Anacapa Island is a one of five beautiful islands that make up the Channel Island National Park along the coast of California. The park is a protected wildlife and marine sanctuary. The islands, from south to north are, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miquel, and the smallest, Santa Barbara. The wind and current patterns of the ocean, and volcanic geology of each island have created gorgeous scenery and habitats. Take a trip on a clear day and you can see forever.

Getting There
The most common method of travel is by reserving space on a boat with Island Packers (a commercial transport operation). They are located in Ventura Harbor, next to the Channel Island National Park visitor center. Get ready for a fun trip because you can often see marine life enroute. I have also kayaked to Anacapa from the mainland (but that is another story).

Preparing for your Visit
The Island Packers have very experienced Captains for any kind of weather. The boats do not run if conditions are poor. Just keep in mind that the boat returns to the mainland so go prepared. Bring water, lunch, a jacket or other warm clothes, sunglasses, camera with lots of film, binoculars, and a hat. One side of the island may be rough while the other side is calm. Water conditions can change within an hour. If you tend to get seasick, or think you might, consider taking preventative action (seasick pills) at least an hour before you leave. Read all labels if you have health conditions. Summers may bring fog in the morning, fall and winter can bring crisp, clear skies, and spring is a wildflower blooming frenzy.

Cruising the Waters
Traveling to an island like Anacapa requires extra effort because you are crossing 11 miles of open water in the Santa Barbara channel. After the first four miles out, you will see oil rigs (side note: oil rigs have female names starting with a G in this region, e.g., Grace, Gina), and continue through the north and south shipping lanes. Ships travel up to 40 knots per hour. I hope the Captain looks both ways. The islands are always in sight unless there is fog.

The 11 mile ride over is part of the excitement and experience. On one trip, we saw hundreds of dolphin and shark feeding in the water because currents were bringing in krill (a popular food for sea life) on the way over, and we saw a young blue whale on the return. Blue whales are more unusual sightings but possible as they migrate through the channel.

Anacapa Island
Look down in the water when you arrive near the dock on the east side of the island, you may be able to see stingray. If you hear the bark of the sea lions, maybe you can see a bull (male sea lion) in a cave. After landing, explore the island by following the 1.5 miles of trail. Anacapa is famous for attracting seagulls, pelicans and other birds. Seagull nests are on the ground so please stay on the trails. Explore the lighthouse and then on to Inspiration Point. The west (open water) side of the island is often where larger sharks cruise through looking for prey such as seals and sea lions. The Anacapa shoreline consists of rocky cliffs that offer tremendous views you won’t soon forget. A park ranger is often onsite but facilities are minimal.

For additional information, see the National Park Service website:
http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm