Our Introduction to Channel Islands National Park

Learning About Channel Islands NP

Our first introduction to Channel Islands National Park was at the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura, CA. As always, the center proved to be the necessary starting point for exploring Channel Islands National Park, also referred to as “America’s Galapagos.” In addition to a wealth of information about the park, we learned that we had to book the Island Packers ferry, offering daily trips, to visit the Channel Islands.

At the center’s auditorium, we watched the 25-minute movie, “A Treasure in the Sea”. An exhibition taught about the unique wildlife and rich history of the Channel Islands. From the viewing tower on the third floor, we got stunning views of Ventura Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, where on this beautiful sunny day, we could see Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands.

The Unique Ecosystem of the Channel Islands

Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary contain five unique islands: Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island, and Santa Barbara Island, and their surrounding ocean. The park and sanctuary are located near the California mainland, yet the islands have their own ecosystem. The islands’ long isolation led to the evolution of unique animals, plants, and archaeological sites that cannot be found anywhere else. Also, the rich mixture of warm and cold currents causes the upwelling of nutrients that support over 2,000 species of plants and animals.

Our Chosen Islands, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz

Based on the information we got, we opted for two visits. Santa Rosa Island, with its white sand beaches, rare Torrey pines, and rolling hills, and Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the islands, with rugged coastlines, canyons, and sea caves, including the famous Painted Cave.

Date

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

WEATHER

72 °F, gentle breeze