Go on a ranger led 15 mile round trip hike across the island to Point Bennett to view seals and sea lions. Hiking and camping permits must be obtained in advance. Boat landing is permitted only at Cuyler Harbor. Day use of the beach does not require a permit. What to See California sea lions and, in winter, elephant seals breed here.
Bird watching is superb.
Western gulls, xantus murrelets and brown pelicans nest on the island plateaus and cliffs. Land birds, including barn owls, American kestrels, horned tarks and meadowlarks nest here. Although not commonly seen, the island deer mouse and the island night lizard, a threatened species, live on the island. There is an abundance of wildlife on Santa Barbara, primarily sea birds and marine mammals. This is a good area to view the underwater life, in the warmer waters of this southernmost island in the park.