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Anacapa Island Sea Caves Map: 135 Cave Survey & Index



Anacapa Island hiking trail with ocean views


Sea kayaking through Anacapa Island sea caves


Anacapa Island Geography and Maritime History

Anacapa Island, a critical segment of Channel Islands National Park, is composed of three distinct islets: East, Middle, and West Anacapa. Famous for the iconic Arch Rock and its rugged volcanic cliffs, the island’s littoral geomorphology includes a staggering 135 documented sea caves. This cartographic index provides the dimensions and locations necessary for maritime research and sea kayaking navigation.

Government and Management

Anacapa Island is managed by the National Park Service as part of Channel Islands National Park. Regulations and visitor management are in place to protect its natural resources and wildlife.

Access and Visitation

Cartographic Features and Littoral Caves

Navigational Conditions and Wildlife Zones

Comparison with Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is larger and offers more extensive hiking opportunities and historical sites, making it popular for visitors interested in longer treks and historical exploration.

Additional Tips

Anacapa Island provides a fascinating glimpse into California's coastal ecology and history, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.



Official Anacapa Island Sea Cave Inventory

This inventory provides critical data for maritime researchers and sea kayaking navigation. Understanding entrance widths and surge conditions is vital for safe exploration of the Anacapa littoral zone.

Cave Name Length (m) Entrance (W x H) Conditions / Info
The Catacombs 246m 6' x 6' Predominantly wet; multi-chambered
Cathedral Cave 241m 21' x 6' Predominantly wet; multi-chambered
Three Door Cave 180m 5' x 4' Predominantly wet; multiple entrances
Three Fingers Cave 149m 15' x 11' Predominantly wet; surge; multiple entrances
Frenchy's Cave 128m 9' x 15' Predominantly wet; high visibility landmark
Starfish Cave 128m 5' x 2' Predominantly wet; multiple entrances
Complex Chasm Cave 119m 4' x 5' Predominantly wet; technical navigation
Long Beach Cave 113m 5' x 5' Predominantly wet; multi-chambered
Collapsing Cave 108m 3' x 4' Predominantly wet; multiple entrances
Dead Seal Cave 100m 15' x 18' Predominantly wet; significant aperture
Cat's Eye Cave #1 18m 2' x 4' Predominantly wet; small aperture

*The full inventory includes 135 documented caves. Data is intended for general reference and name identification only.

Anacapa Island — Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park Anacapa Island Kayaking Map shows the approximate locations of the island’s sea caves. The survey of the sea caves was taken back in the eighties before Google Earth and more accurate GPS. Because of this, some sea cave locations can be a little off.

This sea cave map is to be used for general name and sea cave location reference only. For more information on kayaking around the sea caves, contact the National Park Service or one of the many kayak tour companies that are licensed with the National Park. Some areas are closed during sea bird (Pelican) nesting season. Also, visit our Santa Cruz Island Sea Caves Map.

Make sure you visit the National Park Service site for visitor information and rules on visiting Channel Islands National Park.
map copyright 2024 CCCarto.com
Great books to read about the Channel Islands - Sea Caves of Anacapa Island, Sea Caves of Santa Cruz Island, Diary of a Sea Captain's Wife: Tales of Santa Cruz Island, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Legendary King of San Miguel, and San Miguel Island: My Childhood Memoir, 1930-1942

Anacapa Island Reserves

Anacapa Island marine reserves and protected zones map





Aerial Data Source: Google Maps copyright cccarto Data Source: State of California, NPS


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Copyright CCCarto 2024