Channel Islands National Park Travel Information
White-capped seas lick the sandy shores and foam over rocky
promontories in Channel Islands National Park, a place seemingly a
world apart from the California mainland but really only an easy boat
ride distant. The five islands of which this national park is
comprised are home to an astonishing
variety of plant and animal life, assorted archaeological sites, and
boast a dramatic coastal setting. The park consists of some quarter of a
million acres,
half of which are under the ocean, encompassing a wide variety of
terrain from beaches and sea caves to forests and mountains. Over
2,000 species of plants and animals can be found within the park, more
than a hundred of which are found nowhere else in the world. Even
though the islands seem tantalizingly close to the densely populated
southern California coast, their isolation has left them relatively
undeveloped, making them an exciting place for visitors to explore.
After traveling by boat to one of the five islands, visitors can enjoy
hiking, sea bird watching, seal and whale spotting and sandy
beach-side strolls. In the
shallow waters around the islands, snorkeling and scuba diving provide
firsthand glimpses of colorful tidal plants and marine creatures. Sea
kayaking and camping are other popular activities, as are guided tours
of interesting park areas. Channel Islands National Park is located
off the coast of southwest California, with the mainland Visitor
Center located in Ventura.
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