At The Backroads

Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Technically, Anacapa Island is not part of San Diego County but that of Ventura County. Anacapa Island is one of the islands of the Channel Islands National Park, which is off Santa Barbara Coast. However, this trip can be done in one day (a little bit rush) from San Diego. Or if you love both sunsrise and sunset, spend a one night camping trip on the island. That would qualify Anacapa Island as one of the best nature escapes for both residents and visitors of San Diego.

Sea Arch, Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Anacapa Island is one of the most beautiful places that I have seen. Since it is not really that very far from San Diego, I decided to share this wonderful place, especially for those who have never been to this place and are looking for some nearby escapes. The Channel islands Harbor in Oxnard is three to four hours drive from San Diego. For the Los Angeles residents and visitors, the harbor is approximately one hour from downtown L.A.

Towering Sea Cliffs, Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Anacapa Island is 11 miles away from the Oxnard Harbor, and the boat ride is less an hour. The island is predominantly volcanic in origin and may had been uplifted by faulting. This island hosts a wealth of natural and cultural resources. One of North America’s Natural Ecological and Geological Museum.

Channel Islands National Park’s natural resources actually is mostly underwater, however, since I do not dive, nor is confident enough with my swimming skills, I just content myself with terrestrial visit to the island. Nevertheless, the island is still teeming with beauty and with life.

Nature’s Flower Fields and Birds in Paradise, Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island is a haven for sea birds, in fact, Middle and West Anacapa are not open to hiking for greater protection of wildlife and natural resources in the area. West Anacapa is home to the largest breeding colony of the endangered California Brown Pelicans.

California Brown Pelicans at Inspiration Point, Anacapa Island

“All the islets of Anacapa hosts the largest breeding colony of Western Gulls in the world”- http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/anacapa.htm . East Anacapa has about 1.5 miles of easy hiking trails. Once you are past climbing the 150 steps steel rung ladder from the boat to the top of the cliff, walking around the island should come easier. Be sure to bring wide brim hat and put on sunblock quite often, since the island is not shaded. The only shade you can have is if you stay at the Visitor Center. At the Visitors Center, one can see through the eyes of video camera what the diver is seeing in the fascinating undersea world.

Visitor’s Center Building, Anacapa Island

Here are some bits of helpful information you may need in your trip to Anacapa Island:

1.Visiting Anacapa Island – you need to make reservations with Channel Islands National Park boat concessionaire, if you want to be assured of getting a boat ride. Contact Island Packers ( http://www.islandpackers.com/ ) at (805) 642- 1393.

** The less than an hour boat ride was not at all boring, we were tailed by dolphins in the middle of our trip, once a while we saw different fishes under the water (yes, the water was that clear), seals on the rocky shore of Anacapa Island, and birds flying over our boat.

Hard to Photograph Dolphin on a Running Boat, trip to Anacapa Island

2. Bring your own foods and drinks- There is no food concessionaire on the island, nor there is potable drinking water. Definitely, you need to bring foods and water to last your day. Camping is also available in the Island, contact both Channel Islands National Park ( http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/camping.htm ) and Island Packers ( http://www.islandpackers.com/ ) for reservation.

3. Best Time:

** for great wildflower blooming- between February- May (contact the Channel Islands National Park for information)

Lighthouse, Wildflowers and Sea Gulls

Wandering Sea Gull in the midst of Wildlfowers

** to experience flocks of sea gulls on the island – gulls nests end of April, fluffy chicks hatch on May and June.

Fluffy chick, Looking for Mom?

** thus, if you want the best of wildflowers and bird viewing, come between April- May.

Chicks with Mom

** for dramatic sunset and sunrise – All Year!

4. Hiking Information- http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/upload/aihikingwebsite.pdf

Playful Sea Lions, as seen from Pinniped Point, Anacapa Island

I hope you have a wonderful time at Anacapa Island.

Pinniped Point, Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Happy Exploring!!

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