Anacapa Island is located off the southern coast of California in the Pacific Ocean, east of Santa Cruz Island. It lies near Santa Barbara and Ventura and is situated at approximately 34.0100° N latitude and 119.4200° W longitude.
Anacapa Island Location Map
Google Map of Anacapa Island, California, United States
About Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island is located off the southern coast of California in the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Channel Islands. The island lies east of Santa Cruz Island and north of Santa Barbara, within the Santa Barbara Channel.
Geographically, Anacapa Island is situated at approximately 34.0100° North latitude and 119.4200° West longitude. It is separated from the California mainland by the Santa Barbara Channel and is accessible mainly by boat. Nearby locations include Santa Cruz Island to the west, Santa Barbara on the mainland, and Ventura to the southeast.
According to available records, Anacapa Island has no permanent civilian population, with only park staff and researchers present at times. The island covers a total land area of about 1.1 square miles (2.9 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller Channel Islands.
Anacapa Island is best known for its dramatic sea cliffs, natural rock arch, and seabird colonies. As part of Channel Islands National Park, the island features scenic coastal views, historic lighthouse sites, and protected marine environments.
Anacapa Island Facts
| Island Name | Anacapa Island |
| Native Names | Anyapakh (Chumash) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Continent | North America |
| State | California |
| County | Ventura County |
| Location | Pacific Ocean, easternmost of the Channel Islands off Southern California |
| Coordinates | Approx. 34.01° N, 119.42° W |
| Area | Approximately 1.1 sq mi (2.9 Sq Km) |
| Length | About 5 miles (8 km) |
| Width | Up to 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
| Highest Point | Summit Peak - 930 ft (283 m) |
| Population | No permanent residents (park staff only) |
| Administrative Status | Part of Channel Islands National Park |
| Ownership | National Park Service |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Calling / Area Code | 805 |
| ZIP Code | 93001 (Ventura Harbor - access point) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone - UTC -8 (PST), UTC -7 (PDT) |
| Climate | Mediterranean coastal climate |
| Geography | Three narrow islets with steep sea cliffs, rocky shores, and small coves |
| Famous Landmark | Anacapa Island Lighthouse |
| Flora & Fauna | Seabirds, island scrub, tidepool marine life |
| Tourist Activities | Day hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing |
| Access | Boat tours from Ventura Harbor |
| Famous For | Iconic lighthouse, seabird nesting sites, dramatic cliffs |
Attractions in Anacapa Island, California
- Inspiration Point - Scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby Channel Islands.
- Anacapa Island Lighthouse - Historic lighthouse perched atop cliffs with sweeping ocean vistas.
- Cathedral Cove - Dramatic sea cave area known for kayaking and towering rock formations.
- Arch Rock - Iconic natural sea arch and one of the most photographed landmarks on the island.
- Frenchy’s Cove - Small landing cove with access to trails and scenic coastal views.
- Anacapa Island Trails - Easy walking paths along cliffs with interpretive signs and ocean scenery.
- Seabird Nesting Colonies - Important habitat for brown pelicans, cormorants, and other seabirds.
- Tide Pools - Rocky shoreline pools showcasing colorful marine life.
- Whale Watching Areas - Coastal viewpoints ideal for spotting migrating gray and humpback whales.
- Channel Islands National Park - Protected parkland preserving the island’s unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Distance from Anacapa Island to California Cities
- Anacapa Island, CA - 0 km (0 miles)
- Ventura, CA - 20 km (12 miles)
- Oxnard, CA - 25 km (16 miles)
- Santa Barbara, CA - 35 km (22 miles)
- Santa Monica, CA - 65 km (40 miles)
- Los Angeles, CA - 75 km (47 miles)
- Long Beach, CA - 90 km (56 miles)
- San Diego, CA - 200 km (124 miles)
- Monterey, CA - 320 km (199 miles)
- San Francisco, CA - 400 km (249 miles)
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