At A Glance

A visit to the Channel Islands is an exercise in preparation and self-reliance. There are no services such a food stores or gear rental shops on the islands, no remedies for poor planning once you have arrived.

The following list may help you organize your trip to the islands. In addition, click on the various links below and above for more information.

• Decide how long your visit will be.
  
  
• Read about the Things to Do, including Outdoor Activities that interest you and Places To Go to determine which island appeals to you most.
  
  
• Contact the concessionaires for Island Transportation information and make your reservation. If your a private boater, read Boating for more information.
  
  
• If you plan to stay overnight on any of the islands, read Camping for more information.
  
  
• Contact rental shops to reserve any gear required (kayaks, snorkeling gear, etc.).
  
  
• Shop and pack for the trip. Read Weather, Your Saftey, Goods and Services, and Clothing and Gear for more information.

When To Visit

Visitors often ask what time of year they should visit Channel Islands National Park. While one can visit the park throughout the entire year, there are considerable differences in the seasons that visitors should take into consideration.

Each season has its own character and unique weather, natural history events, and outdoor activities. Listed below are some of these major seasonal events and activities.

For information on seasonal climates, please visit Weather.

Spring

• The islands are green and wildflowers reach peak bloom, especially the brilliant yellow coreopsis flowers. During a normal year of rainfall, this occurs by late January through March.
  
• Western gulls and other seabirds begin nesting.
  
• Island fox pups are born.
  
• Spring bird migration is underway.
  
• End of gray whale watching season.
  
• California sea lions and northern fur seals start to gather at their rookery sites.
  
• Peregrine falcons and other landbirds begin nesting.

Summer

• Summer is the ideal time for sailing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and swimming.
  
• The park's underwater video program begins on Anacapa with live broadcasts at mainland visitor center.
  
• Seabird and landbird chicks fledge (leave the nest and fly).
  
• Although the vegetation begins to dry out, some plants like gumplant, buckwheat, poppies, and verbena continue to bloom.
  
• Whale watching begins for blue and humpback whales.
  
• California sea lions and northern fur seals begin pupping.
  
• Most people visit the park during the June through August period.
  
• Backcountry beach camping season begins on Santa Rosa Island.

Fall

• Many consider the fall as the best time of year for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and swimming. Ocean temperatures may reach 70° (F) in early fall and visibility may reach 100 feet.
  
• Blue and humpback whale watching comes to an end in early fall.
  
• Fall bird migration is underway.
  
• Northern elephant seals begin to gather at their rookery sites in late fall.

Winter

• Some of the best sunsets of the year occur during this time of year.
  
• Gray whale watching begins at the end of December and lasts until April.
  
• Northern elephant seals begin pupping in early winter.
  
• Harbor seals begin pupping in late winter.
  
• Islands begin to turn green and wildflowers start blooming during the late winter months.
  
• California brown pelicans begin nesting.