Travelers To California's Most Remote Channel Island Will See A Jaw-Dropping Wildlife Spectacle

As the world becomes more digitally connected, it's becoming almost impossible to escape the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. This is especially true in California, where the cities are always bustling with activities. However, beyond the well-known cities or the popular tourist destinations on the West Coast, a remote location on the Channel Islands stands out as the epitome of isolation in nature. San Miguel Island, one of the five Islands on the Channel Islands, which also includes a national park that lets you explore one of the world's largest sea caves, is a unique habitat offering an untouched sanctuary and breeding ground for native wildlife. Nature thrives in this secluded haven without the heavy interference of human development.

Today, the 8-mile-long and 4-mile-wide island is awash with dense greenery, but that has not always been the case. For more than 100 years, it was overgrazed until San Miguel Island was no more than a useless sand bar. Still, through various ecosystem recovery processes, it is one of the best remote islands for wildlife spotting in Southern California today. The isolated landmass offers a glimpse into a simpler, more authentic, and more primal way of life, making it ideal for anyone seeking real adventure and escape.

Spanning about 9,500 acres of rugged landscapes and lush foliage, San Miguel Island is home to seal colonies, marine life, and many sea birds. The main draw of the island (the seals and sea lions) can be spotted on the 27-mile shoreline, mating, sparring, and sunning themselves. Some of the animals you will see include harbor seals, California sea lions, Northern fur seals, and elephant seals.  To witness the unique animal colony at specific times of the year, campers can join the guided 16-mile round-trip hike to Point Bennett. Here, you can see thousands of San Miguel Island's resident seals going out to sea or lounging around in winter.

Other famous residents of the Island are the island fox and deer mouse. The two can only be found on the island –– nowhere else on earth. Though about the size of a small dog, the island fox is the biggest terrestrial mammal on the island. The charismatic canine can be spotted around campgrounds. Birdwatchers head to the Island in summer or spring for a chance to see our feathered friends soar the skies. While you won't get the same experience as the best birdwatching destination to visit in America, you will receive a warm welcome from land birds like song sparrows and 13 other nesting seabird species, like California brown pelicans from the nearby Prince Island. When it comes to marine life, the surrounding San Miguel waters do not disappoint either. Porpoises, dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, and killer whales are always roaming the coastal waters. 

Just like these national parks that are the hardest to see, visiting San Miguel Island is not for the faint-hearted. If you are coming from afar, you will have to fly to one of the airports near the visitor centers in Santa Barbara or Ventura: Santa Barbara Municipal Airport or Los Angeles International (LAX). The former is about 7 miles from Santa Barbara Harbor and 37 miles from Ventura Harbor. LAX is about 100 miles from Santa Barbara Harbor, driving via US-101 North, and about 70 miles from Ventura Harbor, also via US-101 North. Then, take public transportation or drive from the airport to the harbors. From the harbor, the only way to San Miguel Island is by boat, mostly those operated by Island Packers or private boat charters. There are no flights.

The trip takes about four hours from Ventura Harbor with stops at Santa Rosa Islands or Santa Cruz. The schedules vary depending on the weather and seasons, so be sure to check before you plan your trip. Also, there are no docks, so landings are made through a small skiff. Be prepared to waterproof or even get wet. Strong winds are also not uncommon. In addition, visitors must get a permit that includes a liability waiver to visit San Miguel Island. Companies like Island Packers and Channel Islands Expeditions usually provide the form after you make a reservation with them.