Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Where offshore waters, diverse habitats and conservation come together along California’s coast.

Explore the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
A graceful sea lion glides underwater, flippers outstretched, surrounded by vibrant seaweed in a serene ocean scene.

A Protected Ocean Wilderness In The Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary

Discover A Remote Wilderness at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary protects the 1,470 miles surrounding the five islands that make up Channel Islands National Park. This spectacular area is dubbed the Galapagos of North America and for good reason. The Northern Channel Islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands have stunning views and wildlife found nowhere else in the world! The Islands require protection for its endangered species, habitats, its cultural resources and even historically relevant shipwrecks! Ready to go? Reaching the Marine Sanctuary is a quick boat ride from Oxnard and serves as an educational resource for research on converging warm and cool currents.

What’s Protected by the Marine Sanctuary
A playful dolphin glides beneath the sparkling blue water, creating joyful splashes around its fin and back.

Where Wildlife Thrives In The Channel Islands

Experience Extraordinary Biodiversity at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most biologically diverse systems of marine life in the entire world. There are over 27 whale and dolphin species and 60 species of birds alone living within the picturesque archipelago. Beneath those jutting cliffs and arched rocks are sea caves and buried treasure that have become home to fish and other creatures alike swimming amongst the kelp below the surface. Since the Channel Islands exist simultaneously outside of the mainland of Oxnard and somewhere dreamily outside of time, the land remains untouched and wild as does the ocean environment. This makes it even more of a treasure to conserve.

And not to brag, but The Santa Barbara Channel, the waterway crossed on the way to the Channel Islands, has recently been recognized as the 9th Whale Heritage Area in the world due to the excellence in supporting the whale’s environment! Be sure to experience whale-watching on your visit!

Location & Access
CI Exp Glenda Sandberg 11

Your Gateway To Channel Islands Adventure

Easy Access Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The Channel Islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Island), sit eleven miles off the coast of Oxnard. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary encompasses the archipelago of islands meeting the Pacific Ocean, joining the warm and cool currents. Reaching the sanctuary is a quick boat trip from the Channel Islands Harbor. A chartered boat or even a guided kayaking adventure are a fun way to experience the sanctuary. Both are ideal for whale watching and bird watching. Other exhilarating activities in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary are diving charters, fishing, boating and snorkeling– get up close with the sanctuary and the creatures below!

Visitors can find information about Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary at the Channel Islands Boating Center and Channel Islands Maritime Museum found at the Channel Islands Harbor.

Wildlife & Natural Features
Stunning ocean view from a cliff, overlooking vibrant kelp forests and a small boat beneath a bright, clear sky.

Ocean Life In Abundance In The Channel Islands

A Protected Ocean Ecosystem Within The Channel Islands

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary protects one of the most biologically rich marine environments along the West Coast. Preserved as a thriving natural ecosystem, the sanctuary supports a remarkable diversity of ocean life, shaped by nutrient-rich waters, kelp forests and protected coastal habitats.

Wildlife of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to 27 species of whales and dolphins, including iconic species such as blue whales, gray whales and humpback whales that migrate through the area seasonally. Seals and sea lions are commonly seen along rocky shorelines, while schools of fish, lobsters and invertebrates thrive beneath the surface. Above the water, nearly 60 species of seabirds rely on the sanctuary’s islands and offshore waters for nesting and feeding, making the area especially rewarding for wildlife observation.

Thanks to favorable conditions throughout the year, visitors often have opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural setting. The sanctuary’s protected status allows marine life to flourish, offering meaningful opportunities to learn, explore and connect with the ocean in a setting that feels both wild and carefully preserved.

Recreation & Learning Opportunities
Stunning underwater view of a vibrant kelp forest as a large school of small fish glides gracefully through crystal-clear, sunlit waters.

Experience The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Up Close

World-Class Diving Adventures in the Channel Islands

If your group wants to see things up close, you're in the right place. Some of the best diving in the world is here at the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary! See the wondrous sea caves and kelp forests firsthand and create long-lasting memories. Dive boats offer both single and multi-day trips for divers to explore. The Sanctuary even has remains of 150+ historical shipwrecks for divers to see. Underwater photography is greatly encouraged.

Coastal Adventures Await on the Channel Islands

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is best experienced on the water, where sea caves, kelp forests and rugged coastlines come into view up close. Boating and kayaking excursions offer access to hidden coves and dramatic rock formations that can’t be seen from shore.

For fishing, Channel Islands Sportfishing leads trips into the rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, while wildlife viewing opportunities abound for all ages. Seasonal whale migrations, playful dolphins and dozens of seabird species make every outing memorable. Whether you’re casting a line, paddling the coastline or simply watching for wildlife, exploring the sanctuary by sea offers an unforgettable perspective.

Conservation & Stewardship
Breathtaking rocky island ridge stretches into the ocean at sunset, with soaring birds and distant scenic islands on the horizon.

Preserving The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Protects A Living Ocean

The Channel Islands is a special place for rare species, sensitive habitats is one of the most biologically diverse concentrations of marine life. The Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary provides protection for these historic and cultural resources through conservation, stewardship and education. Marine Conservation areas in the Channel Islands were created in partnership with the state of California and NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This partnership is designed with these goals: to protect and restore habitats, to provide refuge to marine life, serve as reference areas for educational/research opportunities and protect the marine’s heritage. We ask visitors to join us in our conservation efforts by observing ocean etiquette while exploring so the Marine Sanctuary remains a vibrant haven for years to come.

More Ways to Explore the Coast
Picturesque rocky island with a charming lighthouse, scenic sea arch, and brilliant blue sky reflected in tranquil ocean waters.

Experience More Of Oxnard’s Natural Diversity

Oxnard’s coastal setting offers a wide range of experiences for visitors who want to learn more about local ecosystems, see wildlife up close or simply enjoy the outdoors. These nearby attractions extend your connection with the ocean, whether you’re exploring by boat, on foot or from shore.

Channel Islands Harbor
A scenic waterfront destination where you can watch boats, explore watercraft rentals and enjoy seaside strolls with broad views of the…
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Stay Close to the Sanctuary
Stunning aerial view of a vibrant coastal city featuring a picturesque marina, golden sandy beach, sparkling ocean waves, and charming neighborhoods.

Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor

Visitors exploring the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary often choose accommodations near Channel Islands Harbor for quick access to boats, beaches and waterfront activities. Harbor-area properties such as the Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor place you within walking distance of marinas, tour departures and coastal trails, making early-morning excursions far easier. Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor/Oxnard is located directly on the harbor and less than a mile from open-ocean beaches, offering a convenient base for kayaking, whale watching and island trips. Additional nearby lodging options are available throughout the harbor and beach districts, so travelers can choose anything from simple overnight stays to extended coastal retreats — explore more accommodations in Oxnard to find the location and style that best fits your itinerary.

Channel Islands National Park Camping
Remote island camping that offers space to unplug, explore and connect with the natural landscape.
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Meet the Island Fox
Meet The Island Fox, A Rare Channel Islands Resident
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