Kiff's Birthday
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ANACAPA ISLAND
Anacapa Island is located 14 miles off the coast from Ventura. It is the only Channel Island to retain its American Indian name, derived from the Chumash word, "Eneepah", meaning island of deception or mirage. Ocean waves have eroded the perimeter of the island, creating steep sea cliffs towering hundreds of feet in height and exposing the volcanic origins of air pockets, lava tubes, and sea caves. At the east end of Anacapa a natural bridge has formed in the ocean. Forty-foot high Arch Rock is a trademark of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park.
What to see: Sea birds are the most conspicuous wildlife on Anacapa.
The largest breeding colony of the endangered California brown pelican is
located on West Anacapa. Other sea birds include western gulls and several
species of cormorants. The island's rocky shores provide resting and breeding
areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Catch a glimpse of the
fascinating undersea world of the kelp forest without even getting wet. During
the summer, park rangers dive into the Landing Cove on East Anacapa with a video
camera. Visitors can see, through the eye of the camera, what the diver is
seeing by watching video monitors on the dock. Pristine tidepools can be
explored. Springtime brings colorful flowers, including the strange tree
sunflower, or coreopsis, a plant found only on the Channel Islands and a few
isolated areas on the mainland. Visit the museum on the island, which houses the
original crystal and brass Fresnel lens from the lighthouse.
What to do: Camping, hiking, ranger-led interpretive hikes, picnicking,
snorkeling, SCUBA diving, swimming, kayaking, bird watching, exploring tidepools,
and getting away from the mainland city-congestion are some of the activities
you can do on Anacapa Island.
The facilities on Anacapa overlook the northern channel.
All of the islands that make up Channel Islands National Park are available for camping. Each island is different from the next. Camping on the islands is a wilderness experience. You will need to bring all of your own water, food and camping equipment for a "backpack" style of camping. It is recommended that you keep your water separate from your bags. All of the islands offer water access with some beach access for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and *fishing. *(Cal. Fishing License Required, in non-protected areas only)
Anacapa Camper Transportation
Adults: $48.00
1867 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, Ca 93001 (805) 642-1393
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Distance: 48.7 miles (78.4 km) Total
Estimated Time: |
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| FROM THE SOUTH:(From L.A. Area)
Take 101 north to Victoria exit. Turn Left on Victoria 1/2 miles to Olivas Park Drive. Turn Right on Olivas Park Road and follow Olivas Park Drive into Ventura Harbor. As you enter into Ventura Harbor you will be on Spinnaker Drive. It dead ends next to the Channel Islands National Park building. Island Packers is to the right 1867 Spinnaker Dr. Parking is free. Please do not park in the 20 minute zones. |
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All campers are required to obtain a camping permit. After you have reserved your boat transportation with Island Packers, you have to call 1-800-365-2267 to obtain a camping permit.
All campers should arrive at least 45 min before departure for check-in and loading of gear onto the boat.
Island Packers has a few limitations on size, weight, and types of gear that we can transport because of difficulty of getting it ashore and the limited space available on board the vessel.
Please do not bring, we will not transport:
Camping atop this small islet offers little area for hiking(2 miles), but plenty of solitude and natural beauty. During the summer months (or all year round if you have a wet suit), the underwater preserve of East Anacapa gives snorkelers a magnificent expanse of wonder to explore.
You can also rent kayaks on the mainland or bring your own to explore over 100 sea caves that dot the coastline of this small island. (Kayak transportation round trip is $6 per boat)
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