They offer a variety of tour options, detailed below. A trip to Channel Islands National Park requires an entire weekend (and sometimes that’s not even enough) in order to enjoy all that this unique park has to offer. Location: Ventura The islands are Anacapa, Santa … At the end of the freeway exit, turn right onto Castillo. More recently, in May 2016, San Miguel Island reopened to the public. Take a left at the next signal light which is Gutierrez. The visitor center is located in the Ventura Harbor in Ventura, California. Channel Islands Aviation is located in the Camarillo Airport in Camarillo, California. Certain islands can close without warning for a number of reasons, and this would be on the main page. Operator: Island Packers and Channel Islands Aviation Strong winds and rough seas are possible. Operator: Island Packers The Channel Islands National Park is the California Central Coast’s back yard with a total of eight islands, four of which border Ventura and Santa Barbara: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of Southern California. There is NO transportation available on the islands. For departures out of Ventura and Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbors contact: Island Packers Channel Islands National Park, which consists of five of the eight islands found along the coast of Southern California, is known for its unique plants and wildlife. Whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions can be viewed year-round in the Santa Barbara Channel travelling to/from the islands. When on one of the islands, you feel far from civilization. There are also 90 minute free parking spots in the harbor parking lot. The information posted here will help you get started on your career with the National Park Service. Traveling to Channel Islands National Park Located approximately 29 miles away from Santa Barbara, California on the mainland, you will find Channel Islands National Park, a collection of 5 jaw-dropping islands. In addition, Island Packers offers whale watching trips. (805) 642-1393 The visitor center is located at the very end of Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. The visitor center is located at the very end of Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. Frequency of Trips: Spring through Fall, variable schedule 2-4 days per month. Travel Time from Camarillo Airport and Ventura Harbor: Flights are 25 minutes. They offer Channel Islands tours to each of the five islands in addition to various wildlife cruises and special trips, including bird-watching cruises. Directions to Island Packers1691 Spinnaker Dr. Take a left at the next signal light, which is Harbor Way. Non-landing trips are available. Even though Channel Islands National Park is just about 30 miles away from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area (with an estimated 17+ million people! Turn left and park in parking lot for free. Boat trips run April through early November, 4-8 days per month. To get to the Channel Islands by boat, Island Packers is the official Channel Islands National Park concessionaires, providing regular boat service, both one-day trips, and longer excursions. Travel Time from Camarillo Airport and Ventura Harbor: Flights are 40 minutes. Parking is free. Travel Time from Ventura Harbor: 1 hour Rome2rio makes travelling from Ventura to Channel Islands National Park easy. Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. Once ashore, visitors must climb 157 stairs to the top of the island. Once ashore, visitors must climb 157 stairs to the top of the island. The mainland visitor centers and park concessionaire offices are all accessbile via public transportation. Turn left on Harbor Boulevard and continue until you see the "Marine Emporium" sign on your left. Turn left onto Durley Avenue. For departures contact: Channel Islands Aviation Revered for its endemic plants and plentiful wildlife, the “Galapagos of North America” has no lodgings, stores, or restaurants—only a wild coastal landscape and come-hither scenery. islandpackers.com How to Get to Channel Islands National Park The only authorized ferry service is operated by Island Packers Cruises. Oxnard is located 65 miles north of Los Angeles and 35 miles south of Santa Barbara. The islands are open and accessible year round but it is important to check for closure updates on the Channel Islands National Park website before planning your trip. There is no entrance fee. Channel Islands National Park provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities and a delightful break from the congestion and clamor of urban life. (805) 642-1393 Follow Castillo until it comes to an end. City pay parking is immediately on your left or right. Getting There in Channel Islands National Park Most people travel to the islands by boat from Ventura. On a trial basis, flights are available to San Miguel Island as well. Once ashore, visitors must walk uphill 1/4 mile with 131 long steps to the top of the island. All aircraft must maintain a minimum 1000-foot altitude above land and sea surfaces within the park. Channel Islands National Park Bookstore There’s a lot to learn about this unique stretch of islands. Please do not park in the 20 minute zones. There are several ways to get to Channel Islands National Park in California. There is no transportation available on the islands. Located off the coast of Southern California, Channel Islands National Park is an untouched, pristine group of islands that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration on just a simple day trip. Click here for driving directions to Island Packers. At the end of the freeway exit, turn left onto Harbor Boulevard, then proceed on Harbor to Spinnaker Drive. However, if you consider only the people Turn left and park in parking lot for free. All areas must be accessed by foot, private boat, or kayak. These five islands off the Southern California coast comprise one of America’s most undeveloped—and utterly magical—national parks. Landing Conditions: Flights land on a dirt airstrip. There is no transportation available on the islands. Landing Conditions: Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a dock. Santa Barbara is located 100 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles north of Ventura. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Los Angeles to Channel Islands National Park via East Ventura station, Ventura Harbor, and Santa Cruz Island in around 4h 49m. If you’re coming from further away, fly into Los Angeles International Airport or Santa Barbara Airport. For example, at time of writing, Santa Barbara and San Miguel islands are both closed. Free parking is available at the beach parking lot. Directions to Channel Islands Aviation305 Durley Avenue For information on driving directions to mainland locations visit: For public transportation to mainland locations, visit Public Transportation. Most people depart for the islands from Ventura or Oxnard, both of which are an hour and a half north of Los Angeles. (805) 987-1301 Stay to the right where there is a fork in the road and continue until you see the "Marine Emporium" sign on your left. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Anacapa Island Private aircraft may not land within park boundaries. Please do not park in the 20 minute zones. Directions to the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park1901 Spinnaker DriveVentura, CA 93001(805) 658-5730. Private Boat Transportation Known as “The Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park is home to nearly 150 endemic species that can only be found on and below its five eyegasmic islands… Step 2: Research which Island you would like to visit. The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at, Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District. Camarillo, CA 93010 Non-landing trips are available. At the end of the freeway exit, turn right on Las Posas. Plane, train, and bus service are all available to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a dock. Click here for driving directions to Channel Islands Aviation. Bicycles are NOT allowed on the islands. Although there are no park fees, getting there is expensive -- anywhere from $56 to $160 per person, the higher price being for a trip by air to Santa Rosa. Plane, train, and bus service are all available to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Landing Conditions: Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. It is on the south side of the large gray building. Ventura is located 70 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. Advanced planning is highly recommended. When the piers are closed, landings are via skiff onto the beach. Free parking is avaliable at the beach parking lot. Santa Barbara Island Alternatively, you could also call the visitor center and ask them at (805) 658-5730. Public Boat Transportation Ventura, CA 93001 Across from the parking lot is the office. Boat trips are 4 hours. Getting to Channel Islands National Park The Channel Islands are about 70 miles north of Los Angeles near Ventura. For more information on biking on the mainland visit Ventura County Bike Information and Santa Barbara County Bike Information. The Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa Island is the smallest island, but still offers camping and gentle hiking trails … To get to the Channel Islands, you can take an Island Packers boat, book a flight with Channel Islands Aviation, or use a private boat. ), it remains as being one of the lesser visited National Parks in the United States, ranking at #43 out of 60 parks in attendance. However, FAA regulations state that pilots are requested to maintain a minimum of 2,000 feet above ground level over national park. How to Get to the Channel Islands Channel Islands National Park visitor centers can be found in Ventura and Santa Barbara, where visitors can get acquainted with the islands. www.flycia.com. Public boat transportation is available year-round by the park concessionaire Island Packers. More... Year round, variable schedule 3-7 days per week. In fact, it is less than 30 miles off the coast of California and near literally millions of people. Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Turn right onto Spinnaker Drive and follow to the "Island Tours/Island Packers" sign on your right just past the Ventura Harbor Village shopping area. More. Boat visitors are skiffed onto the beach—be prepared to waterproof gear and possibly to get wet. At the end of the freeway exit, turn left on Victoria and continue to Channel Islands Boulevard . No restaurants. At the end of the freeway exit, turn left on Las Posas. When Castillo ends, turn right onto Cabrillo Blvd. To visit one of the five islands, you'll have to take a boat or plane. While the LA airport is convenient for most travelers since thousands of flights go in and out of it daily, the Santa Barbara airport is closest to the park. However, since the park encompasses five islands and their surrounding one mile of the ocean, the decision of where to … At the end of the freeway exit, turn left onto Harbor Boulevard and follow it approximately 8 miles to Channel Islands Harbor. Private boaters may land on all five islands within the park throughout the year. Trips are available from $1,200 plus tax, please call or email us to book your adventure! While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) and planes (Channel Islands Aviation) or private boat. Visit YouTube for an island flight overview. Get information on Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. www.flycia.com Island Packers also has a satellite office in the Channel Islands Harbor at 3600 S. Harbor Boulevard in Oxnard, California. Landing Conditions: Flights land on a dirt airstrip. www.islandpackers.com. No hotels. Flights depart from Camarillo airport. Private boaters may land on all five islands within the park throughout the year. San Miguel Island All areas must be accessed on foot or by private boat or kayak. Turn right on Channel Islands Boulevard and continue over a large bridge to Harbor Boulevard . However, you can take the taxi to Santa Ana Amtrak Station, take the train to Ventura Amtrak, take the drive to Ventura Harbor, take the ferry to Santa Cruz Island, then take the travel to Channel Islands National Park. Boat visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Bechers Bay. Santa Rosa Island Directions to the Outdoor Santa Barbara Visitor Center113 Harbor Way 4th FloorSanta Barbara, CA 93109(805) 884-1475. Frequency of Trips: Year round, variable schedule 3-7 days per week There is no direct connection from Newport Beach to Channel Islands National Park. However, you can take the train to Ventura Amtrak, take the drive to Ventura Harbor, take the ferry to Santa Cruz Island, then take the travel to Channel Islands National Park. Channel Islands is remote--there is no question. But the only way to reach the park itself is via plane or boat. Turn right at our sign. Public airplane transportation is available year-round to Santa Rosa Island by park concessionaire Channel Islands Aviation. To help you plan the perfect trip the Channel Islands National Park, here's what you need to know: Here's a quick look at entrance information: The park is open 24 hours a day. 1691 Spinnaker Dr. For maps visit Maps. Private Airplane Transportation Here are some of the best things to do to get the most out of your visit to the Channel Islands, whether you have one day, or multiple, to spare! Book Cheap Flights to Channel Islands National Park: Search and compare airfares on Tripadvisor to find the best flights for your trip to Channel Islands National Park. When the pier is closed, landings are via skiff onto the beach. Boat trips are 3 hours. For more job information at Channel Islands National Park, please contact the park's personnel officer by phone at (805) 658-5730 or by email at Personnel Officer. Public Airplane Transportation At the end of the freeway exit, turn left on Victoria. Camarillo, CA 93010 Turn right at our sign. Advanced planning is highly recommended. Parking is free. Only train, bus, and private car transportation are available from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to Ventura. Boat trips run April through early November, 2-4 days per week. Take a left at the next signal light which is Castillo Street. Landing Conditions: Visitors must climb a steel-rung ladder to the top of the pier from a skiff. Santa Cruz Island 305 Durley Avenue However, Channel Islands National Park is not very difficult to get to despite its isolation. Allow a full day to visit one island. Operator: Island Packers Frequency of Trips: Flights are year round on demand. Comprised of five ecologically rich uninhabited islands—Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara—the park is only a hop, skip and a jump from the Southern California mainland, yet feels … For information on transportation to the islands visit Island Transportation. Parking is free. Frequency of Trips: Year round, variable schedule 5-7 days per week One of California’s nine national parks, the Channel Islands is a shining and distinctive example of California’s coastal landscapes and wildlife. Find all the transport options for your trip from Ventura to Channel Islands National Park … Turn right onto Olivas Park Drive to Harbor Boulevard, where Olivas Park Drive runs straight into Spinnaker Drive. There is no fee to enter Channel Islands National Park. All federal land passes can be obtained or purchased at parks that charge an entrance fee. The weather on Channel Islands National Park is … Operator: Island Packers While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) and planes (Channel Islands Aviation) or private boat. So if you want to brush up before your hike -- or just get your national parks passport stamped -- head to the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, located on the mainland in Ventura. Choose the best airline for you by reading reviews and viewing hundreds of ticket rates for flights going to and from your destination. While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Frequency of Trips: Flights are year round on demand. The visitor center is located in the Santa Barbara Harbor in Santa Barbara, California. Operator: Island Packers and Channel Islands Aviation Turn right on Channel Islands Boulevard and continue over a large bridge to Harbor Boulevard. Flights are extremely expensive, and most of us don’t have a private boat, so the best option is to book a trip with Island Packers. When the piers are closed, landings are via skiff onto the beach. Turn right onto Spinnaker Drive and follow to the "Island Tours/Island Packers" sign on your right just past the Ventura Harbor Village shopping area. Step 1: Look for any advisories on the National Park Service official website for the Channel Islands. The main office for Island Packers is located in the Ventura Harbor. At the end of the freeway exit, turn left on Victoria and continue to Channel Islands Boulevard. Visitors must climb a steel-rung ladder to the top of the pier from a skiff. Once ashore, visitors must walk uphill 1/4 mile with 131 long steps to the top of the island. Turn right at our sign. Travel Time from Ventura and Oxnard Harbors: 1 hour Advanced planning is highly recommended. Camarillo is located 86 miles north of Los Angeles and 14 miles south of Ventura. There are no services on the islands. Turn left on Harbor Boulevard and continue until you see the "Marine Emporium" sign on your left. General Public Island Transportation Schedule, Please refer to the concessionaire's transportation schedule for more detailed information: flycia.com and islandpackers.com. (805) 987-1301 Ventura is located 70 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. Till this day we fly the National Park, The Nature Conservancy and NOAA as well as the public to the Channel Islands National Park aboard our Britten-Norman Islander. Y… Ventura, CA 93001 Travel Time from Ventura Harbor: 3 hour Channel Islands National Park is comprised of 5 islands off the Southern California coast, all offering different views, landscapes and opportunities for adventurous families. The federal lands passes, including versions for seniors, active military, and the disabled, cover entrance fees at national parks and other federal lands. Entrance fee 131 long steps to the Islands from Ventura boat, or kayak also call the center. 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