Can I kayak to the Channel Islands?

Question

I really want to try to kayak from the Channel Islands Harbor to either Annacappa or Santa Cruz. Has anyone ever done it? Is it allowed? etc...

Answer 1

We first assumed you meant th Chanel Islands in the English Channel.

The ones you refer to are doable but rough, as you are crossing open seas.

Answer 2

If you really know what you are doing, and camping is allowed on the island, then yes.  If you are a beginner, and no camping, then no.  Channel Islands Harbor to Anacapa Island is a long paddle.  I believe it's about 14 miles one way.  I'm an experienced paddler, and a 14 mile day will seriously wear you out.  A 24 mile day (there and back) is a serious trek.  Out at sea you must take into account wind, wave and tides.  Paddling against even a small headwind can make for a seriously long day.

Check these guys out.  This club (in your area) paddles around the Channel Islands all the time.  They'll have some good gouge for you.  Check out their site ask them some questions, hang out with them on one of their trips, and you'll make some friends, have a good time, and probably won't die out at sea:

http://www.ckf.org/

Have fun, happy paddling.

Answer 3

You can kayak to wherever you want, but that doesn't guarantee you will make it......  Wherever you go, don't forget your passport...

Answer 4

I'm sure it's been done, but that doesn't mean it's easy.

It's roughly 14 miles from Channel Island Harbor to Anacapa, probably 5 miles further to Santa Cruz, and you have to cross a shipping lane. Those tankers don't slow down for a 60-foot sportfishing boat, and they cruise at close to 20 knots, so they wouldn't even see you, so you'd better watch out.

The swells can build up pretty big in the crossing, so make sure it's flat before setting out. (By big, I mean big enough to force a 60-foot sportfishing boat to have to quarter through them. From big boats, my observation is that the crossing from San Pedro to Catalina, while longer, is easier.) I wouldn't suggest doing it unless you have a backup boat following you.

Once you get there, you can land, but you need a permit to camp. See the park service website for details.