Discover the Channel Islands
The Channel Islands—often called the ‘Galapagos of North America’—offer remote wilderness, pristine ocean conditions, world-class surf breaks accessible only by boat, untouched marine ecosystems, and the kind of adventure that few people ever experience. This is raw, powerful ocean in its most natural state, far from crowds and civilization.
The Channel Islands represent California’s last frontier—remote, rugged, and largely untouched by human development. Santa Cruz Island, the largest, offers dramatic coastlines, sea caves accessible by kayak, world-class surf breaks like Smuggler’s Cove (accessible only by boat), and pristine marine environments. The islands’ isolation creates unique ecosystems with endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Water clarity rivals Catalina, with visibility often 40-80 feet, and the remoteness means you’ll rarely see another person.
The islands’ exposure to open ocean swells creates powerful, consistent surf on the north-facing shores, while the south sides offer protection and calm conditions. Marine life is abundant and fearless—sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, and seasonal whale migrations. The islands are home to some of California’s best spearfishing, with large sheephead, white seabass, yellowtail, and lobster (in season). Multi-day camping adventures allow for sunrise surf sessions, all-day freediving, and evening fishing—a true wilderness ocean experience. Water temperatures range from 55-68°F depending on season.
What We Do at the Channel Islands
Based on conditions and your interests, here are the activities we offer at the Channel Islands:
SURFING
Ride world-class waves at Smuggler’s Cove and other boat-access-only breaks. Experience uncrowded, powerful surf in pristine wilderness. Advanced surfers only.
FREEDIVING
Explore pristine underwater environments with 40-80 foot visibility. Encounter fearless sea lions, abundant fish, and untouched kelp forests in California’s clearest water.
SPEARFISHING
Hunt trophy-sized sheephead, white seabass, and yellowtail in remote waters. Experience some of California’s best spearfishing far from crowds. License required.
FIshing
Explore the world’s largest sea cave (Painted Cave) and countless smaller caves. Discover dramatic geology, wildlife, and hidden grottos accessible only by kayak.
DOWNWIND PADDLING
Camp on pristine wilderness beaches. Experience sunrise surf, all-day ocean activities, and evening fishing. True island adventure far from civilization
WINGING
Encounter fearless sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, and seasonal whale migrations. The islands’ remoteness creates unique wildlife interaction opportunities.
When to Visit the Channel Islands
SPRING
(March-May)
- Water Temperature: 55-60°F
- Conditions: Improving visibility (40-60ft), spring swells, gray whale migration
- Best Activities: Surfing, whale watching, freediving, kayaking
- What to Expect: 5mm wetsuit required, variable conditions, spring storms
- Highlights: Gray whale migration, wildflowers on islands, powerful surf
SUMMER
(June-August)
- Water Temperature: 60-68°F
- Conditions: Warmest water, excellent visibility (50-70ft), calm seas, best camping weather
- Best Activities: All activities, multi-day camping, freediving, spearfishing
- What to Expect: Best weather, warmest water, ideal for camping, occasional fog
- Highlights: Warmest water, best camping conditions, abundant marine life
FALL
(September-November)
- Water Temperature: 62-68°F
- Conditions: Best visibility (60-80ft), consistent surf, warm water, ideal season
- Best Activities: Surfing, freediving, spearfishing, all activities
- What to Expect: Best overall conditions, clearest water, consistent swell
- Highlights: Clearest water of year, best surf, yellowtail and white seabass season, lobster season begins
WINTER
(December-February)
- Water Temperature: 55-60°F
- Conditions: Biggest swells, variable visibility, powerful ocean, storm watching
- Best Activities: Big wave surfing (advanced), fishing, wildlife watching
- What to Expect: Coldest water, biggest waves, dramatic conditions, solitude
- Highlights: Big wave surfing, lobster season, gray whale migration, complete solitude
Year-Round Opportunities:“The Channel Islands offer adventures 12 months a year for those seeking true wilderness ocean experiences. Conditions are more variable than Catalina but offer authentic, powerful ocean connection
A Day at the Channel Islands
Here’s what a typical day might look like. Remember, we adapt to real-time conditions, and Channel Islands adventures require flexibility due to remoteness and changing ocean conditions.
Planning Your Channel Islands Adventure
- GETTING TO THE CHANNEL ISLANDS
Our Boat Transportation
- We provide boat transportation from Ventura or Channel Islands Harbor
- 25-30 mile crossing to Santa Cruz Island (largest and most accessible)
- 1.5-2 hour crossing depending on conditions
- Return same day or multi-day camping expeditions
Islands We Visit
- Santa Cruz Island: Largest, most diverse, best camping
- Anacapa Island: Smaller, day trips only, excellent diving
- Santa Rosa Island: Remote, advanced adventures only, condition dependent
- Where to Stay
On the Islands (Camping Only)
- Scorpion Anchorage (Santa Cruz): Most accessible, beach camping ($15/night)
- Prisoners Harbor (Santa Cruz): Backcountry camping ($15/night)
- Del Norte (Santa Cruz): Remote backcountry ($15/night)
- Water Canyon (Santa Rosa): Advanced, very remote ($15/night)
- Permits required: Reserve through Recreation.gov months in advance
Mainland (Ventura/Oxnard)
- Budget: Motel 6 Ventura ($80-120/night)
- Mid-Range: Four Points Sheraton Ventura ($150-250/night)
- Luxury: Rosewood Miramar Beach ($600-1200/night, Montecito)
- Camping: Ventura Beach RV Resort ($50-80/night)
Recommendations
- Multi-day island camping is THE way to experience Channel Islands
- Book island camping permits 3-6 months in advance (limited sites)
- Stay on mainland night before early departure
- Bring ALL camping gear – nothing available on islands
- Best Time to Book
Peak Season (June-September)
- Book 3-6 months in advance
- Warmest water, best camping weather
- Island camping permits fill up fast
Shoulder Season (April-May, October-November)
- Book 2-3 months in advance
- Best surf, excellent visibility
- Fewer crowds
Off-Season (December-March
- Book 1-2 months in advance
- Big waves, dramatic conditions
- Advanced adventurers only
- Lobster season (Oct-Mar)
Have questions? Check our FAQ page
Ready for True Wilderness Adventure?
Join us for an unforgettable journey to California’s last ocean frontier. Experience remote surf breaks, pristine freediving, and wilderness camping far from civilization. This is the Channel Islands—raw, powerful, and untamed.