Can you get to Channel Islands from Santa Barbara?
Can you get to Channel Islands from Santa Barbara?
While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.
Why is Santa Barbara Island closed?
Santa Barbara, about 50 miles off Ventura, is the smallest island at about one square mile and the southernmost point in the park. It has been closed to the public since mid-January 2016 after high surf damaged the landing, access ladders and pier pilings.
How much does it cost to go to Santa Cruz Island?
Anacapa Island & Santa Cruz Island Fares
| Ticket Type | Age Range | Round Trip Day Passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 13-54 Years | $ 63.00 |
| Senior | 55 Years + | $ 58.00 |
| Child | 3-12 Years | $ 45.00 |
| Infant (Must Reserve) | Under 3 Years | $ 00.00 |
Can you travel to Santa Cruz Island?
There’s no shortcut for getting to Santa Barbara Island; it is only reachable via a three-hour boat ride. Most trips run by Island Packers visit only one island at a time. Day-trips are common for Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. Campers can sail to any of the islands and stay for multiple days.
Which Channel Island is best visit?
If you only have 1 day available then I’d recommend visiting Santa Cruz Island or Anacapa Island. Santa Cruz has the best options for day hiking while Anacapa has a shorter, flat-ish trail with amazing views (and lots of seabirds). If you’re looking to get on or in the water, then Santa Cruz Island is where to head.
Are the Channel Islands worth visiting?
One of the best national parks in California worth visiting is Channel Islands National Park. This is a guide to one of the most beautiful places in the state and it will detail how to visit Channel Islands National Park, what to do there, and more!
Is Santa Cruz Island Open?
Open: All islands are open for day and overnight visits.
Can you go on Santa Barbara Island?
Santa Barbara Island is an ideal place for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, but there are no lifeguards on the island. Since Santa Barbara 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.
Is there anything on Santa Cruz Island?
A variety of seabirds can be seen throughout the year (especially around Scorpion Rock), but most birders go to the island to see the endemic island scrub-jay-only found on Santa Cruz Island and no other place in the world. Best viewing is at Prisoners Harbor, but they are also spotted around the Scorpion area as well.
How long is the trip to Santa Cruz Island?
If you do your day trip to the Channel Islands with Island Packers, you will have about 6-7 hours on Santa Cruz Island. Island Packers recommends getting to the harbor 45 minutes before the departure time. We got there about 30 minutes before and still had plenty of time to check in and wait before boarding the boat.
Is Santa Cruz Island worth visiting?
We only visited Santa Cruz Island as it’s the perfect place for a one-day trip, and is the easiest island to get to. But our visit provided a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of southern California we typically experience. So far it’s one of the most beautiful places in California we have seen.
