Experience Santa Rosa Island during our 2nd Annual AUTUMN EQUINOX CRUISE!
Join community members and environmental experts ONLY on Thursday, September 22
Please contact volunteer@cirweb.org for questions and information regarding this event.
Channel Islands Restoration has partnered with Island Packers to bring you an exclusive trip to the beautiful and remote
Santa Rosa Island, where you will enjoy spectacular views, great company, and ample time to enjoy island life among friends.
You’ll learn about the island history, geology, and ecology among peers and like-minded environmental enthusiasts!
Join us in exploring sandy white beaches, visiting the rare Torrey Pines, hiking the breathtaking Cherry Canyon, and much more! All proceeds will go toward CIR’s conservation work and helping to restore the native plant and animal communities found on the Channel Islands and adjacent mainland.
Bring family or friends and share your own private tour of Santa Rosa Island together!
We are currently sold out, please contact volunteer@cirweb.org to join our waitlist.
Our 2022 Cruise is Sponsored By Bourke Wealth Management and Island Packers
Thank you to all of our wonderful guests from last year, we can’t wait to see you again!
A Few Highlights Of Our Itinerary….
The Pristine White Beaches of Bechers Bay & Water Canyon
Water Canyon offers exceptional island views, access to hiking opportunities and white sandy beaches. High mountains with deeply cut canyons give way to gently rolling grass-covered hills, extensive beaches and coastal wetlands. Our day-trip options include an easy nature walk of Water Canyon to see the diverse array of plant and animal species that make-up the island's unique environment.
Found Only Here. Visit The Torrey Pines Grove.
Santa Rosa Island is one of only two places that Torrey Pines exist in the world! This extremely rare species of pine trees are found only on this island and in San Diego. At 26-56 ft tall, standing alone on this isolated patch of coast, the Torrey Pines are magnificent in scale and a must-see for any day-trip to Santa Rosa Island. Exposure to the elements have twisted these trees into beautiful shapes that spark the imagination and provide incredible photographic opportunities.
Plus Unique Geology, Ecology and History Found No Where Else On Earth….
There is a lot to discover on Santa Rosa Island and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface! Santa Rosa Island is the second largest island in California at approximately 53,000 acres. It includes several plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth, over 100 birds and the endemic Channel Islands Fox. Evidence of fossils discovered on the island including miniature mammoths that were only around 5 feet tall. During our visit, you may see some of their remains! The island also has a long history of various inhabitants that have shaped the way the island culture has developed over time. Our guides will speak about the rich history of Santa Rosa Island and the relics and historical ranch found at Becher’s Bay.
Lobo Canyon on Santa Rosa Island is a prime example of the unique geological formations that one can expect to find while visiting for the day.
Meet Our Santa Rosa Island Guides & Program Options
Choose from seven distinct island adventures that will ensure that you’ll find something you enjoy doing during your visit! Learn about island ecology, geology, history, and more with our expert guides. Plus, an exclusive trip benefit for all attendants. Guests will have the choice of one program for their trip for the protection of our park lands.
#1 Cherry Canyon Botany Walk with Botanist Steve Junak
An easy guided nature walk of Cherry Canyon.
Will include frequent stops to view plants.
Route Planned: From Historical Ranch to Cherry Canyon Loop
Total Distance Covered: 3.5 mile round trip loop
Steve has recently retired from his longtime position as the Garden’s Herbarium Curator. He is an active researcher and expert on the flora of the islands of California and Baja California. Steve holds an M.A. in botany, has led field trips for more than 25 years, and has co-authored several books on the Channel Islands including A Flora of San Nicolas Island and Flora of Santa Cruz Island. We’re excited to have Steve lead a trip to Cherry Canyon for a unique botanical experience.
#2 Cherry Canyon Hike with Educational Guide
Long-time Channel Islands Restoration Volunteer Greg Giloth
A guided nature hike of Cherry Canyon.
Allotted time allows for free time at Water Canyon Beach.
Route Planned: From Historical Ranch to Cherry Canyon Loop
Total Distance Covered: 3.5 mile round trip + .5 Water Canyon Beach
Greg Giloth has co-led or participated in dozens of group excursions to the Channel Island and wild backcountry of Santa Barbara County.
He has hiked, backpacked and imparted information about the local wilderness to hundreds of volunteers and community members.
He will be leading a hike of Cherry Canyon that will include time for exploring Water Canyon Beach and the island ranch.
#3 Torrey Pines Grove with Trail Specialist Dave Edwards
A quick hike to the Torrey Pines Grove.
For experienced hikers only, limited spots.
Route Planned: Along East Point Road To Torrey Pines Loop Clockwise
Total Distance Covered: 6.5
Dave Edwards is the Trail Crew Coordinator for the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council and is a knowledgeable trail guide, hiker, backpacker and outdoorsman. Dave will be leading a hike to the incredible Torrey Pines Grove, one of the few places on earth to witness this incredible tree. This excursion is made for island visitors who want to feel a strong sense of accomplishment from their journey to Santa Rosa and is the suggested day-option for experienced hikers.
#4 Water Canyon + Water Canyon Beach with Rich Powell
An easy hike to the Water Canyon Camp then to Water Canyon Beach.
Route Planned: Through the ranch, along East Point to Water Canyon
Total Distance Covered: 3.94 total round trip
Rich Powell will be giving the introduction and orientation for our attendees during our Santa Rosa Island event. Rich is a significant contributor to CIR and is considered to be highly knowledgeable on the island, having spent considerable time on Santa Rosa. Rich will be leading a trip to the Water Canyon Campground then heading over to Water Canyon Beach for some sightseeing and relaxation
#5 Complete Coastal Walk of Santa Rosa Island with John Kuizenga
An extended coastal hike exploring the coast of Santa Rosa Island.
For individuals with hiking experience strongly recommended.
Route Planned: Along East Point Road
Stops at Water Canyon, Black Rock, and the base of Torrey Pines
Total Distance Covered: 4.9 out and back
John has volunteered to lead discussions on-board regarding the aquatic life in the Santa Barbara Channel. He is an environmental advocate and leads discussions about the Condor cruises out of Santa Barbara Harbor. John is also knowledgeable about pelagic birds. He is on the Scientific Subcommittee of the Santa Barbara Audubon Society. John will be leading the Complete Coastal Walk of Santa Rosa Island which will include stops at Water Canyon, Black Rock and The Base of Torrey Pines. This program option is suggested for experienced hikers who want to spend more time traversing and sightseeing on Santa Rosa Island.
#6 Geology Talk and Beach Walk with Geologist Sabina Thomas
A hike along the coastal bluff trail & may include an easy beach walk.
Includes discussions on geology, scenery, and island features
Route Planned: Ranch House to Coastal Trail to Beach
Total Distance Covered: 3.0 miles walk along the coastal trail
Sabina Thomas obtained her PhD in Geology at the Technische Universität of Berlin, Germany. Her focus was on fluid-rock exchange in metamorphic environments of the Alps.
Currently working at Santa Barbara City College in the geology department, she understands the geographic history and seismic activities that have gone into shaping Santa Rosa Island and the Channel Islands of California.
Sabina will be leading a geology walk and tour of the beach (tide permitting) that will cover topics related to geology and topical island features.
#7 Anthropology and Island History with Anthropologist Jennifer Perry
An easy tour of the ranching house and history of Santa Rosa Island.
Suggested for guests less inclined to walk as far during their visit.
Route Planned: Staying at the Ranch House and Main Bechers Bay
Total Distance Covered: 1.0 - 2.0 miles of casual walking and talking
Although Dr. Perry has been involved with archaeological research throughout southern California and beyond, the majority of her work relates to the Channel Islands.
She first fell in love with the islands when participating in a field class on San Clemente Island in 1992. Since 1998 she has collaborated with Channel Islands National Park on projects relating the human prehistory and history of the islands from ~12,000 to 50 years ago.
Of her varied publications, she is the co-editor and an author of “California's Channel Islands: The Archaeology of Human-Environment Interactions”. Topics of more recent publications and reports include findings from a resurvey of Santa Barbara Island, reanalysis on trans-Holocene (~10,000 years) collections from San Clemente Island, and documentation of historic features on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands.
As a Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Perry loves teaching and connecting people with the extraordinary human story of the Channel Islands and coastal California.
Currently she is serving as a university administrator whose responsibilities include oversight of CSUCI’s Santa Rosa Island Research Station. In this role she is able to support the kinds of opportunities for others that first inspired her.
Dr. Perry will be leading a program that discusses the ranch and history of Santa Rosa Island. It will be a great way to learn about the history of the island. This program will have less intensive walking than other trip options.
CIR Membership Discounts:
As a valued CIR member, you'll receive discounts to our Autumn Equinox Cruise based on your contributions to our organization within the past calendar year! Want to get a discount and also receive additional membership benefits throughout the year? You can still sign up to become a contributing member to our organization by visiting our website and receive our membership benefits in time for your trip!
YOUR TIMELINE FOR THE DAY:
Your Arrival To Ventura Harbor: 7:00 am
The Boat Leaves From Ventura Harbor: 8:00 am
The Boat Arrives to Santa Rosa Island: 10:30 am
The Boat Leaves From Santa Rosa Island: 3:30 pm
The Boat Returns To Ventura Harbor: 6:00 pm
Additional CINPS SRI Hike and Map Information
The following links include information from the National Park Service website and are meant to provide additional information about the hikes and landscape of Santa Rosa Island for guests and trip leaders. Channel Islands Restoration does not own this material.
Channel Islands National Park Service Hike Info: Torrey Pines
Channel Islands National Park Service Hike Info: Cherry Canyon
Channel Islands National Park Service Hike Info: Water Canyon Beach
Channel Islands National Park Service Hike Info: Water Canyon Hike
Channel Islands National Park Service Hike Info: Historic Ranch
Want To Learn More About Our Island Cruise?
Contact CIR at volunteer@cirweb.org with questions or requests for our Santa Rosa Island Autumn Equinox Cruise or visit our event page for ticket information and additional details. Spots are limited, so act fast and we look forward to seeing you there!
