Channel Islands Nationwide Park sits quietly off the coast of Southern California. Whereas solely about an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, the park is likely one of the least visited within the nation. That could be as a result of to get to Channel Islands Nationwide Park, you could take an additional boat trip.
The islands will be seen repeatedly from locations like Ventura and Santa Barbara, and like each different nationwide park, it has some distinctive stuff you’ll solely discover there.
Right here’s how one can get to Channel Islands Nationwide Park and why you must go to.
1. You Must Choose an Island and E book a Ferry
Island Packers is the official ferry firm for the Channel Islands, however earlier than you’ll be able to ebook a ferry, you could select an island. There are 5 islands, with boats operating each day from harbors in Ventura and Oxnard, California. The preferred island to go to is Santa Cruz, the place boats run most days of the week. The trip is about an hour lengthy. A non-public boat is the one different method to get to the islands. When you’re there, you’ll must get round on foot.
2. Get Prepared for a Ton of Marine Life
Whereas a ferry trip could seem to be a problem, in actuality, that is the place the journey begins. On the trip by way of the Pacific Ocean, there’s a very good likelihood you’ll see wildlife. Relying on the time of 12 months, it’s potential to see harbor seals, sea lions, and dolphins, together with orcas. Sometimes, there are even megapods of dolphins swimming across the ferry. A megapod can comprise lots of to 1000’s of dolphins.
3. There’s a Fox That’s Solely Discovered on the Channel Islands
One creature it’s possible you’ll encounter in your go to to Channel Islands Nationwide Park is the island fox. The small, gray-colored fox is simply discovered right here. It’s smaller than most different fox species—concerning the measurement of a home cat. The foxes are identified for stealing snacks and different meals objects from campgrounds, so make sure to retailer your meals correctly.
4. Try Mountain climbing Trails and Steep Cliffs
You’ll discover loads of mountaineering within the park, particularly on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. They could seem small on a map, however the islands are literally pretty massive. Santa Cruz is 4 instances the dimensions of Manhattan. Hikers will discover loads of elevation acquire and luxurious views from overlooks and steep cliffs like Potato Harbor.
5. There’s A lot to Discover by Boat and Underwater
Regardless of having loads of land to discover by foot, you’ll be able to’t get the entire Channel Islands Nationwide Park expertise with out renting a kayak or snorkeling across the island. A rental service on Santa Cruz is just not removed from the place the ferry docks. Kayaking will allow you to discover the rocky shoreline, and snorkeling will get you near the kelp forests stuffed with marine life.
