5 Enchanting Reasons to Explore the Channel Islands Today
Channel Islands National Park is a big attraction in California.
These islands are the pride of the Californians. They attract thousands of tourists from other states in the U.S. and also from the other side of the Gulf of Mexico.
The archipelago comprises 8 islands located in the 700 km long California Bight.
Out of the eight Channel Islands, 5 are located in the northern part of the 8 islands archipelago.
Santa Barbara Channel is the divider of them from the mainland California.
Below are the 8 islands lying in the Pacific Ocean.
The names of the 8 Channel Islands:
- San Miguel
- Santa Rosa
- Santa Cruz
- Anacapa
- Santa Barbara
These 5 islands are part of the Channel Islands National Park.
- San Nicholas
- Santa Catalina
- San Clemente
Are you surprised to know about this fact of California? Even I too didn’t stumble on to many pages on the web, mentioning the Channel Islands.
However, the Californians are crazy about these wonderful islands. Here is just one example.
This is one of the striking beaches in San Miguel Island. Can this sight keep the beach-loving Americans at home?
The outstanding beaches, unique flora, and exotic and endemic wildlife beckon nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts right through the year.
Gateway to Channel Islands National Park
The nearest gateway to reach Santa Barbara Island is Santa Barbara City, part of the county in the same name.
Only 60 km of sea stands between the city and the island, which have the same name.
Boats ply, but it seems you can’t gate crash! Reservation is required.
Is hopping between the Channel Islands possible?
Yes, it is through sea passage only.
What are all the main things to do?
Hiking is the foremost adventure. The geography is diverse. The trails go through rugged mountains too.
Snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking are some of the water-based adventures.
Wildlife to watch, including marine creatures.
It is marine life that is much talked about and preserved. In fact, the marine sanctuary is a UNESCO site.
- Dolphins
- Spotted Skunk
- Harbor Seal
- Sea Lions
- Blue Whale
- Orca
- Sea Slug
Bird Watching
Being the Pacific Islands, you are sure to spot the Gulls, Terns, and Brown Pelicans.
In addition, you can spot small birds that may not be attractive to look at, but they mesmerize you with their sweet calls.
Kayaking into the sea caves
Sea caves are numerous in the Santa Barbara Channel. Some of them are interconnected. You can rent a kayak with its twin-blade paddle, and go through the stunning seascape.
Don’t miss entering the large painted cave. The clarity of the sea urges you to scoop a handful and drink but resist the drinking part of your experience.
Visit Santa Cruz Island
The gateway to visit Santa Cruz Island is Venture, a coastal city north of Los Angeles.
The exotic marine life and seabirds are so diverse that the Channel Islands are called North America’s Galápagos Islands.
Join an organized and guided boat tour of the islands
Unless you join a boat tour of the islands off the coast of southern California, you won’t be able to see some terrific sights in the sea.
Jagged cliffs, sea arches, nests of petrels, pelicans, etc are some of the rare attractions you can witness during a boat tour around the islands.
If you are lucky, you will watch the large humpback whales surface to exhale,
Did you notice some, dotted plants near the dinghy? They are not actually plants but some kind of sea algae. The brown, leathery algae were what the passengers popped into their mouths and chewed.
If you dive or snorkel, you can see a dense kelp forest under the water.
The western Gulls belong to the seabird category. You don’t have to look for them; they reveal themselves by their calls (screams). They like the peacefulness of the Channel Islands, especially the Anacapa Island.
They breed and raise their family during March to June.
Day drips from Santa Barbara city:
Since these islands are not very far from the mainland California, most of the tourists plan a day drip.
However, some nature lovers camp in Santa Rosa Island. Staying overnight and visiting the beach early in the morning is so refreshing.
You have to bring your canvas tent and accessories to erect it on the beach.
Hiking
There are about three trails in Santa Cruz Island. One of them is called the Pelican Bay trail.
It is not a tough trail and is suitable for all age groups. You can spot quite a number of wildflowers, and some birds that prey on reptiles, and insects.
The trail ends up at Pelican Bay, where the water is ultra-clear.
Hit the water, wearing your snorkel and stay cool while at the same time, spot and admire some colourful fish species. You can easily recognize Garibaldi, the flaming orange colour fish.
You require a written permission to hike. It is boring, this red-tapism.
Anacapa Island
The seascape of the Anacapa Island that comprises 3 small islets is dreamy, and absolutely wild.
Since it is only 5 km away from Santa Cruz Island, you can quickly dash in a boat, and get back in an hour or so.
A guide is important when you visit these islands, especially, the Anacapa, the closest to Ventura city.
He will show you some spectacular seascapes that include a blow-hole, and wave-cut platform.
This is obviously an outcome of constant sea erosion of the volcanic rock. All the three islets that make up Anacapa Island are volcanic.
If you love such unique scenes on an island, mark Anacapa on top of the list of places to see in the Channel Islands National Park.
Wildlife
The secluded Anacapa Island is home to some fantastic wildlife and marine life.
While the beautiful Brown Pelicans live in large numbers, you can quickly spot the Californian Sea Lions.
If you venture out in the sea, you may spot the Great White Sharks.
Do you know these big creatures can swallow a whole, fully grown up sea lion?
Another species of rare fish is the Electric Ray.
Bird watchers will have to spend several days on Anacapa Island to take photos of at least half the number of 70 species of seabirds, and land birds.
No one lives on this smaller islands. There are no shops or restaurants. You require a maximum of an hour on this island.
In conclusion, visiting the national park comprising the 5 out of 8 Channel Islands will benefit only passionate nature lovers and wildlife watching buffs.
Channel Islands are not for spending holidays.
They are easy to visit either from Santa Barbara City or Ventura City located on the southern coast of California.
If interested, look for guided tour operators of Channel Islands National Park.
