SeeCalifornia.com

VENTURA, CALIF. — Santa Rosa Island is the largest of the handful of islands visitors can see in the Channel Islands National Park inventory, accessible only by boat. The main concessionaire to get you there is Island Packers out of Ventura/Channel Islands Harbor. The trip is approx. 46 miles and the journey will take a large portion of a day to complete from start to finish. The boat ride gets a little bumpy for those prone to sea-sickness so it’s wise to take the non-drowsy Dramamine or other similar product to help ease your discomfort.  Camping on the island is extremely popular, event though the facilities are primitive– many opt for the day trip and head back to nice beach hotels such as Oxnard’s Mandalay Beach Resort.

Highlights to a visit include docent-led walking tours and kayaking with guided tours. Kayakers usually head into sea caves, requiring an adventuresome spirit and mobility as you may have to duck at times. Day hikes along the coast include seeing the endemic Torrey pines, Cherry Canyon trail overlooking Bechers Bay, Vail Vickers Ranch and Skunk Point. To learn about the trip to Santa Rosa Island, visit  islandpackers.com.