Top Things to do in Channel Islands National Park
Top 5 Things to do Good for Couples in Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Park
Discover the best top things to do in Channel Islands National Park, United States including Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, The Sea Caves, Santa Rosa Island, Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island.
1. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Located 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a hub for marine life. Every year over 27 species of whales and dolphins visit or inhabit the sanctuary, including the rare blue, humpback and sei whales. On the islands (which are part of the Channel Islands National Park), seabird colonies and rookeries of seals and sea lions flourish. Visitors to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary can enjoy recreational opportunities such as tide pooling, diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Be sure to check out the Channel Islands Boating Center when you visit, too!
Reviewed By barkus1968 - Saint Louis, United States
Taking a boat ride through mega pods of dolphins (estimated 3500) can only be magical. We saw bottle nose dolphins and the common variety.
2. The Sea Caves
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Kayak into a series of sea caves in the Channel Islands; each cave has its own special features.
Reviewed By rebusinessforms
On the way back from our trip via the ferry, they took us to the back side of one of the Islands where the ferry boat was able to glide into Painted Cave. The sea was very rough that day and I had heard that they do that, but was afraid with the sea being so rough, that we might not be able to do it. My hat is off to the Captain and I was very impressed with the opportunity to see and witness this great adventure. Have a picture of that now on my desktop.
3. Santa Rosa Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By sondraw221 - Manhattan Beach, United States
I love the Channel Islands! It is the perfect way to escape the craziness going on in the mainland! The trip out is half the fun. We saw a group of about 100 plus dolphins that chased us for part of the ride, and then we saw a whale off in the distance. The island itself is beautiful! White sand beaches with turquoise waters, and best of all, no one is there! We originally went to see Lobo Canyon, but the timing for the day trip is not long enough (it is nine miles round trip). We had to pivot, and instead walked along a ~2 mile beach strip, which was entrancing. The island is truly special. We were then treated to an unexpected treat on the ferry home, and stopped for a quick photo shoot at the Painted Cave. Truly special day, and I would highly recommend it!
4. Anacapa Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
One of the five islands in the Channel Islands National Park, Anacapa is located an hour from Oxnard.
Reviewed By effervescent24 - Evanston, United States
I went for a 1 night camping trip here in October 2020. The Island Packers crew was great! We saw some whales on the way both to and from the island and we ended up spending around 10 minutes doing an impromptu whale watching tour! This site was great for an amateur camper like myself. The walk from the dock to the campgrounds isn't that far. Maybe a 15-20 minute walk but there are some steep stairs in the beginning. Great views around the island and if you camp here then you can see the gorgeous sunset and sunrise. The bathroom is extremely clean and well stocked. It's probably the best bathroom I've ever seen in a national park. Each campsite has its own picnic table and food storage locker. Some people went swimming in normal swimsuits (no wetsuits) but I thought it was too cold. The bad / minor annoyances: The campsites are super close to each other so it's too easy to hear other campers. Foghorn goes off every minute. It's quieter at night but it's still there, so bring earplugs. The island is pretty small. You can do a whole loop around the island in less than an hour.
5. Santa Cruz Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 302 reviews
Located off the coast of Santa Barbara, this island is a popular place for kayaking and exploring sea caves.
Reviewed By MichaelW166 - Los Angeles, United States
We booked a cruise from Island Packers to see Cueva Valdez and Painted Cave at Santa Cruz and we were amazed at all of the natural beauty. The shoreline was amazing and the hills were beautiful green. This place is pure magic and was certainly one of the best days trips I have been on in quite a while.
