SAN MIGUEL ISLAND (SMI)

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

ABOUT SAN MIGUEL ISLAND

Explore San Miguel Island – Trails & Facilities Now Open!

Discover the Wild Beauty of San Miguel Island

Located 55 miles off the coast of Ventura, San Miguel Island—one of the most remote islands in Channel Islands National Park—is now fully open for adventure! With rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking coastal views, this untouched paradise offers a true wilderness experience.

Journey to the Island

Travel Time: ~3.5–4 hours from Ventura Harbor (including stops at Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa Islands).
Scenic Route: Enjoy views of Santa Cruz Island’s southern coastline on your way to San Miguel.

What to Expect

San Miguel sits at the western edge of the Santa Barbara Channel, where weather conditions can shift quickly. Be prepared for sun, wind, fog, and cool temperatures.
Access to the island is via a small shore boat through surf, with a sandy beach landing that may be wet—be prepared to step into shallow water. Waterproof footwear is recommended!
While campers may have opportunities to join ranger-led hikes, access to all areas of the island cannot be guaranteed. Hike availability depends on weather, staffing, and trail conditions.

Must-See Highlights

Cuyler Harbor Beach: A stunning white sand beach perfect for exploration.
Canyon Hike: A rewarding 1.5-mile trek through native vegetation (no shade—bring sun protection!).
Caliche Forest: Marvel at sand casts of ancient trees and roots.
Point Bennett: Join a guided 16-mile round-trip hike (for campers) to witness one of the world’s largest seal and sea lion colonies.

Visitor Tips

No potable water or shade—pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.
For interior hikes, a ranger or guide must accompany visitors.
Camping season? National Park staff are on-site to assist.
All passengers are required to sign and turn in a release form before boarding.

Special Day Trips (Sept–Oct Only!)

During peak season, limited day trips are available when weather permits. Book early—these excursions fill fast!

Return Trip Bonus

On your way back, cruise past Santa Cruz Island’s Painted Cave—one of the world’s largest sea caves (weather-dependent).

Ready for an unforgettable escape? San Miguel Island awaits with rugged trails, rare wildlife, and unmatched solitude. Plan your adventure today!

(Note: Trips may vary based on weather and sea conditions.)

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Acknowledgement of Danger Form

Visitors to San Miguel Island must complete an Acknowledgement of Danger: Release and Hold Harmless Agreement for San Miguel Island (SMI), Channel Islands National Park.

While Island Packers has these forms at our office, please complete the form prior to your arrival to speed up the check-in process. Guests will be asked to step out of line to complete the form prior to receiving boarding passes.

This Release and Hold Harmless form must be completed before you may receive your boarding passes. This is a requirement of the Channel Islands National Park. You only need to print and complete page two. Page one is an explanation of the reason for this form and you should read this page thoroughly so that you have a complete understanding of what you are signing. If you are not able to print this form before you arrive at our office, Island Packers will provide the form for you at our check-in counter. You will be asked to step out of line to complete the form and then return to the line at the counter for check-in.

Print SMI Agreement Form

The Crossing

San Miguel lies approximately 70 miles from Ventura and 26 miles from the closest mainland (Point Conception,) and 3 miles west of Santa Rosa Island.

The boat ride to San Miguel can take 3 – 3.5 hours and often encounters rough sea conditions along with spectacular wildlife sightings.

When We Go to San Miguel

Island Packers Travels to San Miguel from July to October. Landing at Cuylers Harbor is via shore boat through the surf onto a sandy beach.

Most trips to San Miguel are for camper transportation only. Day trips to occur once or twice a year in October.

Hiking

San Miguel day visitors and campers are not guaranteed specific hikes. Park staff are usually available to offer guided hikes soon after arrival on the island. A variety of guided hikes are also offered when campers are on the island.

However, there is no guarantee that hikes will be offered to all locations. Visitors must coordinate with island staff upon arrival. When not accompanied by a ranger, visitors may explore Cuyler Harbor beach, Nidever Canyon, the Cabrillo Monument, and the Lester Ranch site.

Flora & Fauna

Only three land mammal species call this island home. The Island Fox and San Miguel Deer Mouse are considered endemic to the island. The black rat, introduced by shipwrecks, is the only other land mammal found here. However, the abundance of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) hauled out on the beaches, and swimming in the surrounding waters, are a different story.

Six pinniped species can be seen annually in the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and on the shores of the islands. Some of the most populated concentrations of pinnipeds can be found on the beaches of this island. In addition, one-third of the birds who breed on the Channel Islands do so at this remote island.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout the spring and summer, different age groups of elephant seals will haul out to molt on the sandy beaches, sometimes right inside Cuyler Harbor.
This island is truly a special place. During the entire season that Island Packers travels to this island you have a chance to view marine mammals, including the possibility of Humpback and Blue Whales.