Why You Should Spend a Day at Channel Islands National Park
Imagine spending the day on an island that is home to plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. You’re probably thinking you have to travel to the Galapagos Islands in South America, right? But did you know that the Channel Islands off the coast of California are home to 145 unique animal and plant species? Thousands of years of isolation have created this amazing natural environment, and in 1980, five of the eight Channel Islands (Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa and San Miguel) were designated as the Channel Islands National Park.
So when we planned our California road trip, I knew we had to spend the day exploring this lesser known treasure. Because the Channel Islands are one of the least visited parks in the entire system, it’s a fabulous place to hike, snorkel, scuba dive, or kayak. Read on to see why you should spend a day at Channel Islands National Park when you are in Southern California.
*This post was updated January, 2026
It’s important to know that Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands, as mentioned above, with the Visitor Center located on the shore in the Ventura Harbor. Each island offers a different experience, some definitely more rugged than others. Santa Cruz is the most popular for day trippers, but it’s best to check out the National Park app or website to read about each island and what activities are available. Also know that there are no shuttles for day trippers that ride between islands.
Book tickets for the ferry ride and plan in advance for any special tours or equipment needs, since everything has to be brought to the island by boat. Channel Islands Adventure Company is the authorized concessioner and leads sea cave kayak and snorkeling tours. You will want to bring a day pack with water, food, water shoes, bathing suits, towels, and whatever else you need as there isn’t much once on the islands. We rented snorkeling gear and wetsuits that we carried with us on the ferry. Even in the summer months, the wetsuits were definitely necessary, given the constant cold temperatures of the water.
Our day began with a check-in at Island Packers at the Oxnard marina and then a foggy, one hour ferry ride to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Island Packers is the authorized transportation vendor (unless you fly in or travel by private boat). Thankfully upon arrival, the fog had lifted to reveal an amazing view.
Here’s Why You Should Spend a Day at Channel Islands National Park
What an amazing day we had! One of the highlights was the guided hike we took around the island, learning all the cool things that make the Channel Islands so unique. Lucky for us, the island fox, who is found nowhere else on earth except on California’s Channel Islands, made several appearances that we were able to zoom in and capture. You can learn more about what makes this particular fox so special on the park’s website.
Our picnic lunch took place at one of the highest points on the island, with views that made you forget you were off the coast of California. We took the 2 mile Cavern Point hike which provided us with amazing coastal views.
After our hike and lunch, it was time to snorkel. If you’ve ever tried to put on a rubbery wetsuit, you know how much fun it can be, but you definitely needed it based on the water temperature. This was the first snorkeling experience for my kids, who were 11, 13 and 15 at the time. We entered the water on Scorpion Beach, where there were lots of kelp beds, which make for great snorkeling.
The water was definitely cold, and since we realized that only one hood had come with our wetsuits instead of five, we didn’t stay in the water as long as we would have liked. But I still can remember my two girls clinging to each other and yelling at my husband because of the sea lion who kept popping up about 2 feet away from him! My husband, or course was busy snorkeling and oblivious to what was going on around him. Definitely a memorable experience especially with the kids all being first-time snorkelers!
Each of the islands are unique, and we can’t wait to go back and explore the others. Guided kayaking tours are also available, but because of the strong currents, this was not something we did as a family. It’s definitely something I would love to do now that I am a more experienced kayaker!
Between the gorgeous views, seeing unique wildlife, scenic hikes, and snorkeling, it was an amazing day on Santa Cruz Island. On the return ferry ride, we were treated to views of sea life hanging out on the buoys. You might be lucky enough to see whales and dolphins on your ride depending on the time of year. Check the Island Packers website to see all the marine mammal sightings for each of the past months. If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to book in advance. If you stay in nearby Oxnard, it’s an easy 15 minute drive to the harbor.
Next time you are in California, take the time to visit this natural wonder. I’m sure you won’t regret it.
