So Close and Yet, So Far Away…
Visiting a National Park can take lots of time, research and planning. Sometimes, you just want a quick getaway, a spontaneous excursion, or a chance to preview a destination before you commit more time and resources. The Anacapa Shoreline Cruise is a perfect solution for these desires.
This 3 ½ hour non-landing trip allows you to experience the thrill of being surrounded by a pod of dolphin and explore the majesty of this unique National Park, all without ever leaving your seat.
As you leave the harbor aboard one of our vessels, you enter the Santa Barbara Channel, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and the newly designated Whale Heritage Area. There is a much higher diversity and abundance of wildlife found here than in most other ocean regions. In fact, the area is reported to have the highest density of dolphins per square mile than anywhere else in the world! Besides dolphins, there is the possibility of seeing whales, seabirds, seals and sea lions, sharks, ocean sunfish… you never know what might be sighted.
It’s not just the anticipation of what you might encounter that makes the journey so enjoyable; it’s also the boat ride itself. In our busy lives, we are rarely able to slow down long enough to take in our surroundings and just breathe. So, getting the opportunity to drop to cruising speed, feel the sun and wind on your face, smell the salt air, and let the ocean rock you into a relaxed state – enough said!
The channel crossing takes you to Anacapa Island, where the naturalist onboard narrates a cruise along the north shore. You’ll learn what makes Channel Islands National Park so unique while enjoying the beautiful, rugged coastline of this volcanic island. Beyond the geologic features, Anacapa is a crucial nesting site for several species of seabirds and a popular haul out for pinniped species like California Sea Lions.
You’ll have a chance to view the Anacapa Lighthouse, the last permanent-structure light to be built on the West Coast, and also take a photo stop at the trademark of this Park – Arch Rock.
The journey back towards the mainland is the perfect time to continue your search for wildlife, reflect on the beauty found just offshore of Southern California, and quiz the crew onboard to help plan your next journey to Channel Islands National Park.
Submitted by Andrea Mills