California
The Wildlife & Wonders of Channel Islands National Park
Program No. 14758RJ
Explore the pristine ecology of Channel Islands National Park, discovering a wealth of unique flora, fauna and geology as you learn the islands’ story from local naturalists.
Participant Reviews
Based on 54 Reviews
SHOWING
The weather, wildlife sightings and sea conditions could not have been better! It would be nice to say that Road Scholar had arranged it for us. But what Road Scholar was in control of was exceptional planning, choice of guest speakers and guides, and flexibility in the changing political landscape.
— Review left October 20, 2025
The trip leader, Teri, and the various lecturers and naturalists really made this trip. They were all absolutely fantastic. Going in I thought the agenda might be a bit "lecture heavy", but it was not since the presenters were all amazing, and there was so much to learn.
— Review left October 12, 2025
The Wildlife & Wonders of Channel Islands National Park adventure is well worth it. We learned so many things, and the beauty and weather were superb!
— Review left September 15, 2025
Channel Islands is a great program. Just do it.
— Review left May 17, 2025
This was a fun April trip with an excellent RS leader, materials and program. It was colder than most of us packed for. Layers did help. Our schedule did change and the alternate was fantastic. SilverWing expertly drove us around. We used valet parking. Everywhere there was something beautiful to see. Ventura is a fun town to explore. Learning about the Chumash and wildlife was so interesting. Carol J.
— Review left May 5, 2025
This is a well-organized trip with good presentations, and the islands themselves are breathtaking. Recommended! If you don't want to drive (and pay for parking at the hotel), you can come early/stay after and take Amtrak to and from Ventura. There is enough (walkable) to see in Ventura to justify a day or so on either end of the program. There are other central hotels in Ventura to stay at for before/after (I stayed at the Best Western.) It also looks like ridesharing (Uber, Lyft) would work for getting to the airports; I didn't try that out. I did book Silverwing for one of my airport transfers; it was expensive but very pleasant.
— Review left May 3, 2025
I grew up in CA and never knew this place existed. This tour was fantastic. I have become a Channel Island lover.
Many thanks.
— Review left May 3, 2025
Ventura is a lovely coastal town and the hotel location is wonderful, oceanside. Speakers are outstanding and the educational content is very interesting. The two trips out to the Island were well tolerated (calm waters) and we observed Minke and Humpback whales and huge pods of dolphins too! Information by naturalists on the island hikes was informative and fun. Restaurant meals were tasty and fun. Definitely a winner!
— Review left November 18, 2024
It was a magical trip! We saw 1000's of dolphins and 3 humpback Whales on the boat trip to the island. That alone was worth the whole trip! The terrific lectures and interesting folks were the icing on the cake!
— Review left November 9, 2024
Great trip. Experts from local area were very knowledgable. Hotel in great location but could use a few upgrades. All but one meal included and were very nice, even had a selection at restaurants. The wildlife from the boats was great, saw Humpback and Minke whales, dolphins, sea lions, and a great number of birds. Bring binoculars!! Wished it was longer with more islands!
— Review left October 30, 2024
A wonderful program visiting the Channel Island National Park. Terri, the group leaders was fantastic and the presentations and guest speakers were some of the best that I have experienced during my Road Scholar travels.
— Review left October 21, 2024
A well balanced trip. Short and concise (and fun) lectures that provide a wealth of information about this National park gem. Confortable accommodations in a great location. Expert and friendly leaders and lecturers. One of the best Road Scholar trips I have been on!
— Review left September 29, 2024
ROAD SCHLAR does the best!!!!!
— Review left September 23, 2024
The program was excellent! My friend and I attended together and had a great time with the other participants. There was one day when the weather impacted a trip to the islands, but the alternate activity was very satisfying. We flew into Santa Barbara airport and rented a car. That allowed us to do some further exploring in the area during our free time and on the last day before we flew home. Keep the Pace in this case did included so rigorous hiking but the hikes allowed for several options to accommodate most everyone in the group. I will definitely, travel with Road Scholar in the future.
— Review left September 15, 2024
We're just back from visiting two of the Channel Islands off the coast of Ventura in California. One of us is a native Californian, but neither one of us knew anything about them until now. The trip was excellent. The instructors were all experts in their fields and their presentations were all engaging. Our group leader was thoroughly knowledgeable about the area and the islands and a pleasure to be with. The balance of talks and activity was perfect. The hotel and transportation were comfortable. We enjoyed the company of the other participants and hope to keep in touch with several. We were well prepared for the activity level and the weather. Highly recommend.
— Review left May 27, 2024
Excellent presentation of the Channel Island and their rich history and environment.
— Review left May 20, 2024
5 stars for this adventure!
The Channel Islands are hidden gems off the coast of California. The islands mainly are in their natural state and undeveloped. To learn about the history, native plants, and animals on the islands, Road Scholar provided excellent lecturers.
On the way to Anacapa Island, we saw dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, sea gulls, and whales swimming together. Santa Cruz Island was full of flowers and some island foxes. We got to choose the type of hike we wanted to do: easy (flat), medium (steep at the start of the trail, 2 1/2 miles), or harder (steep at the start, 5 miles).
Lisa was a terrific group leader and the lunches and dinners were fantastic! During May, bring a knit cap and pants as it is foggy most of the day.
— Review left May 20, 2024
Channel Island National Park is a great place to get a glimpse of what California was like years ago.
— Review left April 15, 2024
Superb program coordinated efficiently by Terri with many expert speakers and extremely knowledgable guides on the two Island Packers outings to Santa Cruz. Wonderful sightings included whales (grey and humpback,) a pod of common dolphins and my 'targeted' rarities on Santa Cruz , the Island Fox and Island Scrub Jay.
The Ventura Botanical Garden visit deserved more than an hour to explore but the 'free-time' afternoon gave a couple of us a chance to re-visit and enjoy its wonders.
— Review left April 3, 2024
An adventure! Small group size made it more comfortable. Instructors and leaders excelled in their patience, humor, and knowledge. Well thought out lectures.
— Review left October 1, 2023
This is an interesting trip within the US. The environment is unique and it leaves you with a broader view of wildlife in a wild area.
— Review left June 4, 2023
We've been to six national parks previously with Road Scholar, but this ranks among the best. Why? It would be extremely difficult to get to these islands, without the assistance of Road Scholar. Our guide, Lisa, was exceptional as were all the other guides leading the hikes. The wildlife was amazing, including a megapod of dolphins. Our hotel was right on the beach. One caveat. We flew into Santa Barbara and used the transportation service recommended by Road Scholar. They just scheduled a Lyft car to pick us up. The car service price was twice that of Lyft. So if you fly into Santa Barbara just use Lyft or Uber.
— Review left May 25, 2023
This program was just plain fun for me. The leaders’ sense of humor was adds so much to the enjoyment. Getting to see the varied flora and fauna was wonderful. Nature and fun; what more can one ask.
— Review left May 20, 2023
In spite of the Pineapple Express storms, this program never missed a beat in providing a fun and interesting trip.
— Review left April 15, 2023
We were very pleased with the trip even though the boat trips had to be cancelled. The speakers and leaders were outstanding.
I do suggest that you reconsider recommending Ventura Shuttle Service. Their vans were small and old. The necessity of finding a taxi to the Crowne Plaza from The Sheraton was more difficult that you might think. There was a much better shuttle available and we took it for the return to LAX. I think it was called Silver Wing Shuttle or something like that. It was the same company that drove us around in the large buses.
— Review left April 5, 2023
Jenny is a fantastic leader and all the speakers were excellent. It was unfortunate that the weather was awful and impossible to actually go to the Islands but I still learned alot.
— Review left March 29, 2023
I learned a lot about the Channel Islands. The naturalists on the hikes were excellent. The on land presentations were well organized.
— Review left February 24, 2023
A great program that many may overlook due to complexity of "getting there"
directions.
— Review left February 5, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar trip. Channel Islands, whales, porpoises, island fox. Loved the leaders, the food, the other folks on the trip, and the hotel right on the beach. I am ready for my next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left November 5, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar Trip. It met all of my expectations above and beyond what I was hoping it would be. The entire trip was well organized. The staff was friendly and thorough. Road Scholar is an excellent way to travel.
— Review left October 13, 2022
Excellent presenters; wonderful location. Terri is an outstanding group leader. Trips to the islands provide a window into diverse ecosystems and an opportunity to step outside the noise and constant activity of our usual lives. The program lives up to its rating "Keep the Pace," but there are options for levels within that rating - easy, medium, or strenuous hikes. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left September 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this trip to a completely new place! I had never heard of the Channel Islands. The program was a good mix of very interesting speakers and visits to two of the islands with opportunities for varying levels of walking and hiking.
— Review left September 1, 2022
Learned so much about the Channel Islands. Was glad we could get to Santa Rosa island and see the Painted Cave. Group leaders and lecturers were terrific and it was wonderful to have them as guides on our hikes. I really enjoying exploring our National Parks.
— Review left May 23, 2022
Even if you know the West Coast well, a trip to these Northern Channel Islands will be eye-opening. The largest islands (Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa) are each 4 to 5 times the size of Manhattan. This is one of the places where the peopling of North America began; flora and fauna on these islands can be found no where else. The mountainous terrain, far out to sea, has many surprises; often you feel that you are turning the pages of a book by Dr. Seuss. The Road Scholar folks make this all make sense
— Review left May 21, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed learning about these magical islands. Then the first hand island experience was icing on the cake. Jenny is the best Group Leader!
— Review left March 29, 2022
We had an enjoyable tour and learned a lot about the Channel Islands. Everybody was very nice and friendly and we came home feeling happy and refreshed. We are planning on signing up for future tours
— Review left March 27, 2022
Please update travel info for this trip. It should show how to get from the airport to the Crowne Plaza, and should include information about the airport shuttle.
— Review left March 8, 2022
Great Trip! Excellent Experience! Exceeded My Expectations!
— Review left February 5, 2022
The survey did not give an opportunity for general comments.
— Review left November 15, 2021
Our tour experience was amazing. The leader worked to manage a "larger than usual" group; even though hiking was a big part of at least two of the days, accommodations were made for all levels of activity. Being out in nature again and learning about one of the hidden gems within California was empowering and a very memorable experience.
— Review left November 2, 2021
Program content and the boat trips and the time on the islands were very good. Organizational aspects of the trip (i.e., handing out tickets, lunches and start of hikes) seemed inefficient and somewhat confusing. Naturalists who spoke and led the hikes were excellent!
Overall, a good trip with Rhode Scholar.
— Review left October 26, 2021
An Awesome Adventure. Experiencing National Park on Islands was Magical
— Review left October 23, 2021
A really interesting trip. The Islands are beautiful and the boat rides fantastic. Not as active as I would have liked. Be forewarned , the food at the hotel is terrible and most meals are there. The hotel itself is very nice.
— Review left October 16, 2021
GREAT PROGRAM FOR PART OF California MANY PEOPLE DONT KNOW OF,CHANNELL ISLANDS GREAT TO VISIT
— Review left September 6, 2021
The Channel Islands are the best kept secret. This was an outstanding program and trip. I would highly recommend it. I would personally like to return and volunteer on one of the islands.
— Review left March 15, 2020
Wonderful views, bracing air, native plants and animals and islands! What could be more delightful? A mega pod of dolphins and gray whales spouting added in.
— Review left February 24, 2020
Excellent trip, intelligent instructors, incredible sites and marine animals. I highly recommend it.
— Review left October 10, 2019
It was allot chillier than we expected, and we were disappointed we didn't get to other parts of the various islands, but given the circumstances it was over all a very good trip.
— Review left June 11, 2019
Very interesting and educational program. Well organized and informative lectures and hikes. The lecturers had a vast wealth of information to share. I learned many new things that have changed my perspective on saving our earth's native plants and animals.
— Review left June 8, 2019
Stop sending catalogs through the U.S. mail. It is a terrible waste of paper. When I want to plan a trip, I will go to your websit.
— Review left March 21, 2019
Friendly, informative, well taken care for a program that educates.
— Review left March 15, 2019
The Road Scholar Program to Channel Island National Park was fantastic for me. Our professional speakers taught us so much before we even went to the Islands. We went to the Visitors Center, visited an Archaeological museum,watched videos, heard from naturalists and a National Park Service archeologist. We really understood the history and what to think about and look for when we went to the Channel Islands.
— Review left February 18, 2019
Excellent program! The Channel Islands are beautiful and this program is a perfect way to see and learn about them.
— Review left February 17, 2019
As my first Road Scholar trip, the Channel Islands National Park Trip provided a balance of excellent lectures and physical activity. While severe weather can alter plans, the beauty of the park and the marine sanctuary around the islands was stunning. I gained new knowledge, new friends, new experiences, and new insights. It was great for solo travelers, too!
— Review left February 11, 2019