The Channel Islands

Less than 60 miles off the coast of Ventura, California is the Channel Islands National Park. The water surrounding the islands is designated a National Marine Sanctuary. The five islands which are part of the park are named Santa Cruz, Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa. There are actually 8 islands in all, but San Nicholas and San Clemente Island are military reservations. Santa Catalina is also part of the chain.

At the end of Spinnaker Drive in Ventura Harbor is the Channel Islands National Park Visitor's Center, just across from the beach. Here you can find natural information on the islands through exhibits, a film and an indoor tide pool. There's also a bookstore. It's open every day with no admission fee.

To actually go to the Islands on a day trip is a whole other experience. These islands are so well preserved, it's like stepping back in time to how coastal Southern California used to be before man came. To get out there, you must take a plane or boat. Channel Islands Aviation has airplane service, while Island Packers Cruises has boats to take you out there amongst the birds, dolphins and blue whales. It takes about 45 minutes to get out there.

They have different choices available going to different islands, depending on the weather, time of year and tides. Island Packers Cruises is located at 1691 Spinnaker Drive, down the way from the Visitors Center, which is at 1901 Spinnaker Drive.

Things to do at this beautiful, uncrowded natural habitat include hiking, whale watching, bird watching, diving, snorkelling and kayaking.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/chis.