Channel Islands National Park
Small Craft Advisory issued February 9 at 2:08AM PST until February 9 at 9:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Hazardous sea conditions. * WHERE...Outer waters from Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island to 60 NM offshore including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands. * WHEN...Until 9 PM PST this evening. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
Gale Watch issued February 9 at 2:08AM PST until February 11 at 3:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and combined seas 7 to 12 ft possible when conditions are worst. * WHERE...Waters from Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island CA and westward 60 nm including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 9 PM PST this evening. For the Gale Watch, from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night. * IMPACTS...Potentially strong winds may create dangerous sea conditions which could capsize or damage small and large vessels. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
Small Craft Advisory issued February 9 at 2:08AM PST until February 9 at 9:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and combined seas 7 to 12 ft possible when conditions are worst. * WHERE...Waters from Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island CA and westward 60 nm including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 9 PM PST this evening. For the Gale Watch, from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night. * IMPACTS...Potentially strong winds may create dangerous sea conditions which could capsize or damage small and large vessels. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.
High Surf Advisory issued February 9 at 1:43AM PST until February 11 at 9:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet with dangerous rip currents. * WHERE...Ventura County Beaches. * WHEN...Until 9 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.
Overview
Channel Islands National Park is open year-round and encompasses five remarkable islands off California's coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. The park protects unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth, often called the 'Galapagos of North America.' The mainland Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura Harbor operates daily 8:30am-5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Access to the islands is exclusively via authorized boat concessionaire (Island Packers), private plane, or private vessel—there is no bridge or casual access. Weather and ocean conditions significantly impact ferry schedules, particularly during winter months when rough seas can cause cancellations. All five islands offer primitive camping year-round through NPS-managed campgrounds (reservations through Recreation.gov), though you must secure transportation before booking campsites. San Miguel Island has historically experienced trail closures due to storm damage at Nidever Canyon, so verify current access before planning trips to this most remote island. Camping is primitive with no hookups; campers must bring all water (except at some designated campgrounds with potable water), low-profile tents for wind, and extra food for weather delays. The park requires biosecurity checks to prevent invasive species introduction. Peak visitation is summer, with spring and fall offering excellent conditions and fewer crowds.
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