Channel Islands National Park - A Californian Wildlife & Outdoor Expedition

Overview

Highlights

Explore the caves and coves between Scorpion Anchorage and Potato Harbor
Channel Islands marine ecology and natural history
Hiking to Smugglers Cove
Sea kayaking & snorkeling
Camping

California is one of the ecologically richest and most diverse parts of the world and includes some of the most endangered ecological communities. This environmental education program will take you to a part of California that probably is less known than the big cities along the coastline. Far away from bustling streets, cars, and urban areas, we will explore the islands just outside Santa Barbara. The islands are called The Channel Islands and have a long and interesting history. During this trip, you will understand why the islands are called ‘The Galapagos of North America’ and learn about the marine and mammal wildlife. Flora and fauna on the islands are unique and include many endemic species. Several whales breed and feed around the islands, and birds like the bald eagles use the islands for shelter and breeding grounds. Thanks to geological discoveries and archeological sites, evidence like shell fishhooks, mortars, and pestles and the characteristics of frameless, planked canoes, also known as ‘tomal’ gives us knowledge of the original inhabitants like the Chumash. The human history on the islands is dated back as long as 13,000 years ago when the islands were settled by maritime Paleo-Indians. During this trip, you will learn about human and animal life on the islands while spending your days outdoors, stunned by this beautiful landscape.

Countries:

Starting Point:

Santa Barbara

Activities:

Grading:Introductory

Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Santa Barbara, California, United States.

Day 2
Ferry to Scorpion Anchorage, Discovery Sea Cave Kayak Tour

Day 3
Ultimate Sea Cave Kayaking Tour & Beach Cleanup Service Project

Day 4
Smuggler's Cove Hike

Day 5
Anacapa Kayaking & Snorkeling

Day 6
Discovery Sea Cave Kayaking Tour, Ferry to Ventura Harbor

Day 7
Departure

Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life.

Grading

Introductory

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

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Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials

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