Fees · Destination Guide
Channel Islands
Cold water kelp forests, sea caves, and wild islands close to California yet worlds apart
Key fee: Channel Islands National Park entrance
Free
Fees · Destination Guide
Cold water kelp forests, sea caves, and wild islands close to California yet worlds apart
Key fee: Channel Islands National Park entrance
Free
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Budget primarily for transportation and camping rather than park entrance fees. There is no charge to enter Channel Islands National Park, but ferries, campgrounds, and any fishing or spearfishing require payments and permits.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands National Park entrance | Free Per visit | All visitors | Not required | There is no entrance fee or park pass requirement for the Channel Islands. You still pay for ferries, camping, and charters. |
| Island ferry fares | Typically USD $70 to $182 round trip Per person, per trip | Day visitors and campers using park ferries | Directly from the ferry concessionaire online or by phone | Fares vary by island and whether you are camping or day tripping. Outer island and camper fares cost more than Anacapa or Santa Cruz day trips, and fuel surcharges may apply. |
| National Park campground reservations | USD $15 per site per night Per site, per night | Overnight visitors in park campgrounds | Recreation.gov campground listings for each island | Fees cover a combination of reservation costs and campground maintenance. Reservations are required, and there are no walk up sites. |
| California recreational fishing license | Varies by residency and duration Daily, multi day, or annual options | Anyone fishing or spearfishing in state waters, with limited exemptions for minors | California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or licensed retailers | A valid fishing license and any required ocean enhancement stamps are mandatory outside no take marine reserves, and all state and federal regulations still apply. |
| Sanctuary and marine protected area rules | No direct fee Ongoing; subject to regulatory updates | All visitors on and under the water | Regulations available from park, sanctuary, and state wildlife agencies | Marine reserves prohibit take of living, geological, or cultural resources, while conservation areas allow limited, tightly regulated extraction. Violations can result in significant fines, so always verify current maps and rules before your trip. |
Fee
Per visit
There is no entrance fee or park pass requirement for the Channel Islands. You still pay for ferries, camping, and charters.
Per person, per trip
Fares vary by island and whether you are camping or day tripping. Outer island and camper fares cost more than Anacapa or Santa Cruz day trips, and fuel surcharges may apply.
Per site, per night
Fees cover a combination of reservation costs and campground maintenance. Reservations are required, and there are no walk up sites.
Daily, multi day, or annual options
A valid fishing license and any required ocean enhancement stamps are mandatory outside no take marine reserves, and all state and federal regulations still apply.
Ongoing; subject to regulatory updates
Marine reserves prohibit take of living, geological, or cultural resources, while conservation areas allow limited, tightly regulated extraction. Violations can result in significant fines, so always verify current maps and rules before your trip.