East Anacapa Island, California

The Smallest Island at Channel Island National Park

Jul 3, 2008 James Barnett

Beyond the shores of Ventura, California, five islands stand in defiance of the Pacific and form Channel Islands National Park. East Anacapa Island is the southern tip.

East Anacapa Island, California

Located off the California coast near Ventura, East Anacapa Island is part of the five island chain that makes up Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa is actually three small islands designated as west, middle and east. The park service has made East Anacapa the easiest island to access of the entire chain. For a nominal fee and with reservations encouraged, boating concessioners carry visitors the twelve miles for a 2-5 hour visit with departure from the Ventura Harbor. The trip across the channel is flanked by California brown pelicans and dolphins, harbor seals and sea lions. During the peak of summer, sightings of blue and humpback whales are common.

Well before reaching the cove at East Anacapa, the Anacapa Arch comes into view. Detached from the island at the southern edge, this slanted arch appears as a mathematical pi sign protruding from the surf. Most seals and sea lions bask in the sun just beyond the arch. With no shore at the anchorage, the deep water hosts a magnificent kelp forest great for diving or snorkeling and a playground for seals. The dock at the cove is actually anchored into the side of the cliff and in order to reach the plateau of the island, one must ascend well over 100 steps. During the spring the plant life on the island is in full bloom, much like the wildflowers in the California foothills, but possibly more vivid by the accentuation of the Pacific Ocean. Multitudes of sea gulls nest here, with many green, dark spotted eggs nestled along the path to the center. The island center is minimal and defers to the main center in Ventura. There is a resident park ranger who provides the basics. A campground is also small and requires reservations. The afternoon coastal winds, sometimes reaching gale force, test the small pop tents. A casual walk along a trail that loops the island allows the visitor breathtaking views of the ocean, specifically Inspiration Point, where the other two Anacapa’s along with the other four main islands are positioned to the north. Of note is the vibrant white washed Anacapa Lighthouse on the southern tip. Stunning from any angle, it sounds timed warnings during its daytime responsibilities.

Getting There

From Los Angeles International Airport, the visitor takes Century Boulevard east to Interstate 405 and then north to Ventura Highway, U.S. 101, and west to the city of Ventura, which is about 70 miles away. At Ventura, the Telephone Road exits toward Ventura Harbor. Olivas Park goes westward becoming Spinnaker Drive, which circles the harbor. The address for Channel Islands National Park is 1901 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. There are two primary boat concessioners that carry visitors to East Anacapa. Island Packers is based in Ventura, just down the street at 1691 Spinnaker Drive. Truth Aquatics is based in nearby Santa Barbara at 301 West Cabrillo Boulevard.

Amenities:

Second only to Santa Barbara, Ventura is the premier destination of California’s central coast. Noted hotels include The Pierpont Inn at 550 San Jon Road, the Clocktower Inn at 181 East Santa Clara, and the Ventura Beach Marriott at 2055 East Harbor Boulevard. Lodging ranges in price from prestigious Bed and Breakfast hotels to affordable national chains. Dining is represented equally as well.

The copyright of the article East Anacapa Island, California in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by James Barnett. Permission to republish East Anacapa Island, California in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Approach to the Island