massive sea lion rookeries, Chumash cultural sites, and some of California's best snorkeling. The trip to Anacapa takes about an hour each way from Ventura Harbor; dolphins and whales are common on the crossing. Day trips include hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Advance reservations required.
OPERATOR STORY
Channel Islands National Park protects five islands off the Ventura and Santa Barbara coasts, along with one nautical mile of surrounding ocean. The islands are often called the Galápagos of North America for their extraordinary ecological isolation. Island Packers, the park’s concessionaire since 1968, operates daily boat departures from Ventura Harbor. The crossing to Anacapa Island takes about an hour and regularly produces sightings of dolphins, whales, sea lions, and seabirds.
