Landing at San Miguel Island is only allowed at Cuyler Harbor via skiff onto a beach. Visitors must be prepared to waterproof gear and possibly get wet.

San Miguel Island is owned by the US Navy and is open only when National Park Service personnel are on the island. A permit (including liability waiver) is required to visit the island. If you are traveling to San Miguel Island with Island Packers or Channel Islands Aviation they will provide the forms to you upon your reservation.

Private boaters can obtain the forms at a self-registration station at the Nidever Canyon trail head entry on San Miguel Island. It is the responsibility of private boaters to contact the park to ensure the island is open before coming ashore.

Visitors are required to stay on the designated island trail system. No off-trail hiking is permitted. The island was a former bombing range and there are possible unexploded ordnance.

In addition, visitors must be accompanied by a ranger beyond the ranger station. When not accompanied by a ranger, visitors may explore Cuyler Harbor beach, Nidever Canyon, the Cabrillo Monument, and the Lester Ranch site.