Channel Islands National Park Open for Visitors

Channel Islands National Park reopens for visitors today. The five islands within Channel Islands National Park have been closed since October 1 due to the lapse in Congressional Appropriations.

Channel Islands National Park is part of a system of over 400 National Park Service sites across the country that serve over 300 million visitors each year.

“We are happy to be back at work serving the American people and welcoming visitors to their national park,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau. “Now is a great time to visit the Channel Islands with the fall conditions showcasing some of the best diving in the world along with opportunities to kayak, surf, hike, or camp on the islands.”

The winter season is a great time to go whale watching and see the gray whales as they migrate in the Santa Barbara Channel from January through March. About one-third of the cetacean species found worldwide can be seen in the prolific waters of Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.