A journey to the Galapagos Islands should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. However, if that trip is a little too far or expensive this summer, you can achieve your own “Galapagos”-style adventure just a few hours up the coast. A dozen miles off Southern California’s Pacific coastline near Ventura is a sparkling ribbon of rocks that seem to float on the horizon. The Channel Islands, named for the deep troughs that have isolated them from the mainland for thousands of years, are home to more than 2,000 species of animals and plants, 145 found nowhere else in the world. Today, five of the islands, including their submerged lands and the waters within a few miles around them, are protected as the Channel Islands National Park, granting visitors resources found nowhere else on Earth as well as a look at coastal California as it once was. The best part of visiting these islands is the diversity of offerings—from day tripping to extensive exploring. There is something for everyone, including enjoying a cruise around the harbor that launches the island expeditions. Choose your way to discover the treasures of “SoCal’s Galapagos”. More>>
