Santa Barbara Island Campground

You can bring your own boat, but it’s highly recommended to go with a park authorized operator and contact park rangers before you arrive-- you might need a permit depending on the island. If you’re a novice boater, just come to terms with it before you put your life in danger: conditions, currents and winds are all variable. There’s a whole slew of island-specific information on the park site, and you can also check out the kayaking section below.

There are some massive fish over here…but if you’re paying to boat over to the Channel Islands, they had better be legendary! The most popular catches are halibut, white seabass and rockfish; the halibut set world records, the seabass are the best in the state, and there are over 50 types of rockfish. Holy moly! If you’re intrigued by sportfishing in the majestic Channel Islands, your best bet is probably to head over to Channel Islands Sportfishing for more information.

Trails vary on each island, from flat and maintained in Anacapa Island, to mountainous wilderness in Santa Rosa. Make sure you plan ahead to see which trails to undertake before you have to get on the boat to leave the island, unless you’re about the backpacking and camping lifestyle. All of the islands boast incredible views and are well worth the trip. Check out some precautions and trail maps of each island here. Remember to bring your own water!

Kayaking the Channel Islands is probably one of the coolest and most exciting things you could do in your life, but be warned that it IS quite dangerous if you do it without a guide. The sea caves are an incredible sight, but they are treacherous and not recommended for the inexperienced. If you’re really itching to get out there, take a kayaking tour (see the caving section) and see the park site here.

The best surf is found on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands, depending on the swell. Currents are variable so make sure you’re prepared for anything! If you come in winter/spring, the northwest swells are ideal for surfing on the north shore, while summer/fall is perfect for the south swell on the south shore. You’re going to have to take a private boat over, since these spots are so remote and far from designated landing areas, but that just means you’ll have it all to yourself to catch those waves. You’d have to be a dedicated surfer to come all the way to the Channel Islands, but it’s sure to be the place you’ve dreamed of. Check out local surf shops and the visitor center in Ventura for more information.

There are thousands of species inhabiting these islands thanks to the diverse environments found here. The tidepools house a variety of critters like anemones, limpets, periwinkles, barnacles, and mussels that you can observe, but not collect! There are also tens of different types of cetaceans such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions. Gray whale watching is best in December to March while the massive blue whale migrates from spring to summer. For birders, this is the only nesting population of brown pelicans on the west coast! Hundreds of seabirds flock the shores (particularly on Anacapa Island), especially during seagull-hatching season in May. 99% of Southern California’s seabirds come here to nest and feed. Ten of the species of land birds live only in the Channel Islands. See the birding guide if you’re curious for more info.