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Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Goleta, California · Santa Barbara County

The waters that swirl around the five islands within Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary create a special place for several species of plants and animals. Year round, this sanctuary provides wildlife viewing opportunities of dolphins and whales, pinnipeds, and seabirds. This sanctuary also has forests of giant ke…

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About Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The waters that swirl around the five islands within Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary create a special place for several species of plants and animals. Year round, this sanctuary provides wildlife viewing opportunities of dolphins and whales, pinnipeds, and seabirds. This sanctuary also has forests of giant kelp that are home to numerous populations of fish and invertebrates. Make this visit memorable by participating in several activities such as tidepooling, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and diving!

Plan Your Visit to Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Heading to Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary?

No central reservation system listed for Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2996) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary?

About 23 miles offshore from Santa Barbara and 13 miles offshore from Ventura in California.

How do I contact Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary?

You can reach the park at phone: (805) 966-7107 or email: channelislands@noaa.gov.