There’s no better place on Anacapa Island to view sea lions and seals than Pinniped Point, named for the types of animals that live there. Make a stop at this spot after walking an easy trail around East Anacapa, or visit Pinniped Point by kayak.
Learn more about Anacapa Island’s native species before visiting Pinniped Point to see the seals and sea lions. As part of the Channel Islands National Park, Anacapa Island provides a habitat for multiple types of pinnipeds, including California sea lions, harbor seals, northern elephant seals and northern fur seals. Here, they can breed and live in a protected environment.
Follow the sounds of the barking sea lions as you make your way through Anacapa Island on signed trails that take you to Pinniped Point. Start at the visitor center, and then walk a short distance on the trails until you reach the south part of East Anacapa.
Wander past a fuel building on the trail, then stop to look at the Iceplant Water Tank located just before the lookout point. The Iceplant Water Tank holds fresh water brought over from the mainland, used to water the native plant species that at one time were taken over by the invasive red-flowered iceplant.
Bring your camera to Pinniped Point to capture the seals and sea lions frolicking in the water and sitting peacefully in the sun. When you’re finished enjoying the view, continue on the trail around Anacapa Island or hike back the way you came towards the visitor center.
Hiking to Pinniped Point is free, but you must access Anacapa Island by boat. Pack food and water to take with you, as the remoteness of the island means that there are no food services available. Stick to the signed paths to ensure you do not damage any wildlife or encounter unexpected cliff edges. The trails leading from the visitor center to Pinniped Point are marked as easy, which means you will encounter mostly flat surfaces and trails suitable for inexperienced hikers.
