East Anacapa Coast

The island closest to the mainland among the Channel Islands is East Anacapa Island, seen below from the Santa Barbara Channel during the approach to the island. The island is about 14 miles from Ventura and about 11 miles from Oxnard. The name Anacapa may be derived from the Chumash word "Anyapakh" meaning mirage. Others credit the word "Eneepah" meaning "ever changing" or "deception." Gaspar de Portola sighted the Anacapa islands in 1769, and called them "Los Mesitos", meaning the "little tablelands." It is easy to see why such an appellation is appropriate.

East Anacapa Island is the most frequently visited of all the islands in the national park. It is the easiest to reach, and its restricted area makes it easy to explore. The three islets of Anacapa Island total nearly 5 miles in length, running primarily in a east to west direction. The westernmost point of the island is shown below.

The coast of East Anacapa Island features extremely steep cliffs, many of which contain a number of sea caves. The plateau is about 200 to 250 feet above the sea.

East Anacapa Island is primarily volcanic in origin.

Parts of the island have been extensively sculpted by wind and water. These rocks provide excellent areas for seabirds to perch.