Boating and kayaking are popular activities in which to engage at Channel Islands National Park in California. Before taking to the water, however, understand the rules and regulations pertaining to both boating and paddling.
Each island has its own unique character and history.
Boating
Private boaters may land on any of the five islands throughout the year.
Boating out and around any of the islands in this national park takes planning and preparation.
As the park’s webpage states:
Conditions in the Santa Barbara Channel and around the islands are variable and the ocean is unforgiving. Only experienced boaters with vessels capable of withstanding severe weather are advised to make the cross-channel passage. Boaters should obtain the latest weather broadcast provided by the NOAA Weather Service by calling (805) 988-6610, visiting NOAA NWS Marine Weather Forecasts and by monitoring weather radio on VHF-FM 162.475 MHz (weather station 3) for marine forecasts and VHF-FM 162.55 MHz (weather station 1) and VHF-FM 162.40 MHz (weather station 2) for land-based observations.
Due to challenging weather conditions, boating should not be attempted by the novice or anyone who is not properly trained, conditioned, and equipped. Currents, shifting swells, fog, and strong winds can change quickly in the channel. There are no public moorings or all-weather anchorages around the islands. It is recommended that one person stay on board the boat at all times.
While not required, it’s still a good idea for boaters to file a float plan with the harbormaster and let friends and/or family know about your plans. Be aware of shipping lane locations. All boaters should listen to the USCG notice to mariners broadcast on VHF channel 22 since the waters in and surrounding the park are sometimes closed for military operations.
While sea caves beckon boaters to explore them, they carry the inherent danger of large waves and swells.
Boaters do not need a landing permit for any of the islands managed by the National Park Service. However, if you intend to land on the part of Santa Cruz Island managed by The Nature Conservancy, you will need a permit.
For more detailed information about boating around and to any of the five islands, click on the Boating link at the top of the page.
If you don’t feel like piloting a vessel on your own, you can boat with a park authorized commercial service operator or choose one of the island or wildlife-watching cruises offered by Island Packers.
Note: Personal watercraft such as jet skis are prohibited. Go to the Laws and Policies page for more information on what is and is not allowed.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a rewarding way to explore the Channel Islands. You may kayak on your own or with a park authorized guide/outfitter.
The most popular area of the park in which to kayak is around Scorpion Beach on East Santa Cruz Island. Visit Kayaking Eastern Santa Cruz Island for more information on kayaking on Eastern Santa Cruz Island including Scorpion Anchorage.
According to Park Staff:
Sea kayaking at San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands is recommended to only the most highly experienced (expert), skilled, conditioned kayakers with all necessary safety equipment due to the consistently extreme weather and sea conditions that regularly dominate these areas.
Due to the many hazards of crossing the channel from or to the mainland to the park islands the National Park Service does not recommend this be attempted by sea kayakers.
Detailed kayaking information about the channel and islands may be obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) "Local Notice to Mariners" publication by contacting the Coast Guard at (510) 437-2981. Kayaking guides and nautical charts to the Channel Islands are available from local marine stores and online bookstores. Refer to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Ocean Survey charts 18720, 18721, 18725, 18727, 18728, 18729, and 18756.
Park Staff also offers the following safety recommendations:
- Use the buddy system
- Obtain current weather and sea conditions
- Do not travel down wind as you’ll be returning against a head wind
- Do not exceed your skill level
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
- Carefully select and equip your paddlecraft
- Follow the same recommendations for motorboaters for crossing shipping lanes and exploring sea caves.
For more detailed kayaking information, click on the Kayaking link above.
- By Rebecca Latson - June 8th, 2026 11:23am
