Getting Oriented

Channel Islands National Park includes five of the eight Channel Islands and the nautical mile of ocean that surrounds them. The islands range in size from 1-square-mi Santa Barbara to 96-square-mi Santa Cruz. Together they form a magnificent nature preserve with 145 endemic or unique species of plants and animals. Half the park lies underwater, and the 5 mi of surrounding channel waters are teeming with life, including dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, and seabirds.