By:
Submission
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views. Anacapa Island, the closest Channel Island to the mainland of California, is comprised of three islets (appropriately named East, Middle, and West Anacapa Islands). Waves have eroded the volcanic island, creating towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and natural bridges, such as forty-foot-high Arch Rock -- a symbol of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. Exploring East Anacapas two-mile trail system allows visitors to experience the islands native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural history. The islands native vegetation is recovering slowly with the help of the National Park Services restoration efforts. This recovery, along with the removal of nonnative predators, has aided in the reestablishment of nesting land birds and seabirds. The island is one of the most important seabird nesting sites within the Channel Islands. While the steep cliffs of West Anacapa are home to the largest breeding colony of endangered California brown pelicans, all the islets of Anacapa host the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world. The rocky shores of Anacapa are perfect resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Anacapas rich kelp forests (ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving) and tidepool areas provide visitors with the opportunity to meet some of the resident ocean animals up close. Anacapa Island has a rich human history as well. Shell midden sites indicate where Chumash people camped on the islands thousands of years ago. In addition, visitors can view the 1932 light station. The original lead-crystal Fresnel lens, which served as a beacon to ships until an automated light replaced it in 1990, is on exhibit in the East Anacapa Visitor Center. Natural Features: Waves have eroded the 5-mile volcanic island, creating steep, towering sea cliffs, sea caves and natural bridges. Much of the year, the island vegetation looks brown, but the winter rain brings brightly-colored terrain. The altitude is low and ranges from sea level to 250 feet. Recreation: With two miles of hiking trails, ocean access nearby the campground, and generally good weather, Anacapa Island offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. In summer, rangers lead an underwater video program. The program includes live video footage of sea life which is projected for visitors to see. Its a great way to stay dry while viewing colorful sea creatures. Since Anacapa Island is a cliff island, access to the water is only at the Landing Cove via a dock. There are no other accessible beaches unless you have a watercraft. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm. Facilities: A half mile hike, including 154 steps, is needed to get from the Landing Cove to the seven-site (4-6 persons per site) campground. Camping is primitive and campers must bring their own food, equipment and water. Picnic table, food storage box, and pit toilet are provided. Nearby Attractions: The Landing Cove near the campground is an ideal place for swimming, diving, snorkeling and kayaking, but there are no lifeguards on the island. The island is also home to just over two miles of trails that meander to dramatic overlooks and magnificent coastal views. All hikers must stay on the trails for visitor safety and to protect fragile vegetation and nesting seabirds. No off- trail hiking is allowed. ACTIVITIES Boating Interpretive Programs: Educational Programs Hiking Picnicking: Picnic Tables Water Sports: Scuba Diving Swimming Site
Boat transportation can be arranged with Island Packers from Ventura or Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbors.
To park headquarters in Ventura, California: Highway 101, exit Victoria or Seaward to Ventura Harbor.
Great experience, did some hiking and the views at the top are amazing. Couple of camping spots you can reserve. The water is clear so you can actually enjoy some snorkeling or scuba diving. No pets of any kind allowed in the park.
This place felt like sacred and to me. I caught a beautiful sunset right over the mountain islands and it took my breath away. The visitor center was educational and intricate. A live habitat with real fish, and a shark! Pygmy mammoth fossil too. I can't say enough good things ab this place so just go see it yourself! Will be back!
A cruse ship operated weekly.
My family enjoyed viewing great Channel Islands and dolphins.
No landing at all, so needed to take a medicine to avid motion sickness.
3:30hours trips
Awesome experience. Highly recommended!!
What a gem of a place! Advisable to book boat ride to island in advance if you’re traveling from different state to make sure you don’t miss out on this beautiful national park. Island packers provide ferry services to island from Ventura, CA. The boat ride to island is breathtaking. We were fortunate to see hundreds of dolphins and at the same time disappointed to not see whales but apparently there are boat tours available just for the whale watching if that’s what you’re looking for. The boat ride can get bumpy depending on the weather so make sure you take your sea sickness medicine and sit in the back to avoid the risk of getting sick. The island won’t disappoint you though. It’s beautiful place but includes lot of hiking so if that’s not your thing avoid it. There are moderate hikes/trails available and still give you beautiful views of ocean and surroundings. However some of the trails can get really challenging since there are no restrooms or dining facilities on the island. Make sure to take plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration since you won’t find many water fountain except one at the beginning of the trail. Beautiful place to kayak unfortunately we were unable to do it this time. Camping options are available but need well advance reservations keep in mind. Hope this review finds you helpful and enjoy this beautiful place which is still mostly untouched by human hands.
