ANACAPA ISLAND

Anacapa is comprised of three small islets. The West Islet is the largest breeding site for California Brown Pelicans in all the United States. It is a restricted breeding area. Visitation to the Middle Islet is also restricted.

It is home to thousands of cormorants and the remnants of multiple sheep ranching efforts. Day visitors and campers at Anacapa are permitted to explore the East Islet, home to numerous Western gulls and some of the best views in California.

Photo: The three islets of Anacapa Island. Photo by Dan H.

A small visitor’s center and park ranger housing can be found on Anacapa Island. The lighthouse, marking the eastern end of the Channel, can be found on the East islet also.

There is no potable water on Anacapa Island. Anacapa has very little shade. Visitors should come prepared with hat and sunscreen. Vault style restrooms are located near the visitor center and in the campground area. Several picnic tables are located in the visitor center area. Anacapa has seven campsites.

The East End Landing Cove provides access to Anacapa Island. PLEASE NOTE:

• To reach the dock, you will climb 2-6 rungs of a ladder attached to the dock to reach the visitors center and hiking trails.
• Once on the dock, to reach the island’s plateau, passengers must climb 157 stairs.

Photo: 157 stair steps to the island’s plateau. Photo by Dan H.

The East End Landing Cove provides access to Anacapa Island. PLEASE NOTE:

• To reach the dock, you will climb 2-6 rungs of a ladder attached to the dock to reach the visitors center and hiking trails.
• Once on the dock, to reach the island’s plateau, passengers must climb 157 stairs.

Photo: 157 stair steps to the island’s plateau. Photo by Dan H.

The Landing cove at Anacapa is more affected by sea conditions than other landing sites in the Park due to its size and orientation. Island Packers anticipates making landing on all scheduled trips.

However, landing decisions can frequently only be made on-site by vessel captains. As such, Island Packers does not guarantee landing at Anacapa Island. In the event a scheduled landing trip is unable to land, passengers will have ticket costs prorated.

Some of the best water activities in the park can be found at the East End Landing Cove. The cove has clear water and healthy kelp forests. You can experience fantastic swimming and snorkeling.

A modesty structure allows passengers to change clothes out of view. The landing cove is where the park’s Anacapa Live underwater video program is presented on Wednesdays in the Spring and Summer.

The lighthouse on Anacapa was built in 1932. This was the last west coast lighthouse to be constructed. The other buildings on the east end of the island accompanied the light house.

These structures are built in the Missions Reveal style. These auxiliary buildings are still used as park, housing facilities for rangers and researchers.

Thick kelp beds and clear water in the landing cove and around the island’s shore, provide an excellent place to snorkel. Anacapa has 30 sea caves and provides beautiful kayaking.

Frenchy’s Cove is currently closed due to trail washout several years ago. Frenchy’s is an isolated gem, pristine in its ruggedness. There are no facilities or potable water on this part of the island. Visitors must come prepared with drinking water for the day. Camping is not permitted.

Photo: Kelp beds in the Landing Cove. Photo by Dan H.

Two plant species that are found nowhere else on the planet can be found on this tiny island. It also shares 20 endemic species with the other islands in the chain.

A total of 265 plants varieties exist on this small island. The Anacapa Deer Mouse is endemic to the island.

Photo: Anacapa Deer Mouse, from National Park Service.