Anacapa Island Closure
The National Park Service will close Anacapa Island Starting February 15, 2022.
The closure will allow improvements to be made to the landing area
The closure will last 4-5 months. As soon as we know the opening date we will begin scheduling trips to this unique island destination.

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
Range

Round Trip
Day Trip Fare

Adult

13-54 Years

$ 63.00

Senior

55 Years +

$58.00

Child

3-12 Years

$ 45.00

Infant( Must Reserve)

Under 3 Years

$ 00.00

The Climb to the Top

Anacapa Island day trip visitors depart the boat by stepping onto a ladder at the Landing Cove where you climb several rungs to a wooden dock. From the dock there is a winding set of over 157 steps that take you to the island plateau about 200 feet above sea level for stunning coastal views.

Vanguard at the dock – AI
Photo by Dan Harding

Once on the plateau the hiking is easy. There are approximately 1.5 miles of trails on East Anacapa. You will find a small visitor center with a picnic area and vault style toilets.

Reserve Your Seats
or View Availability

Anacapa Island will be closed from Mid February through July 2022 for
construction of a new dock for island landings.

The Historic Lighthouse on Anacapa Island
Photo by Michele Wassell

Anacapa Island Day Trip – Kayaking and Snorkeling

Anacapa Island is a cliff island and there is no beach access at this area of the island. Access to the landing cove for snorkeling or kayaking is done via a ladder to the water from the dock. Kayaks must be lowered from the dock to the water and then must be returned to the dock area prior to the boat’s return for island pickup.

An historic lighthouse still operates on the island and the buildings once used to house Coast Guard personnel have been converted into facilities for the National Park Service.

On the Plateau of Anacapa Island
Photo by Dan Harding
Cathedral Cove- AI
Photo by Dan Harding

Due to its size and orientation, the Landing Cove at Anacapa Island is more affected by sea conditions than other landing sites in the Park. Island Packers anticipates making landing on all scheduled trips. However, landing decisions can frequently only be made on-site by the 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.

Day Trip Preparation | What You Need to Know & Bring

  • Please arrive at your harbor of departure 45 minutes before your scheduled mainland departure.

  • Pack food and drink for your time on the island.  A small cooler with a single handle or a backpack will help to protect your food from the small animals and birds that populate the islands year-round.  There are no shops or restaurants on the island.

  • There is NO Fresh/Potable Water on Anacapa Island. You must bring water to meet your requirements.

  • Visitors to the island must take all their trash with them when they depart the island.

  • Flat shoes with rubber soles are best for both the boat and the island. We recommend hiking shoes.  We suggest passengers do not wear loose or leather soled sandals or flip flops on your island adventure.

  • Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Santa Barbara Channel.  It is always best to dress in layers and bring a jacket/sweatshirt (even in the summer months).

  • There is very little shade (buildings) on Anacapa Islands. Hats and Sunscreen is recommended

Important Links to Additional Information