RT Anacapa Island

Volcanic island composed of three narrow islets featuring dramatic sea cliffs, natural bridges, and rich marine and bird life.

General Information

Hours:

Accessible year-round via Island Packers ferry service
No overnight accommodations; day trips typically last 3–6 hours

Fees:

No entrance fee for the park
Island Packers ferry service: \$70 round trip per adult, \$65 for seniors, \$50 for children (3–12), infants free

Pet Policy:

Pets are not allowed

Closest cities with hotels:

Ventura, CA (12 mi by boat)

Seasons:

Spring and Fall recommended for wildflowers and calm seas; Summer popular for water activities; Winter offers whale watching and sunsets

Location:

Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park, CA

Website:

nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/anacapa-things-to-do.htm

How to Get There

From Los Angeles (70 mi to Ventura Harbor): Take US-101 N to Victoria Ave in Ventura, then follow signs to Ventura Harbor Village where Island Packers ferry departs to Anacapa Island.

Overview

Anacapa Island is the most accessible of the Channel Islands, about 11 miles off Port Hueneme, made up of three narrow volcanic islets, with steep cliffs, sea arches, sea caves and a lighthouse. It is a top destination for day trips from Ventura, with hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and diving, plus huge colonies of seabirds and California sea lions. The island is the smallest of the northern islands and covers about a square mile.

The islets are remnants of volcanic eruptions 15 to 19 million years ago, later split by wave erosion into East, Middle and West Anacapa, and the tallest point is Vela Peak on West Anacapa at 930 feet. It provides habitat for seabirds and several endemic plants and animals. Boats leave from Ventura and Oxnard, and landings are on East Anacapa.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Anacapa Island", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0

Featured Locations

Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Anapaca Light Station

★ 5.0

Historic cylindrical lighthouse tower perched atop sea cliffs, emitting a solar-powered beacon and fog signal to guide vessels through the Santa Barbara Channel.

Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Inspiration Point

★ 5.0

Scenic overlook offering panoramic views of rugged volcanic islets and the surrounding Pacific waters, often accompanied by seabird activity and ocean mist.