News Release

Channel Islands National Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 16, 2020
Contact: Yvonne Menard, [phone]

Channel Islands National Park is announcing modifications in operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. 

As of March 16, 2020, the park’s mainland visitor center in the Ventura Harbor is closed until further notice. The five remote islands that comprise Channel Islands National Park remain open to public visitation. However, current access will only be via private vessel. 

The park’s boat transportation concessioner Island Packers announced a two-week halt to their public transportation services as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The cancellation in boat services includes all landing and non-landing trips. 

Virtual visits to the park and are popular via webcams at Channel Islands Live where you can experience the kelp forest, one of the richest marine environments in the world. These and many more wildlife webcams are provided by our partner explore.org. 

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Channel Islands National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations. Campers can contact recreation.gov to request refunds for any trips affected by the boat concession cancellations.