Channel Islands Aviation, official Concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, now offers Half Day Excursions, Surf Fishing and flights for Camping to Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Flights are booked year round, with departures from Camarillo and Santa Barbara Airports.
Following the 25 minute scenic flight over Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, visitors enjoy exploring a portion of 53,000-acre Santa Rosa Island by hiking or when available, by 4 wheel drive vehicle with a National Park Service Ranger.
Santa Rosa Island lies 45 miles off shore of the Ventura coastline, and offers an exciting diversity of sights and activities. You can stroll on pristine, deserted beaches with harbor seals watching you from the ocean, hike through inland canyons rich with wildflowers, sandstone carvings, and greenery, discover fascinating sea life in undisturbed tide pools, and view island fox, and rare island birds. Chumash archeological sites and fossil beds provide history lovers with the rare opportunity to experience how early inhabitants lived on the island. Park Rangers point out the buildings of the century-old cattle ranch that is no longer operating, and tell you the intriguing stories of human habitation of the island that dates back 10,000 years.
Half Day Excursions (Daytrip): Enjoy a three hour tour, often by 4 wheel drive vehicle with a National Park Service volunteer docent. Guests may bring their own packed lunch and drinks. Bring clothing that can be layered. A warm jacket and head protection is recommended since the weather can be unpredictable. Good hiking shoes or boots are suggested. Other items that will be handy are: day packs, binoculars, bird & plant guide books, cameras, film and water bottles. Departures 8:00 A.M. & 12:30 P.M. returns 12:00 P.M. & 4:30 P.M.
The Surf Fishing trips are Excursions that are designed to give you a maximum of fishing time at one of the best locations in all the Channel Islands; Bechers Bay on Santa Rosa Island. Along with the great fishing, you'll be treated to a scenic flight to the island! Please bring a maximum 15 pounds per person including all gear and lunch. A valid California fishing license is required. Be sure to bring light weight wind breaker or jacket because it can be windy. Departs at 8:00 A.M. returns 3:00 P.M. Daytrip and Surf Fishing:
Adults: $159.95 + FET
Children: $134.95 + FET (2 to 12 yrs)
Camping:
Adults & Children: $299.95 + FET
FET: Federal Excise Tax
*Camping departure times may vary. 65 lb. gear (including water) per person maximum. The campground on Santa Rosa Island is located at Water Canyon off Becher's bay on the northeast side of the island. Camping permits are required. The camping sight is located on a relatively flat shelf of Water Canyon. Picnic tables and a pit toilet are provided. Public potable water is available. Visitors may bring additional drinking water if preferred. Camping gear must be carried on a 5-7 minute walk from the airstrip. Visitors must pack out all of their trash. Water canyon provides numerous hiking opportunities to such areas as beaches, oak groves, caves, overlooks, fossil beds as well as Chumash archeological sites. Terrain can be steep and rocky. Hiking boots are a must. Fishing is allowed on the beaches. Visitors must bring their own gear and must obtain a valid California fishing license.
As in all National Parks, feeding of the animals is prohibited as well as collecting. This includes shells, rocks, flowers, fossils and artifacts, etc. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
For more information on free camping permits for Santa Rosa Island, please call the 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov. **Photos courtsey of Ron Williams & Janie Oberman
Q: How long does it take to walk to the beach?
A: From the camp site, or airplane, 10 minutes or less
Q: Does CIA offer a Senior citizen or AAA discount?
A: No
Q: Can I fly myself there and land with my own airplane?
A: No you cannot. The airport is strictly private. Though you are allowed to fly over the Channel Islands National park above 2000 feet AGL
Q:How far in advance should I book?
A: As far in advance as possible. At least a week is preferred
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A:Full refund with 72 hours or more notice.
Q: Where is the airport on the island?
A: The airport is located in Bechers bay, between the historic Vail/Vickers ranch and water canyon.
Q: What happens if the weather is bad the day of our flight?
A: The flight will either be delayed or rescheduled. If they flight leaves Camarillo late, it will stay later on the Island to permit you to get the full 3 hour tour
Q: What kind of airplane do we fly on?
A: Britten-Norman Islander, holds 9 passenger and 1 pilot, twin engine airplane specifically designed to land on short dirt runways.
Q: What Islands Does CIA fly to?
A: CIA fly's regularly to Satna Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands, yet only offers public visitation to Santa Rosa Island.
Q: Is there transportation to any other island from Santa Rosa?
A: Not with CIA. Some Island Packers boats leave Santa Rosa and go to Santa Cruz or San Miguel. Check with Island Packers for more information.
Q: Are there bathrooms and running water?
A: Yes there are public restrooms with flushing toilets and running water.
Q: What is the weather like on Santa Rosa?
A: The weather varies… Can be Sunny and hot, foggy and cold, or very windy. Spring time is the most windy time of year. Fog lasts from spring through summer. Between rain storms in the winter are some of the best days on Santa Rosa.
Q: Where is the Channel IslandsNational park? Which Islands are included?
A: Channel IslandsNational Park consists of five of the eight Channel Islands that span 160 miles off the coast of southern California. Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands.
Q: When was the Channel IslandsNational Park established?
A: Although Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands were designated a national monument in 1938, it was not until March 5, 1980 that Congress established San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and the submerged lands and waters within one nautical mile of each island as Channel Islands National Park. Q: How often does CIA fly out there?
A: CIA fly's to the Islands daily, but only offers public visitation trips on particular days.
Channel Islands Aviation, official Concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, now offers Half Day Excursions, Surf Fishing and flights for Camping to Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Flights are booked year round, with departures from Camarillo and Santa Barbara Airports.
The Surf Fishing trips are Excursions that are designed to give you a maximum of fishing time at one of the best locations in all the Channel Islands; Bechers Bay on Santa Rosa Island. Along with the great fishing, you'll be treated to a scenic flight to the island! Please bring a maximum 15 pounds per person including all gear and lunch. A valid California fishing license is required. Be sure to bring light weight wind breaker or jacket because it can be windy. Departs at 8:00 A.M. returns 3:00 P.M.
As in all National Parks, feeding of the animals is prohibited as well as collecting. This includes shells, rocks, flowers, fossils and artifacts, etc. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.