Anacapa IslandChannel Islands National Park, CA

Visibility is an estimate — wind, rain, tide & water alerts.

Getting in

Boat access only

Snorkeling

Not a shore snorkel; reached by boat

Best conditions

Visibility in the Landing Cove is usually very good, and it is the only water access on cliff-bound East Anacapa. NPS rates Anacapa among the park's best islands for diving and snorkeling.

Getting through the gate

Reached only by concession boat, about an hour each way, or by private vessel; the cliffs leave no road or shore access.

Protection

The Landing Cove sits inside the Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve, a no-take reserve where taking or possessing any marine life, or any geological or cultural resource, is prohibited. The separate State Marine Conservation Area to the west has different rules and allows recreational take of spiny lobster and pelagic finfish plus commercial take of spiny lobster. The reserve started in 2003 and joined the statewide network in 2012.

On site

restrooms

Watch for

Cold water, 55 to 70 F; the park recommends a wetsuit and hood, Strong, dangerous currents outside the sheltered coves, Strong east or Santa Ana winds from October through January, No lifeguards on the island

Checked 2026-07-21. Sources: NPS Channel Islands: Anacapa Island things to do, NPS Channel Islands: diving and snorkeling, CDFW: Anacapa Island State Marine Reserve, CDFW: Anacapa Island State Marine Conservation Area.