Park Regulations & Safety

Laws & Policies

Regulatory Information
There are a number of Federal and State laws and regulations that protect Channel Islands National Park and the people who visit here. Visitors to the park are responsible for knowing and abiding by those rules. This webpage is intended to help people learn about the rules that protect their park. Further information is available in publications such as the park's newspaper and from park rangers at headquarters and on the islands.

Here are highlighted some of the most important rules you need to know. The links below will take you to sources of further detail on those and all the other regulations:

• Fishing is prohibited in the State Marine Reserves.
  
  
• Personal Watercraft such as jet skis are not allowed in park waters.
  
  
• Pets are not allowed on the islands. Service animals require a permit from the Superintendent.
  
  
• Fires and smoking are not permitted except in designated areas.
  
  
• Landing is not permitted on offshore rocks and islets.
  
  
• Waters around Pt. Bennett on San Miguel Island are closed to protect seals and sea lions.
  
  
• Hikers must stay on established trails on Anacapa, Santa Barbara and San Miguel Islands.
  
  
• Some sea caves at Santa Cruz Island are closed to protect nesting seabirds.
  
  
• The shoreline of Santa Barbara is closed to landing except for the cove below the ranger station.
  
  
• The shoreline of San Miguel is closed to landing except at Cuyler Harbor.
  
  
• The beaches at Skunk Pt. and Sandy Pt. on Santa Rosa are closed to protect wildlife.
  
  
• The waters on the north side of West Anacapa Island are closed most of the year to protect nesting pelicans.
  
  
• Collecting of plants, rocks, animals and artifacts is prohibited.
  
  
• The following items may not be brought to the park:
• • Live or Potted Plants
  • Soil
  • Cut Flowers
  • Firewood or any wood with attached bark
  • Corrugated boxes
  • Tools or equipment with attached soil
  • Motorized vehicles
  • Bicycles
    

Channel Islands National Park Local Regulations
Each national park has specific local regulations established under the Superintendent's discretionary authority under Title 36 CFR. These regulations are compiled annually and available here on the park website and in print at park headquarters.

Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations
The regulations that govern all national parks including Channel Islands are encompassed in Title 36 CFR.

California Marine Region Sportfishing Regulations
Fishing in the waters of Channel Islands National Park is governed by the State of California. The State sport fishing regulations for ocean waters apply in the park. A valid California fishing license with an ocean enhancement stamp is required to fish within the park.

Channel Islands Marine Protected Areas
The State of California's Marine Protected Areas in the Channel Islands took effect on April 9, 2003. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expanded these Marine Protected Areas into federal wates on July 29, 2007. Within these reserves it is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource, except under a permit or specific authorization from the commission for research, restoration, or monitoring purposes. There are 11 marine reserves and two conservation areas in the Channel Islands. The link above will take you to a website with maps of the reserves and details of the regulations.


For more information regarding park regulations, contact the park's Chief Ranger by phone at (805) 658-5730, by email at Chief Ranger, or by mail at:

Channel Islands National Park
Chief Ranger
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, California 93001

Special Use Permits

For more information about conducting special use activities in the park and how to obtain a special use permit, please contact the park's Chief Ranger by email or phone at (805) 658-5717.

Activities requiring a special use permit include but are not limited to:

• Weddings
  
• Special Events
  
• Group Gatherings (group size 25+ participants)
  
• Public Assembly – First Amendment Activities
  
• Non-profit Organization Activities
  
• Activities in support of local, state, and other federal agency missions

Your Safety

Due to the remote and primitive nature of the islands, a safe visit to the park depends on visitor assuming individual responsibility for planning their trips and visiting safely.

For your safety, please remember:

• Weather conditions change rapidly; dress in layers.
  
  
• There are no supplies on the islands. Take water, food, and other necessities.
  
  
• Watch your step—ladders, railings, and stairs may be wet.
  
  
• Stay back from cliff edges; they may be crumbly or undercut—a fall could be fatal.
  
  
• Do not approach marine mammals, such as whales, seals, and seal lions.
  
  
• Check for ticks and watch out for poison oak and cactus.
  
  
• Deer mice on the islands may carry diseases, including deadly hantavirus. Avoid all contact with mice and other wild animals. Keep food in rodent-proof containers.
  
  
• In an emergency on the islands, contact a ranger or concession employee, or use a cell phone to dial 911. On the water, use a marine radio VHF channel 16.

For saftey information on a specific topic or activity please click on one of the links below.

• Hantavirus
  
  
• Boating
  
  
• Camping
  
  
• Hiking
  
  
• Kayaking
  
  
• Diving and Snorkeling

Commercial Filming Permits

Commercial Filming/Videos and Still Photography Permits

The following forms and information are provided for your convenience.

Please note that Channel Islands National Park requires a minimum of two weeks advanced notice to consider and process commercial filming/video and still photography permit applications. This additional time is required due to the logistical complexities and nature of the park.

Applicants can greatly assist in expediting the process by providing a complete application that clearly addresses who, what, when, where, why, and how in direct reference to the proposed activity. In order for the proposed activity to receive due consideration, the applicant must provide sufficient detail and not be overly vague.

Applications must contain an original signature and include payment of the non-refundable application fee. Proof of liability insurance may also be included.

While it is recommended that applications be sent both electronically via e-mail and in hard copy, applications will not be considered until the application containing an original signature and payment of the non-refundable application fee has been received.

Applications may be sent via express mail to:

For more information about commercial filming, video and still photography in the park, please contact the park's Public Information Officer by email or phone at (805) 658-5725.