Channel Islands National Park

An aerial view of the Channel Islands National Park.

The phenomenal Channel Islands National Park.

Many enjoy the spectacular and unspoiled beauty of the Channel Islands.

Relatively untouched by modern culture, California's Channel Islands National Park is an oasis of natural splendor.

This chain of eight islands off the coast of Ventura is the habitat of blue whales, sea lions and peregrine falcons.

Five of the islands make up Channel Islands National Park: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel islands. The park also protects one mile of ocean around each island. A visitor center in Ventura is one of the departure points for most island exploration.

Island topography varies from volcanic rock to wind-swept cliffs, sandy beaches to dense kelp forests. All the islands have hiking trails. The trails on Santa Rosa wind through oak groves, past caves and offer

spectacular seaward vistas.

Santa Cruz is the largest island. All islands are havens for nesting birds and were home to a community of Native Americans more than 10,000 years ago.

Primitive camping is allowed on the islands by reservation.

Island Packers is the park's concessionaire for boat travel departing from Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors to all of the islands. A variety of trips, from half-day to multi-day, are offered. For prices, schedules, and reservations, call 805-642-1393.

Truth Aquatics is the park's concessionaire for boat travel departing from Santa Barbara Harbor to all of the islands. A variety of trips, from one to multi-day, are offered. For prices, schedules, and reservations, call 805-962-1127.

Channel Islands Aviation is the park's concessionaire for air travel departing from Camarillo airport to Santa Rosa Island. A variety of trips, from one- to multi-day, are offered. For prices, schedules, and reservations, call 805-987-1301.

Camping reservations for National Park Service campgrounds on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, East Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands are available. Camping on the beaches of Santa Rosa Island is available for experienced kayakers and boaters on a seasonal basis. A free backcountry permit to hike escorted beyond the Ranger Station on San Miguel Island is required and can be obtained by calling 805-658-5711.

Camping reservations are required for all of the island campgrounds. There are no entrance fees to visit the park, however there is a fee for camping in National Park Service-operated campgrounds. Reservations can be made no more than three months in advance.