Island Packers recommends Anacapa Island passengers utilize the Channel Islands National Park App
for a more complete island experience.
Download before you go so you can use it offline at the islands! The app is free and available on the App Store and on Google Play.
Ticket Type | Age | Round Trip | Round Trip |
Adult | 13-54 Years | $ 63.00 | $84.00 |
Senior | 55 Years + | $ 58.00 | $ 79.00 |
Child | 3-12 Years | $ 45.00 | $ 61.00 |
Infant (Must Reserve) | Under 3 Years | $ 00.00 | $ 00.00 |
Anacapa Island is the second smallest island in Channel Islands National Park, only slightly larger than Santa Barbara Island. Although approximately 4 miles tip to tip, Anacapa includes just under a square mile of land. Anacapa is the closest island to the mainland. From either harbor of departure, it lies 12 to14 miles offshore. Due to its close location, Island Packers visits Anacapa Island year-round
Trip Options for Anacapa Island
The Three Islets of 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.
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.
Facilities
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.
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 a beautiful kayaking adventure.
The East End Landing Cove provides access to Anacapa Island. To reach the dock, you will climb 2-6 rungs of a ladder attached to the dock. Once on the dock, to reach the island’s plateau, passengers must climb 157 stairs.
The East End Landing Cove
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.
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.
Frenchy’s Cove is currently closed due to trail washout. 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 in this area.
The Lighthouse
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.
A total of 265 plants varieties exist on this small island. The Anacapa Deer Mouse is endemic to the island.
Sea Conditions Advisory
The Landing Cove at Anacapa Island is more affected by sea conditions, due to its size and orientation. Much more than other landing sites of the Park. Island Packers anticipates making landing on all scheduled trip. 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.
Seasonal Highlights
January – April
The Pacific Gray whale’s migration is January through Mid-April . In January you may be able to spot the whales from the top of the island. During the Gray whale migration, Island Packers will do its best to show our visitors these gentle giants while crossing to and from the islands. Bring your camera for some great pictures.
February – April
Anacapa is a rainbow of color created by the bloom of native wildflowers from February through April. Intensity and duration of the bloom differs a bit each year due to varied rainfall and temperature.
The island comes alive with the cry of Western Gulls guarding their nests of eggs, as the spring bloom fades. Eggs usually hatch about 5 weeks after being laid. Chicks leave the nest at 6 to 7 weeks of age.
May – September
Just as the Western Gull chicks begin to leave the nest, park rangers begin the “Anacapa Live” video program. Visitors can experience a live virtual tour of the kelp forest during this program. Technology and specially outfitted dive helmets allow underwater divers to speak directly with the viewers in the landing cove A digital connection is also made with the visitors center 14 miles away on the mainland. This program is scheduled for Wednesdays in Spring/Summer.
October-November
Enjoy the Channel Islands in our late Summer season. Sea conditions are generally agreeable, crowds are fewer and pleasant weather is the norm. Locals often wait for October for these optimal conditions, to head out to the islands. Water temps can stay in the mid- 60’s through October.
