Anacapa Island Day Trip in Channel Islands National Park

Anacapa Island is the closest of the Channel Islands in Channel Islands National Park. This island is only an hour boat ride off the coast of California, and while it is small, it is still a fun spot to explore. I took the day trip in August 2021 and he is what I explored. On the island, I saw nesting gulls, Inspiration Point, and the lighthouse. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments.

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[SkepticalRaptor]

I used to live right on the ocean in Santa Barbara, and I loved watching the islands off in the distance, when the fog lifted. I never had a chance to see these islands up close and personal. Thanks for this video, so I have a chance to remember that part of my life.

[HuckOutdoors]

Always thought they had drinking water on the island. Good to know I would need to bring all my water. I've been wanting to do a day trip here for a while.

[naturenuggets]

I went snorkeling around the arch with a Marine Biology class back in the late 70’s; it was awesome!

[Santacruzlyn]

When I was a kid we had a boat at Channel Islands harbor. We'd go out to Anacapa to fish for Bonito. We used live anchovy fish for bait which we kept in a bait tank outside the boat. The sharks would come around and bump the tank. Seeing a shark roll over and stare at you with those dead black eyes was always a chilling experience but the fishing was great!

[geoffm]

Camped for 1 night a few years ago in March. A lot greener. I had a good time. Definitely a lot of time for such a small island. Plenty of time to read and just zen out But after the afternoon boat leaves it’s just the birds and maybe some other campers. Great sunset and sunrise. Was good to do it once. Got me interested to visit some of the other islands. Hopefully I will be able to see others in the future.

[leexiong]

Have not snorkeled at that spot, but have been scuba diving there as well as a few other spots around the island. Beautiful views of the kelp forest. Expect to see lots of garibaldi and sheep head. The occasional rockfish, spiny lobster, and plenty of other fish can be found as well.

[keithjohnson]

I hitched a ride with the park service for a story I was working on, also included was a short guided tour. Lots of nesting gulls when I was there eons ago. For swimming in the cove, water's chilly so bring a shorty wet-suit if you can. Park service has webcams on their website so you can view island life anytime, including an underwater cam in the protected landing cove. And I've scuba'd around the island many times too including an annual u/w fish count.

[tinagorelik]

I have camped on the island and had a blast. The hard part is lugging all your water as there is no drinkable water available anywhere on Anacapa.
You are right. The sunrise and sunsets made the trip worth while. Also, I brought my wetsuit as the water is cold but lots of younger people just jumped right in and enjoyed their swim. By Late September to October the birds are gone other than the usual number flying around.

[paulhornyak]

I've swam to and from Anacapa. I've also circumnavigated it. I highly recommend swimming anywhere around the island. The water clarity is amazing.

[JasmineApple]

Fun day! One of the things I love about Island Packers is that they do take time to stop for wildlife, or the arch, or the drilling platform. It's way more than just a shuttle to & from the islands. You didn't mention whether or not you actually did get pooped on - you said a 75% chance, so ... ??? Good video!!

[ursinidaho]

Thanks, that was cool. I have always wondered about those islands. I've flown over many times and have been to Catalina on our boat as kids.
These islands are starkly beautiful! Camping would be knarly if a storm came. There's nowhere to hide!

[KMYoutube]

Going to visit this place in a couple of weeks! Thanks for sharing and letting us know what to expect. 🥰😎

[HybridVisualMedia]

I was certified as a scuba diver at Anacapa. Love the Channel Islands.

[michaellane]

Beautiful video! Love Anacapa Island! So gorgeous!

[mikegrindstaff]

You can land a boat at Frenchys Cove on the north end of Anacapa also. It's a beach landing. You have to stay on the beach though.

[kittysofdoom]

Cool Video. I have been to Anacapa a bunch of times but only Set foot on it one time way back in 1983 with a school class. I need to go back and take pictures. I really want to visit Santa Rosa Island. I could get a lot of Pictures in 4 hours.

[anthonymaddox]

I went to Anacapa back in the 1980's. But we went at low tide, they took you ashore and we got to spend several hours looking through the tide pools. I don't know if they still do that, but if they do I would suggest that.

[ropprakashp]

I believe I saw Anacapa island on Huell Howser show.
They didn’t have a docking station then .
Thx, We’ll go .

[allisonsherman]

My kind of place. 2 great videos today and such different natural environments 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[susanaavv]

Love your videos it inspires me to travel thru this lovely state :)