Channel Islands National Park
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Channel Islands National Park
The islands within the park extend along the south
The Channel Islands National Park is one of the most unique adventure travel areas in the national park system, making it a great family vacation idea, even if you have little children. There is so much offered here, that you will want to spend more than one day on these extraordinary islands. You can go kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, bird watching, hiking the coast lines, whale watching, camping, picnicking, and watch a live underwater video program, and these are just a few of the outdoor adventures awaiting you on the Channel Islands! Check out below for great Channel Islands National Park information.
Above photo from VirtualTourist.com
Uniqueness
Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five, in a chain of eight, southern California islands near Los Angeles, and is home to a wide variety of nationally and internationally significant natural and cultural resources. Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found within the park, with only four mammals endemic to the islands. One hundred and forty-five of these species are unique to the islands and found nowhere else in the world. Marine life ranges from microscopic plankton to the endangered blue whale, the largest animal to live on earth. Archeological and cultural resources span a period of more than 10,000 years. The park consists of 249,354 acres, half of which are under the ocean, and include the islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. Even though the islands seem tantalizingly close to the densely populated, southern California coast, their isolation has left them relatively undeveloped, making them an exciting adventure vacation for visitors to explore.
Although most visitations occur in the summer, migrating gray whales and spectacular wildflower displays attract visitors in the winter and spring. Autumn is an excellent time to travel to the park, as well as for diving, as the days are usually sunny, with minimal winds and clear ocean water. Planning a family adventure vacation to the park, you may enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, bird watching, kayaking and exploring over 175 miles of coastline in the park, whale watching, and sailing to secluded anchorages. One half of Channel Islands National Park is comprised of the waters surrounding the islands and extending one mile offshore. Private boaters may land on all five islands within the national park throughout the year. On the islands, there is camping, hiking, picnicking, and exploring tide pools, isolated beaches, and rugged canyons. Park naturalists conduct interpretive hikes throughout the year.
Because of the time involved in traveling from the mainland to the islands, a full day is recommended to visit the park. Anacapa is a great island for your first visit; it is the closest island to the mainland (1 ½ hour boat ride) and consists of dramatic, steep cliffs, with hundreds of sea birds and marine mammals.
Snorkeling, kayaking, and diving are all excellent in the rich kelp beds around Anacapa. For a multi-day visit, Santa Rosa is a good destination. Rangers will take you to various parts of the island to explore canyons and beaches.
For a feel of a real wilderness adventure, San Miguel, the furthest out from the mainland, may be your choice. The island often is fog-covered or very windy. Access to many areas on the island is limited due to fragility of the terrestrial and marine resources.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, rangers conduct a live underwater video program from Anacapa Island. This unique program features an interpretive dive through one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, the kelp forest. Visitors may view this program without ever getting their feet wet, from the landing dock at Anacapa Island or the mainland visitor center, making this a great family vacation option.
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