Santa Barbara Island, located 38 miles from the mainland, is a small but captivating destination in the Channel Islands National Park. Despite its seemingly barren appearance, this one-square-mile island surprises visitors with its diverse offerings, including resting elephant seals, vibrant yellow flowers, adorable Scripps's murrelet chicks, and a rich cultural history. The island's unique triangular shape, formed by underwater volcanic activity, features steep cliffs and a twin-peaked mesa. Native vegetation and wildlife have made a remarkable recovery after years of habitat loss, thanks to the restoration efforts of the National Park Service.
With its stunning coastal cliffs and rocky shores, Santa Barbara Island is a haven for seabird colonies and marine mammals. The island boasts 11 nesting species of seabirds, including the endangered California brown pelicans and one of the world's largest colonies of Scripps's murrelets. Visitors can observe thousands of western gulls nesting along the trailside and witness fluffy chicks taking flight in July. The island's waters offer opportunities for snorkeling, where colorful sea stars, spiny sea urchins, and vibrant Garibaldi fish can be spotted. California sea lions and harbor seals frequent the Landing Cove, adding to the island's vibrant marine ecosystem.
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