One of the most diverse collection of plant and animal species in the United States can be found in Channel Islands National Park.The five islands of the park provide visitors with a wide variety of things to see and do.It is easy to get to the park from several California cities.
Step 1: There are a lot of fees involved in visiting the Channel Islands.
All of the expenses you will incur during your trip are listed on the park's website.Campers will be charged a fee if they want to camp on one of the islands.The money is used to maintain the park.Reservations can be made via the National Recreation Reservation Service website.It is not possible to make reservations more than 5 months in advance.Visitors will be charged if they access the islands by boat.There are children aged 2 and under.Surfers will be charged extra.The park's visitor center or the Island Packers Cruises website can be used to make reservations.Channel Islands Aviation allows visitors to access the islands by plane.Costs can be different depending on which experience you choose.The cost of a day trip flight is roughly.A seven-passenger charter from Santa Barbara is also available during the summer months at a cost of (minimum 4) campers.
Step 2: The park has rules.
Channel Islands has restrictions on where visitors can go and what they can do.Channel Islands tries to limit visitors footprints during their stay.Visitors are asked to avoid areas where animals are breeding, limit the use of artificial light at night, and stay out of caves altogether.A detailed list of restrictions and allowances can be found on the park website.
Step 3: Make a reservation.
You will be taken to a page with a list of the Channel Islands after you click the "view schedule and availability" button.Pick the island you want to visit, pick a day and time, and choose how many people are on the trip.Return dates will be listed on the next page.The site will calculate your balance if you choose when to return to the mainland.If you don't have an account with the site, you will need to make one here.Some islands are not accessible on certain days or times.Trips made during the afternoon are subject to higher fees than those made earlier in the day.
Step 4: The travel policies need to be read carefully.
Travelers must arrive one hour before departure time and all gear must be on the boat no later than 30 minutes prior to departure.There are no items that can exceed 45 pounds.There are no exceptions to this rule.All gear should be marked with a name, phone number, and color-coded tag.
Step 5: You can board the boat when you get to the dock at the visitor center.
Carpooling is recommended if you are traveling in a larger group because of the limited parking at the visitor center.
Step 6: Determine your course and destination island.
The conditions in the channel vary dramatically, with shifting swells, high waves, and fog making the trip an even greater challenge.The Channel Islands Internet Weather Kiosk is a good place to start if you want to make the voyage.The trip across the channel will take boaters through some of the busiest shipping lanes on the California coast.When crossing the shipping lanes, those making the trek should be aware of where they are and use extreme caution.The waters around the islands are sometimes shut down for military exercises.The U.S. Coast Guard has a local notice to mariners that can be obtained by contacting the USCG.There are a number of places where nautical charts can be purchased.
Step 7: You should study the landing procedures on your destination island.
Before landing, it is recommended that boaters consult the park ranger.If a boater uses a VHF channel to hail the rangers, they will be asked to switch to a different channel for the purpose of providing a brief orientation, landing instructions, and other details.There is no permit required to land on the five major islands.The landing cove is the only place where boaters can access the island.There is no permit required for landings at East Anacapa or Frenchy's Cove.A permit is required for boats to land at Middle Anacapa.There is no access to West Anacapa.The moorings at East Anacapa are reserved for other boats.Visitors are required to tie their boats close to the moorings.Permits can be obtained via the website.The eastern quarter of the island is accessible without a permit.Boaters are allowed to use the pier at Prisoners Harbor, but buoy access is not allowed.Boaters are encouraged to use caution in the surf.The rest of the island requires a permit.Permits can be obtained via the website.The coastline can be used by boaters without a permit, but only for a maximum of one day.Visitors are not allowed to use area buoys at Beaches Bay.Cuyler Harbor or Tyler Bight can be used for overnight stays.Visitors can only land at Cuyler Harbor.
Step 8: Before leaving, file a formal float plan with the harbormaster.
The float plan needs to be specific.Personal information for every person in the boat, as well as destination specifics (departure time and date, destination), craft specifics, and any emergency equipment you have with you, should be included.It will be easier for search crews to find trouble if more information is included.
Step 9: Bon voyage!
Take a trip around Channel Islands National Park.If the weather has taken a turn for the worse or you don't have the required safety gear, turn around and make the trip again.Safety should always be the top priority.
Step 10: You can make a reservation.
You can reserve a charter through the company's website after you decide which trip you want to make.Interested parties should make their reservations at least a week in advance.72 or more hours of notice is required for refunds to be offered.
Step 11: The travel policies should be read carefully.
It is possible for a larger group to work out a deal with the CIA to stay longer if interested.Any device used to create a fire is included.Visitors must provide their own stove if they want to stay at the campsite.The cat and Schwinn should be left at home.
Step 12: Arrive at the airport.
Passengers arriving 45 minutes prior to departure is suggested by the CIA.
Step 13: The airports are close to the park.
The most convenient option for the majority of travelers is the Channel Islands National Park.With thousands of incoming and outgoing flights per day, it is one of the busiest airports in the world and provides regular service to every major North American city.The airport is close to the park.Transferring from outside California to Santa Barbara is almost always required.
Step 14: You can find the best deal by researching flight prices.
To find out if there is a sale to your destination city, check every website that offers discount fares.If you are willing to deal with one or two transfers, you should be able to save some money.
Step 15: Purchase a ticket.
If you cannot make the flight, you could be left with nothing, but you will save money by purchasing non-refundable tickets.Most tickets can be changed for a fee.
Step 16: You can get there from the airport.
Go West Way and then onto W Century Blvd.For 1.9 miles.Take the I-405 N ramp for a short distance.Continue for 16.2 miles on I-405 N.Take the exit for US 101 N.Continue for 45.8 miles on US 101 N.
Step 17: Go from US 101 N to the Robert J.
Take Exit 64 for Victoria Ave. and travel for 0.2 miles.Take a left onto S. Victoria Ave.You can take a right ontoOlivia's Park Dr.Continue onto Spinnaker Dr. for 1.5 miles.
Step 18: You can get there from the airport.
Take Moffett pl.For a short distance of 0.8 km.Continue onto the road.For a short distance of 0.8 km.Continue for 1.8 miles on State Route 217 E.Continue for 35.8 miles on US 101 S.
Step 19: You can get to the Robert J. from US 101 S.
Continue for 0.2 miles on Seaward Ave.Go left onto E. Harbor Blvd.Continue for 1.9 miles.Continue for 1.5 miles on Spinnaker Dr.