Channel Island National Park

Just off the California mainland lays the Channel Island National Park. Though only a few minutes by boat, the islands seem centuries away and offer a glimpse of the pristine beauty that the southern coastal region of California once was.

Made up of 5 wondrous islands this park serves to protect and preserve the unique plants, animals and resources found on these islands. Totaling approximately 2,000 plants and animals, 145 of these are completely unique and like nothing else in the world.
Comparable to the Galapagos Islands, this unique place has managed to remain secluded and isolated from the harms of the outside world.

These five islands, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara, were ensured protection when Congress established ecological monitoring on them in 1980. Today, they hold some of the best preserved archaeological remains that span over 10,000 years. Nevertheless, this park still remains the least visited park in America with a mere 250,000 visitors a year.

Though the park is located just south of Santa Barbara, the Channel Island National Park does come complete with seasons. In the spring and summer, expect temperatures to average from 50-60°. There may be some strong winds throughout spring but the winds and seas become calmer towards the end of summer and normally continue through to October. Visibility underwater also increases drastically towards the end of the summer. The fall surprisingly brings the best chance for warm water with Ocean temperatures reaching up to 70°. Temperatures are normally cool during winter with most rain falling from December to March.

The Channel Islands National Park is open year round.