California
The Wildlife & Wonders of Channel Islands National Park
Program No. 1475860MEADV-0219
Explore the pristine ecology of Channel Islands National Park, discovering a wealth of unique flora, fauna and geology as you learn the islands’ story from local naturalists.
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
1
Registration, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Ventura, California
2
Channel Islands National Park, Largomarsino Visitor Center
Ventura, California
3
Island Full-day Field Trip by Boat
Ventura, California
4
Channel Islands Lecture, Ventura Botanical Gardens
Ventura, California
5
Island Full-day Field Trip by Boat
Ventura, California
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Ventura, California
At a Glance
Relatively untouched by modern culture, California’s Channel Islands National Park is an oasis of natural splendor. Journey by boat and experience two days inside the national park and enjoy the sea life along the way. Get up close to the island’s rich array of plant life, sea birds and mammals — some found nowhere else in the world – and explore Ventura like a local as you immerse yourself in the treasures of this region.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
If schedule for Anacapa Island, climbing 157 stairs from pier to island plateau, about 9 flights of stairs with railings. Walking up to two miles on uneven terrain and dirt hiking trails. Travel to islands by boat, weather permitting. Getting on and off a boat.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Join local naturalists who add expert insight during expeditions to Channel Islands National Park.
- Discover how the islands’ isolation has created a unique ecosystem as you study endemic plants and geology.
- Trace the human history from the native Chumash people to explorers, fur traders, ranchers and scientists.
General Notes
This program visits the Channel Islands two days during the week. Landing locations and islands will vary by date. Our program is planned far in advance, and the exact landing locations for 2025 will be determined when tide schedules are made available later in 2024 in conjunction with our vendor’s schedule. Boat trips to the Channel Islands are dependent on sea conditions, which can be rough, and subject to cancellation by the boat’s captain depending on ocean swell and wind conditions. Alternate plans on the mainland will be in place if an island field trip is cancelled.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Margery Spielman
Margery Spielman is an accomplished environmental artist, lecturer, naturalist and professional diver. As a scuba instructor and stunt diver, she worked underwater on numerous television productions and for many years, worked on freelance assignments for The Cousteau Society, doing research, logistics, diving, speaking and illustrating. Described as a visionary realist, she’s exhibited her artwork in major Marine Art Expos from Hawaii to Paris. For over 25 years, Margery’s been the leading Naturalist in Road Scholar’s Channel Islands programs.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Margery Spielman
View biography
Margery Spielman is an accomplished environmental artist, lecturer, naturalist and professional diver. As a scuba instructor and stunt diver, she worked underwater on numerous television productions and for many years, worked on freelance assignments for The Cousteau Society, doing research, logistics, diving, speaking and illustrating. Described as a visionary realist, she’s exhibited her artwork in major Marine Art Expos from Hawaii to Paris. For over 25 years, Margery’s been the leading Naturalist in Road Scholar’s Channel Islands programs.
Ken McAlpine
View biography
Ken McAlpine is an award-winning author who has written for various magazines ranging including National Geographic, winning three Lowell Thomas awards — travel writing's top award. Ken was born in Hong Kong and spent his childhood in Southeast Asia. He continued to travel throughout his life while writing, working on assignments from diving with white sharks to running the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Ken currently lives in Ventura and likes to stand in his yard at night, looking at the stars.
Suggested Reading List
(13 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Wildlife & Wonders of Channel Islands National Park
Program Number: 14758
California's Channel Islands: A History
The Channel Islands, a string of eight islands off the coast of Southern California, are home to stunning landscapes and remarkable biodiversity. This scholarly work covers ecology as well as natural and human history.
California the Beautiful
Rowell's exquisite photographs are accompanied by excerpts from Joan Didion, M.F.K. Fisher, Jack London, William Saroyan and many other luminaries in this celebration of the nature and spirit of California.
The Golden Shore, California's Love Affair With the Sea
In this eminently readable and well-researched tribute, Helvarg, an environmental journalist and filmmaker, considers the crosscurrents of culture, history, economy and myth that come together on the state’s golden shores.
Natural History of the Islands of California
Islands have always been fascinating places, their separateness evoking a sense of mystery and inspiring a yearning for exploration. California's islands are unique evolutionary laboratories, places where plants and animals have grown and interacted in isolation for millions of years. This comprehensive book discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Año Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. It is also useful as a field guide for visitors, and details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter.
The authors explore the formation of the islands; discuss the history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited the islands 12,000 years ago; and provide a thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of non-native animals and plants. Large herbivorous animals in particular have caused considerable damage, since island plants evolved in the absence of herbivores and therefore have no defenses against them.
Santa Cruz Island: A History of Conflict and Diversity
In this thorough history of the largest Channel Island, Gherini introduces the Chumash Indians who lived on the island in pre-Columbian times and details early European explorers and the Spanish-Mexican period, when the island became a haven for smugglers.
Justinian Caire and Santa Cruz Island: The Rise and Fall of a California Dynasty
One of the fabled Channel Islands of Southern California, Santa Cruz was once the largest privately owned island off the coast of the continental United States. This multifaceted account traces the island’s history from its aboriginal Chumash population to its acquisition by The Nature Conservancy at the end of the twentieth century. The heart of the book, however, is a family saga: the story of French émigré Justinian Caire and his descendants, who owned and occupied the island for more than fifty years. The author, descended from Caire, uses family archives unavailable to earlier historians to recount the full, previously untold story.
The author looks at the family’s daily life on the island from the mid-nineteenth into the twentieth century. This epic contains tragic elements, as well. Family diaries and letters enable Chiles to tell the story of an intensely private clan and its struggle to hold an island dynasty together.
Images of America: Ventura
Local historian Jackson covers the history of Ventura, California, from the dedication of Mission San Buenaventura to its present status as the Gateway to the Channel Islands and home to more than 100,000. Includes archival photos.
Channel Islands National Park
A National Geographic Trails Illustrated map of the Channel Islands at a scale of 1:25,000. Waterproof, durable and tear-resistant, it is the perfect map to take along to the islands.
Images of America: The California Channel Islands
Every day, thousands of Southern California residents see the California Channel Islands on the horizon, yet few can name all eight. Santa Catalina Island, third largest, is by far the best known. It is the only island with a city, Avalon, where dozens of hotels, shops, and restaurants await visitors year-round. Three of the islands are owned by the US Navy: San Clemente, San Nicolas, and San Miguel. Five islands fall within the boundaries of Channel Islands National Park: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands. Close to the mainland and yet worlds apart, scenic day trips and primitive camping opportunities are available on all five park islands.
Cultural anthropologist and author Marla Daily of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation has spent her career researching the histories of all eight islands. The California Historical Society bestowed upon Daily its Distinguished Service Award for her extraordinary service and dedicated efforts in preserving Channel Islands history.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to California
A compact, easy-to-use guide to 1,000 California trees, wildflowers, mammals, insects, birds and other flora and fauna.
California: A History (Modern Library Chronicles)
Arguing that America’s most populous state has always been blessed with both spectacular natural beauty and astonishing human diversity, Starr unfolds a rapid-fire epic of discovery, innovation, catastrophe, and triumph.
For generations, California’s native peoples basked in the abundance of a climate and topography eminently suited to human habitation. By the time the Spanish arrived in the early sixteenth century, there were scores of autonomous tribes were thriving in the region. Though conquest was rapid, nearly two centuries passed before Spain exerted control over upper California through the chain of missions that stand to this day.
The discovery of gold in January 1848 changed everything. With population increasing exponentially as get-rich-quick dreamers converged from all over the world, California reinvented itself overnight. Starr deftly traces the successive waves of innovation and calamity that have broken over the state since then–the incredible wealth of the Big Four railroad tycoons and the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906; the emergence of Hollywood as the world’s entertainment capital and of Silicon Valley as the center of high-tech research and development; the heroic irrigation and transportation projects that have altered the face of the region; the role of labor, both organized and migrant, in key industries from agriculture to aerospace.
Islands Apart: A Year on the Edge of Civilization
Author Ken McAlpine stands in his front yard one night in Ventura, California, trying to see the stars. His view is diminished by light pollution, making it hard to see much of anything in the sky. Our fast-paced, technologically advanced society, he concludes, is not conducive to stargazing or soul-searching. Taking a page from Thoreau's Walden, he decides to get away from the clamor of everyday life, journeying alone through California's Channel Islands National Park. There, he imagines, he might be able to "breathe slowly and think clearly, to examine how we live and what we live for." What he discovers about himself and the world we live in will inspire anyone who wishes they had the time to slow down and notice the wonders of nature and humanity.
Ken McAlpine is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Outside, Reader's Digest, and the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of Off-Season: Discovering America on Winter's Shore. He lives with his family in Ventura, California.
A Guide to East Santa Cruz Island: Road, Trails, Routes, Scrambles, Landslides
Don Morris's travel tips and authoritative accounts of the trails and routes available on East Santa Cruz Island, one of five islands preserved in the Channel Islands National Park, enable the hiker to enjoy this remote and beautiful island to the fullest. The legislation which established the CINP in 1980 emphasized the park's outstanding breeding grounds for seals and sea lions, beautiful and productive tide pools and kelp forests, and fabulous habitat for sea birds as well as its thousands of archeological sites, plants and animals that are found nowhere else.
Don Morris retired in 2001 from the National Park Service after serving for sixteen years as Park Archeologist at Channel Islands National Park, his final posting in a forty year National Park Service career. While at CINP, he had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the park on foot, by kayak, by plane and helicopter to acquire the knowledge presented in this guidebook.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Ventura, California
Program Concludes
Ventura, California
Meals
13
| 5B |
3L |
5D |
Activity Level
Relatively untouched by modern culture, California’s Channel Islands National Park is an oasis of natural splendor. Journey by boat and experience two days inside the national park and enjoy the sea life along the way. Get up close to the island’s rich array of plant life, sea birds and mammals — some found nowhere else in the world – and explore Ventura like a local as you immerse yourself in the treasures of this region.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Join local naturalists who add expert insight during expeditions to Channel Islands National Park.
- Discover how the islands’ isolation has created a unique ecosystem as you study endemic plants and geology.
- Trace the human history from the native Chumash people to explorers, fur traders, ranchers and scientists.
General Notes
This program visits the Channel Islands two days during the week. Landing locations and islands will vary by date. Our program is planned far in advance, and the exact landing locations for 2025 will be determined when tide schedules are made available later in 2024 in conjunction with our vendor’s schedule. Boat trips to the Channel Islands are dependent on sea conditions, which can be rough, and subject to cancellation by the boat’s captain depending on ocean swell and wind conditions. Alternate plans on the mainland will be in place if an island field trip is cancelled.
Featured Expert
Margery Spielman
Margery Spielman is an accomplished environmental artist, lecturer, naturalist and professional diver. As a scuba instructor and stunt diver, she worked underwater on numerous television productions and for many years, worked on freelance assignments for The Cousteau Society, doing research, logistics, diving, speaking and illustrating. Described as a visionary realist, she’s exhibited her artwork in major Marine Art Expos from Hawaii to Paris. For over 25 years, Margery’s been the leading Naturalist in Road Scholar’s Channel Islands programs.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Ken McAlpine
Ken McAlpine is an award-winning author who has written for various magazines ranging including National Geographic, winning three Lowell Thomas awards — travel writing's top award. Ken was born in Hong Kong and spent his childhood in Southeast Asia. He continued to travel throughout his life while writing, working on assignments from diving with white sharks to running the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Ken currently lives in Ventura and likes to stand in his yard at night, looking at the stars.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
If schedule for Anacapa Island, climbing 157 stairs from pier to island plateau, about 9 flights of stairs with railings. Walking up to two miles on uneven terrain and dirt hiking trails. Travel to islands by boat, weather permitting. Getting on and off a boat.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(13 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 3L | 5D |
6 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Registration, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Ventura, California
Meals:
D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please contact your group leader. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Weather in the Channel Islands can be unpredictable; indicated times should be considered provisional. Refer to the document attached in your information packet, “What to expect on your island days!” for more detailed information about the islands we will be visiting. Bring your personal, reusable water bottle on field trips. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Channel Islands National Park, Largomarsino Visitor Center
Location:
Ventura, California
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 15 mins. Walking up to 1/2 mile; generally flat terrain. Note: Islands accessible by park concessionaire boats. No motorized transportation on the islands; all areas accessed on foot; bicycles not allowed.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We start our morning with a geology lecture at the hotel. We will be joined by a local expert for a lecture about the geologic past of the Channel Islands. Trace the islands' history back millions of years and learn about the how the islands came to be where they are now. After the lecture, we will board a motor coach at the hotel and drive to the Channel Islands National Park Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura Harbor. There, we’ll watch a short movie, “Treasure in the Sea,” narrated by Kevin Costner. We’ll also meet and talk with park personnel, walk through the native plant garden, and view exhibits that highlight the natural and cultural features of the islands. We’ll then have some time for independent exploration to browse and enjoy the scenic view from the tower before walking into Harbor Village.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will be joined by our naturalist for an orientation covering the logistics and details of tomorrow's field trip to the islands. Learn about the geologic history and the animals that live in and around the islands.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner we will learn about the local Chumash community from a local expert. The Chumash have lived in what we now call the Southern California area for generations and have a connection with the Channel Islands. There are several communities of Chumash that live from the coast to the mountains whose populations were in the thousands prior to European contact.
Day
3
Island Full-day Field Trip by Boat
Location:
Ventura, California
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 5 miles, approx. 1/2 hour total. Getting on/off a boat, riding about 1 hour each way, dependent on ocean conditions. Walking up to 2 to 4 miles on uneven, dirt trails; if we go to Anacapa, climbing approx. 157 steps to island from pier, no elevator. Layered clothing, rubber-soled shoes recommended. Note: The boat captain will make decision about departure morning of based on ocean conditions. We will have alternate activities if boats cancel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will drive via motor coach to the harbor where we will board the Island Packers’ boat (foil assisted catamaran) to begin a full-day island field trip within Channel Islands National Park. Our program is planned far in advance, and the exact landing locations will be determined when tide schedules are made available later in 2024 in conjunction with our vendor’s schedule. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent before your program departure. One of the possible landings on the schedule could be Anacapa Island which includes climbing 157 steps to the island’s plateau; there is no elevator. Our field trip will include a naturalist-led hike on dirt trails within Channel Islands National Park. Our naturalist will split the group into smaller groups based on hiking ability. Participants will be able to choose between easy to moderate trails during our full day field trip to the islands. Note: Trips to the Channel Islands are weather-dependent and subject to cancellation by the boat’s captain depending on ocean conditions, which can be rough in the Santa Barbara Channel. Island Packers will closely monitor the wind, weather, and ocean swell when determining if it is safe to cross the channel to the islands. Should the island field trip be cancelled, we will have other activities planned on the mainland.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the island, we’ll have boxed lunches. There are few trash cans on the island. Our lunches are packed so that all trash can fit in a pocket to carry away. Please be sure you bring your reusable water bottle to the island.
Afternoon:
Our field trip on the island will continue through the afternoon. The boat will return to the mainland late afternoon between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Dinner:
At Aloha Steakhouse.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Channel Islands Lecture, Ventura Botanical Gardens
Location:
Ventura, California
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Walking a total of 1 mile at the botanical gardens on well-maintained dirt paths with incline up to 20% grade, total of 400 feet elevation gain within 1 mile. Walking 12 blocks to gardens from hotel on city streets and sidewalks. Any additional walking and other activities during independent exploration will be based on personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll gather with our expert for a presentation at the hotel to continue learning about what makes the Channel Islands so special. Our naturalist will give the group an orientation covering the logistics and details of tomorrow's field trip to the islands. Learn about the geologic history and the animals that live in and around the islands. About 1/3 the size of Rhode Island, these islands contain archaeological wonders. They have since been inhabited by Native American populations, who use tumols — canoe-like boats — to travel between the islands and the mainland. The oldest skeleton found in North America, believed to be nearly 13,000 years old, was discovered on Santa Rosa Island in 1959. After our morning lecture, we will walk toward downtown Ventura for our first field trip of the day to the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Explore the well-maintained dirt paths with curated gardens that represent five Mediterranean climate zones, which includes California. Enjoy beautiful views of the coast with the Channel Islands on the horizon.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon will be free for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you in Ventura. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on the Island Fox, an endemic species to the Channel Islands. This species almost went extinct from a shift in the ecosystem due to human use of DDT. Learn about the recovery story and current state of fox populations.
Day
5
Island Full-day Field Trip by Boat
Location:
Ventura, California
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 5 miles, approx. 1/2 hour total. Getting on/off a boat, riding about 1 hour each way, dependent on ocean conditions. Walking up to 2 to 4 miles on uneven, dirt trails; if we go to Anacapa, climbing approx. 157 steps to island from pier, no elevator. Layered clothing, rubber-soled shoes recommended. Note: The boat captain will make decision about departure morning of based on ocean conditions. We will have alternate activities if boats cancel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will drive via motor coach to the harbor where we will board the Island Packers’ boat (foil assisted catamaran) to begin a full-day island field trip within Channel Islands National Park. Our program is planned far in advance, and the exact landing locations will be determined when tide schedules are made available later in 2024 in conjunction with our vendor’s schedule. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent before your program departure. One of the possible landings on the schedule could be Anacapa Island which includes climbing 157 steps to the island’s plateau; there is no elevator. Our field trip will include a naturalist-led hike on dirt trails within Channel Islands National Park. Our naturalist will split the group into smaller groups based on hiking ability. Participants will be able to choose between easy to moderate trails during our full day field trip to the islands. Note: Trips to the Channel Islands are weather-dependent and subject to cancellation by the boat’s captain depending on ocean conditions, which can be rough in the Santa Barbara Channel. Island Packers will closely monitor the wind, weather, and ocean swell when determining if it is safe to cross the channel to the islands. Should the island field trip be cancelled, we will have other activities planned on the mainland.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot on the island, we’ll have boxed lunches. There are few trash cans on the island. Our lunches are packed so that all trash can fit in a pocket to carry away. Please be sure you bring your reusable water bottle to the island.
Afternoon:
Our field trip on the island will continue through the afternoon. The boat will return to the mainland late afternoon between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Wrap-up Session, Program Concludes
Location:
Ventura, California
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Channel Islands National Park and its 175 miles of pristine coastline are within 60 miles of 18 million people, yet it has fewer than 300,000 visitors a year — quite low for an American national park. In our closing session, we will be joined by a local author to hear about his journey of discovery on the islands. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
- Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
- Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
- Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
- Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 44 Reviews
Sort By:
Great trip. Experts from local area were very knowledgable. Hotel in great location but could use a few upgrades. All but one meal included and were very nice, even had a selection at restaurants. The wildlife from the boats was great, saw Humpback and Minke whales, dolphins, sea lions, and a great number of birds. Bring binoculars!! Wished it was longer with more islands!
— Review left October 30, 2024
A wonderful program visiting the Channel Island National Park. Terri, the group leaders was fantastic and the presentations and guest speakers were some of the best that I have experienced during my Road Scholar travels.
— Review left October 21, 2024
A well balanced trip. Short and concise (and fun) lectures that provide a wealth of information about this National park gem. Confortable accommodations in a great location. Expert and friendly leaders and lecturers. One of the best Road Scholar trips I have been on!
— Review left September 29, 2024
ROAD SCHLAR does the best!!!!!
— Review left September 23, 2024
The program was excellent! My friend and I attended together and had a great time with the other participants. There was one day when the weather impacted a trip to the islands, but the alternate activity was very satisfying. We flew into Santa Barbara airport and rented a car. That allowed us to do some further exploring in the area during our free time and on the last day before we flew home. Keep the Pace in this case did included so rigorous hiking but the hikes allowed for several options to accommodate most everyone in the group. I will definitely, travel with Road Scholar in the future.
— Review left September 15, 2024
We're just back from visiting two of the Channel Islands off the coast of Ventura in California. One of us is a native Californian, but neither one of us knew anything about them until now. The trip was excellent. The instructors were all experts in their fields and their presentations were all engaging. Our group leader was thoroughly knowledgeable about the area and the islands and a pleasure to be with. The balance of talks and activity was perfect. The hotel and transportation were comfortable. We enjoyed the company of the other participants and hope to keep in touch with several. We were well prepared for the activity level and the weather. Highly recommend.
— Review left May 27, 2024
Excellent presentation of the Channel Island and their rich history and environment.
— Review left May 20, 2024
5 stars for this adventure!
The Channel Islands are hidden gems off the coast of California. The islands mainly are in their natural state and undeveloped. To learn about the history, native plants, and animals on the islands, Road Scholar provided excellent lecturers.
On the way to Anacapa Island, we saw dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, sea gulls, and whales swimming together. Santa Cruz Island was full of flowers and some island foxes. We got to choose the type of hike we wanted to do: easy (flat), medium (steep at the start of the trail, 2 1/2 miles), or harder (steep at the start, 5 miles).
Lisa was a terrific group leader and the lunches and dinners were fantastic! During May, bring a knit cap and pants as it is foggy most of the day.
— Review left May 20, 2024
Channel Island National Park is a great place to get a glimpse of what California was like years ago.
— Review left April 15, 2024
Superb program coordinated efficiently by Terri with many expert speakers and extremely knowledgable guides on the two Island Packers outings to Santa Cruz. Wonderful sightings included whales (grey and humpback,) a pod of common dolphins and my 'targeted' rarities on Santa Cruz , the Island Fox and Island Scrub Jay.
The Ventura Botanical Garden visit deserved more than an hour to explore but the 'free-time' afternoon gave a couple of us a chance to re-visit and enjoy its wonders.
— Review left April 3, 2024
An adventure! Small group size made it more comfortable. Instructors and leaders excelled in their patience, humor, and knowledge. Well thought out lectures.
— Review left October 1, 2023
This is an interesting trip within the US. The environment is unique and it leaves you with a broader view of wildlife in a wild area.
— Review left June 4, 2023
We've been to six national parks previously with Road Scholar, but this ranks among the best. Why? It would be extremely difficult to get to these islands, without the assistance of Road Scholar. Our guide, Lisa, was exceptional as were all the other guides leading the hikes. The wildlife was amazing, including a megapod of dolphins. Our hotel was right on the beach. One caveat. We flew into Santa Barbara and used the transportation service recommended by Road Scholar. They just scheduled a Lyft car to pick us up. The car service price was twice that of Lyft. So if you fly into Santa Barbara just use Lyft or Uber.
— Review left May 25, 2023
This program was just plain fun for me. The leaders’ sense of humor was adds so much to the enjoyment. Getting to see the varied flora and fauna was wonderful. Nature and fun; what more can one ask.
— Review left May 20, 2023
In spite of the Pineapple Express storms, this program never missed a beat in providing a fun and interesting trip.
— Review left April 15, 2023
We were very pleased with the trip even though the boat trips had to be cancelled. The speakers and leaders were outstanding.
I do suggest that you reconsider recommending Ventura Shuttle Service. Their vans were small and old. The necessity of finding a taxi to the Crowne Plaza from The Sheraton was more difficult that you might think. There was a much better shuttle available and we took it for the return to LAX. I think it was called Silver Wing Shuttle or something like that. It was the same company that drove us around in the large buses.
— Review left April 5, 2023
Jenny is a fantastic leader and all the speakers were excellent. It was unfortunate that the weather was awful and impossible to actually go to the Islands but I still learned alot.
— Review left March 29, 2023
I learned a lot about the Channel Islands. The naturalists on the hikes were excellent. The on land presentations were well organized.
— Review left February 24, 2023
A great program that many may overlook due to complexity of "getting there"
directions.
— Review left February 5, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar trip. Channel Islands, whales, porpoises, island fox. Loved the leaders, the food, the other folks on the trip, and the hotel right on the beach. I am ready for my next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left November 5, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar Trip. It met all of my expectations above and beyond what I was hoping it would be. The entire trip was well organized. The staff was friendly and thorough. Road Scholar is an excellent way to travel.
— Review left October 13, 2022
Excellent presenters; wonderful location. Terri is an outstanding group leader. Trips to the islands provide a window into diverse ecosystems and an opportunity to step outside the noise and constant activity of our usual lives. The program lives up to its rating "Keep the Pace," but there are options for levels within that rating - easy, medium, or strenuous hikes. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left September 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this trip to a completely new place! I had never heard of the Channel Islands. The program was a good mix of very interesting speakers and visits to two of the islands with opportunities for varying levels of walking and hiking.
— Review left September 1, 2022
Learned so much about the Channel Islands. Was glad we could get to Santa Rosa island and see the Painted Cave. Group leaders and lecturers were terrific and it was wonderful to have them as guides on our hikes. I really enjoying exploring our National Parks.
— Review left May 23, 2022
Even if you know the West Coast well, a trip to these Northern Channel Islands will be eye-opening. The largest islands (Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa) are each 4 to 5 times the size of Manhattan. This is one of the places where the peopling of North America began; flora and fauna on these islands can be found no where else. The mountainous terrain, far out to sea, has many surprises; often you feel that you are turning the pages of a book by Dr. Seuss. The Road Scholar folks make this all make sense
— Review left May 21, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed learning about these magical islands. Then the first hand island experience was icing on the cake. Jenny is the best Group Leader!
— Review left March 29, 2022
We had an enjoyable tour and learned a lot about the Channel Islands. Everybody was very nice and friendly and we came home feeling happy and refreshed. We are planning on signing up for future tours
— Review left March 27, 2022
Please update travel info for this trip. It should show how to get from the airport to the Crowne Plaza, and should include information about the airport shuttle.
— Review left March 8, 2022
Great Trip! Excellent Experience! Exceeded My Expectations!
— Review left February 5, 2022
The survey did not give an opportunity for general comments.
— Review left November 15, 2021
Our tour experience was amazing. The leader worked to manage a "larger than usual" group; even though hiking was a big part of at least two of the days, accommodations were made for all levels of activity. Being out in nature again and learning about one of the hidden gems within California was empowering and a very memorable experience.
— Review left November 2, 2021
Program content and the boat trips and the time on the islands were very good. Organizational aspects of the trip (i.e., handing out tickets, lunches and start of hikes) seemed inefficient and somewhat confusing. Naturalists who spoke and led the hikes were excellent!
Overall, a good trip with Rhode Scholar.
— Review left October 26, 2021
An Awesome Adventure. Experiencing National Park on Islands was Magical
— Review left October 23, 2021
A really interesting trip. The Islands are beautiful and the boat rides fantastic. Not as active as I would have liked. Be forewarned , the food at the hotel is terrible and most meals are there. The hotel itself is very nice.
— Review left October 16, 2021
GREAT PROGRAM FOR PART OF California MANY PEOPLE DONT KNOW OF,CHANNELL ISLANDS GREAT TO VISIT
— Review left September 6, 2021
The Channel Islands are the best kept secret. This was an outstanding program and trip. I would highly recommend it. I would personally like to return and volunteer on one of the islands.
— Review left March 15, 2020
Wonderful views, bracing air, native plants and animals and islands! What could be more delightful? A mega pod of dolphins and gray whales spouting added in.
— Review left February 24, 2020
It was allot chillier than we expected, and we were disappointed we didn't get to other parts of the various islands, but given the circumstances it was over all a very good trip.
— Review left June 11, 2019
Very interesting and educational program. Well organized and informative lectures and hikes. The lecturers had a vast wealth of information to share. I learned many new things that have changed my perspective on saving our earth's native plants and animals.
— Review left June 8, 2019
Stop sending catalogs through the U.S. mail. It is a terrible waste of paper. When I want to plan a trip, I will go to your websit.
— Review left March 21, 2019
Friendly, informative, well taken care for a program that educates.
— Review left March 15, 2019
The Road Scholar Program to Channel Island National Park was fantastic for me. Our professional speakers taught us so much before we even went to the Islands. We went to the Visitors Center, visited an Archaeological museum,watched videos, heard from naturalists and a National Park Service archeologist. We really understood the history and what to think about and look for when we went to the Channel Islands.
— Review left February 18, 2019
Excellent program! The Channel Islands are beautiful and this program is a perfect way to see and learn about them.
— Review left February 17, 2019
As my first Road Scholar trip, the Channel Islands National Park Trip provided a balance of excellent lectures and physical activity. While severe weather can alter plans, the beauty of the park and the marine sanctuary around the islands was stunning. I gained new knowledge, new friends, new experiences, and new insights. It was great for solo travelers, too!
— Review left February 11, 2019
