Santa Rosa Island – Day Trip

Details:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is excited to offer a special day trip to the beautiful and remote Santa Rosa Island. After an early departure from Ventura Harbor, we’ll spend the day immersed in the island’s spectacular landscapes, rich natural history, and remarkable plant life. 

Led by Research Associate and Botanist Emeritus Steve Junak, this guided excursion will focus on identifying native plant species while exploring the island’s unique ecology, geology, and cultural history. Look for wildflower blooms, visit the rare Torrey Pines found only on this island, and hike the breathtaking Cherry Canyon. On the return trip, guests will have the opportunity to see the Painted Cave of Santa Cruz Island. This is an unforgettable adventure that offers a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of California’s native flora in one of its most extraordinary natural settings.

 This is a long day trip that requires moderate hiking ability on uneven terrain. We ask that  guests are in good physical health and over 10 years old. 

Location & Time:

Location and time: Our group will meet at the Ventura Harbor at 7:15 a.m. to prepare for the Island Packers boat to depart at 8 a.m. For the return trip the boat will depart from the island at 3 p.m. to arrive at Ventura Harbor at approximately 6 p.m. The boat trip will take approximately 2-3 hours each way.

Pricing:

Garden Members: $185

General Public: $200

Additional information for directions to the harbor and preparation for the trip will be sent after guests register for this trip.

About the Instructors:

Steve is an active researcher and expert on the flora of the islands of California and Baja California, Mexico.

Steve Junak retired in 2013 from his longtime position as curator of the Clifton Smith Herbarium at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. He has continued his relationship with the Garden as a research associate and botanist emeritus. He also is an active researcher and expert on the flora of the islands of California and Baja California, Mexico. Steve earned a master’s degree in botany, has led field trips for more than 25 years, and has coauthored several books about the Channel Islands, including “A Flora of San Nicolas Island California” and “A Flora of Santa Cruz Island.”