Category: | National Park |
Address: | Ventura, CA 93001, USA |
Phone: | +1 805-658-5730 |
Site: | nps.gov |
Rating: | 4.6 |
Working: | Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours |
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Mario E Hdez
The Channel Islands are an amazing set of National Parks. They offer day trips for hiking, kayaking, snorkeling or camping over night for the more intrepid travelers. During my overnight stay on Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the islands, I easily covered a dozen miles of incredible trails. With breathtaking lush hills, valleys, island foxes and beautiful ocean views everywhere you look. Visiting the Channel Islands will take a bit of planning particularly if you are looking to camp. Ferries depart from Ventura or Oxnord usually once or twice a day at predesignated times. A single ferry will include a mix of day visitors, kayakers and single or multi day campers. If you are looking to camp the Channel Islands for the first time I highly recommend staying in Santa Cruz Island at Scorpion Ranch which has a bevy of trails nearby, beach access, plenty of campsites, bathrooms and potable water.
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Luka Shegich
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Steven Lunsford
We visited Santa Rosa and camped for 3 nights there, and were blown away by the beauty of the island. It is not a site for those that are not prepared however! Make sure you have packed plenty of food, as there are no services on the island, and carry a windbreaker and sun protection, as there is nothing to shield you from the wind and sun. As long as you have those things, you should be able to explore virtually the entire island in comfort. Lobo Canyon and the shoreline north of it were a particular treat, and you can spot sea lions if you head to Carrington Point in the southeast.
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Corbin Clow
We went to the Channel Islands National Park this April and it was gorgeous! We did a day trip starting at 7 at Ventura loaded onto a ferry which was about an hour boat ride, then did an 8 mile hike around the island, then met back at the dock to take the ferry home around 4 pm. Definitely would like to come back and will probably stay overnight at a campsite. Everything that you take on the Island is hiked off. They did have public restrooms on the island we visited.
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Plymouth Ansbergs
The Channel Islands are a unique treasure. Each island had a unique and different character, an amazing history, and beautiful landscape. So far I have been to Anacapa, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. The latter two deserve at LEAST a long weekend to explore, a day trip is not enough. Santa Cruz is luch and vast. Santa Rosa is an amazing view into the early stages of taking a previously developed site and restoring it to wild. Swimming, hiking, and tiny foxes!
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A Private User
What a fun way to celebrate a wedding aniversary. I had never been sailing before and the overnight cruise was a good way to be introduced. The scenery was spectacular and the dolphins were entertaining. My husband loved the kayaking and I read a book while being gently rocked on the boat. how relaxing is that! The food was good and the company was better. Capt. Dan and Dennis made this a very memorable experience.
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翟泉
The case did not prepare, can only access the visitor center on the mainland. Visitor Center sleek, great ecological aquarium, as well as simulation show from the deep sea to the coast, up knowledge! If you can not land on the island, be sure to visit the visitor center. Micro-channel @jeromezhai
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Ahmad Ali
Sunlight creates rainbows from the spouts of two gray whales at Channel Islands National Park off the California coast. The waters surrounding Channel Islands are home to more than 27 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises – representing about one-third of cetacean species found worldwide. If you’re hoping to catch a gray whale sighting, try visiting the park during mid-December to mid-March
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Nico Gilbert-Igelsrud
The ride out to the channel islands is quite fun and stops whenever there are dolphins. The islands are great! The water is comfortable and the hikes are really fun, but sometimes quite steep. Amazing views from the island and you will see the cute little island fox. The foxes are very friendly and will pose for pictures. The trip is definitely worth it.
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Lydia May
Going back not sure when but will be back. We especially loved our sailboat ride with Captain Dan. We loved the Islands so much nature and so many interesting things to see and do. What a great find so many people have never heard of it. We also went on a whale watch and the whales and dolphins were happy to perform!
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Devon Thurtle Anderson
White sand beaches, clear water, abundant wildlife, and great hiking! The anchorages are less than ideal, but so long as you keep a close eye on the weather, you can usually find a decent (but not great) anchorage. The great time you have playing on the islands will make a few nights in rolly anchorages worth it.
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Joel Thurston
Even with an overcast day, the views on Santa Cruz were impressive. The cooler temperature facilitated hiking longer and farther than we might have been able to otherwise. We spent the day at Scorpion Anchorage and were able to do all of the low impact hikes, plus part of a moderate one, in about six hours.
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Mike Stacy
Beautiful location, great views, hands on low tide tidal simulation, several knowledgeable staff members to educate visitors on remote locations, close proximity to actual tour boats to take to actual Channel Islands, many restaurants nearby, and wonderful harbor and beach within a short walk.
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saranya krishnan
Beautiful island, with spectacular beaches and canyons. There are only a limited number of camping spots, which means that the island is never crowded. Hiking anywhere on the island provides consistent ocean views. The night sky is filled with stars that you rarely see from the mainland.
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Dave Wellons
Had great fun Scuba Diving along side Anacapa Island. Enjoyed exploring the Kelp beds. Saw Huge lobsters, harbor seals, sea lions, bat rays, sea bass, Halibut, Nudibranchs, and sheepshead (lots of fish). Well worth the trip to dive in the protected waters of the park. Great views!
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Leithen Crider
Beautiful islands with beautiful scenery all around. Loved them! My biggest complaint is how difficult it is to reach. Reservations and the whole boat ride seemed a bit difficult and expensive to make this an easily accessible park. Nevertheless I did it and it was well worth it!
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Robert Kuecks
Beautiful islands that are easily accessible from either Ventura our Channel island Harbours. There are nice calling facilities on Santa Cruz island or you can backpack in of you carry your own water. Other islands are great got day holes or kayaking adventures.
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Tim Pettit
At Prisoners Harbor, the rockier of Santa Cruz Island shores provided good underwater visibility for skin diving. Crossing the Santa Barbara Channel by boat in August (not whale time of year) we saw dolphins on open ocean and bald eagle in natural habitat.
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Gaudencio Herrera, Jr.
This is a cool place to go hiking. Just being able to wander around with the guide learning the history about the island was great. The boat ride was run as well. Seeing dolphins swim along the boat and some whales breach was an amazing experience.
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Juan Gramajo
Amazing place to Snorkel. This NP also has the adorable Channel Island Fox. The channel islands are a great place for nature viewing, snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking. There is plenty to see and do, depending on the time of year you visit.
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A Private User
Made a fantastic family outing! Staff members professional and more than friendly. Made the whole experience memorable. All ages enjoyed the kayaking, nature information, and just plain FUN! In our group, age range from 13 to 75!
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Kevin Lemen
The long walkway leading from the beach to the bathrooms and showers is nice to be able to kick off some sand early. Aside from a sandy place next to the ocean, the rocks in the area prevent waves from knocking down little ones.
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James Sharp
If you like adrenaline this place can get it going. If I recall correctly the islands have the greatest concentration of great whites based on the area they cover. Majestic creatures and wonders of evolution without question.
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Bram Marriott
Spectacular sightseeing spot! Under appreciated national park with plenty of things to do on the island. Saw many animals in and around the island. Did a long day hike. The ferry ride was also very worth the price.
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David Hall
The islands are incredible places! It’s worth the trip out. It’s great that the islands are being conserved and restored. You can get a glimpse of what old Southern California looked like a long time ago.
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J J
Amazing place! Great for kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, camping or maybe just enjoy the ferry ride and the small beach. Kayaked with seals and saw over 100 dolphins playing in our wake off the ferry.
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Amber Lynn
AWESOME for hiking, kayaking, and camping any time of year! Right off the coast from home for me and have been out 5 times this past year. Easy camping for beginners in tent camping.
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Rosa Hernandez
It is a beautiful place where the family enjoys, I recommend it.
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Candelario Sahagun
Went tent camping here for a couple days and it was amazing. You have to bring/carry everything with you on the boat. Amazing scenery, hiking and lots of other things to do.
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Manoj Annadurai
An hour away from the maddening crowd is a small slice of Zen heaven called Anacapa Island. Go, if you want peace. Go, if you want serenity. Go, if you want solitude.
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Donald Koenig
Nice small exhibit you might not know about unless you were looking for it. There is also a live marine habitat that is great for kids to look around at and explore.
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Shane Allen Turner
What an amazing experience visiting these uninhabited islands. The kayaking and hiking were awe inspiring and the local foxes were a lot of fun to see running around.
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Joel Alesch
Love it! My friend had a 32 foot boat and we went out there regularly to snorkel, swim, kayak, awsome! Camped there, awesome! Then he sold his boat.......so sad.....
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Enrique Huerta
It is a good place to rest and bring the family and have fun
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Kathleen Stickel
A stunning park and great escape from the noise of civilization. Take a boat out for a day or go camping, but either way, be sure to plan a visit to this park.
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Jose de la Plata
Good option to enjoy and stay in touch with natutaleza.
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Wendell Crim
Spectacular. The boat ride can be rough when the wind is up. Several trails to Cove overlooks, beach hikes at low tide and optional kayak tour of sea caves.
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Manny Rodriguez
Great views, overwelming peace of mind... fresh marine air... Calm quiet atmosphere... Sounds on the birds and Marina Activity on a sunny day... Priceless!!
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Andee Allen
Beautiful! Saw grey humpbacks and a blue whale on the boat ride back. Island foxes were adorable. Great hiking and beautiful beach! Perfect day
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Starbuck _
Stunning views in a rustic primitive area. Did have water at the campsites but you need to bring what you want for the day. Worth a trip for sure.
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MH Nguyen
You can do camping overnight on this island, bring your own drinkable water, food, etc. ...Saw some red foxes. Lots of relics on the island. ..
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Anne Levinson
A wonderful area for surfers. Across from the great Harbor full of Restaurants and Entertainment. Parking at the National Park area in minimal.
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Anthony Johnston
Good trails that are not overly challenging. Many opportunities to see wildlife on the island and in the water on the way there and back.
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Bon Manhkong
After arriving via boat (Island Packers), the coast line of Santa Cruz Island is beautiful. Surprised how dry and arid the land was.
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Matt Spille
Love the museum. Perfect place for kids with displays and a tide pool. On a warm clear day the view from the tower is fantastic
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Carlos Pineda
okay nice place to go with family,
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Dusan Fiala
It was o.k., however there is nothing special about this place. We were kayaking and snorkeling here, I was expecting more.
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Daniel Hutchinson
Came here often as a kid in the late eighties. It has changed a little but still a great place to bring your little ones.
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Jeremy Scriven
Great beach for families. No surf, protected from waves. Restrooms, close to harbor shops and restaurants. Easy parking.
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Susan Hopkins
Gorgeous day of whale watching. Whales, dolphins, sea lions, and birds in abundance. Close up views of Anacapa Island.
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Tim Dickinson
Not easy to get to, but worth the trip to see it. Santa Barbara Adventure Co facilitated a great kayaking excursion.
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Alexander Wyrick
Fantastic outdoor experience with world class kayaking. Truly unforgettable guided Kayak tour of ocean sea caves.
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Lizzie Spencer
Amazing! We did kayaking and snorkeling with channel island outfitters and we had a great guide and a great time!
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Donnie Eatmon
This is a wonderful place with lots of activities and things to do. A great place for the entire family to visit.
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Kylin Finley
Had a great time there! The water was perfect and our guide for kayaking was awesome. This was a blast to go to!
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Michelle Kuzenko
Absolutely beautiful. The water is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom where the seaweed attaches.