September 27th - 29th | Santa Cruz Island, 2-Night Stay at TNC Field Station

Santa Cruz Island - Two-Night Stay at tNC Field Station
Island Packers out of ventura harbor, Hiking, Swimming, Nature Journaling & On-Island Vehicles with 4Points Expeditions

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a two-night trip to Santa Cruz Island on Friday, September 27th 2024 - Sunday, September 29th 2024. Guests will be staying in the dorms at the Nature Conservancy (TNC) Field Station, which cannot typically be accessed by the general public.

Throughout this trip, guests may enjoy fully-included, structured activities such as hiking, species identification, nature journaling, swimming, and travel through the use of the on-island vehicles. For a more detailed itinerary, please see below:

Courtesy 4Points Expeditions

  • Day 1:

  • Meet at Island Packers in the Ventura Harbor (1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, CA 93001) at 8AM.

  • Depart Ventura Harbor at 9AM. The ride will be approximately 90-minutes to Prisoners Harbor, where we will off-load.

  • All belongings (and guests!) will be packed into the waiting on-island vehicles, and enjoy a 30-minute drive to our accommodations at TNC Field Station. Along the way, you may notice giant Eucalyptus, dense thickets, and rock outcroppings atop high peaks.

  • After a brief orientation, and picnic lunch (must be pre-packed and self-provided; all other meals will be provided for you), guests will be driven to Valley Anchorage for the first hike. On the final descent down to the beach, there is a rope and ladder which must be navigated down a 35-40 foot section. This hike should be considered moderate, with a 300’ incline on the way back.

  • Along the way, we will stop at the Main Ranch of the The Nature Conservancy which is full of historical jewels such as early photographs, original saddles from the ranch operation, personal treasures which have remained on the island and more.

  • The Valley Anchorage hike will offer a beautiful view of a remote beach and a potential for tide-pooling.

  • After the hike, guests will enjoy a home-cooked dinner, and campfire with s’mores under the stars back at the Field Station.

Courtesy 4Points Expeditions

  • Day 2:

  • Breakfast served: 8:00AM-9:00AM

  • With a (provided) picnic lunch packed for later, guests will travel the mountains of the island’s central valley by vehicle, all the way to the far Western end of the island at Christie Ranch. The route follows an elevated ridgeline which runs nearly the entire length of this side of the island. The stunning view will include mountains, valleys, and ocean. 

  • After arriving at Christie Ranch, guests will have the option to swim, explore, nature journal and simply rest and enjoy before the drive back. Christie Ranch is an original structure from the island farming days with a colorful history, and situated just above Christie Beach. This is a remote, windswept beach with views to Santa Rosa Island and beyond, and is often known to offer fantastic bird and wildlife viewing.

  • Guests will enjoy a home-cooked dinner, and campfire back at the Field Station.


Courtesy 4Points Expeditions

  • Day 3:

  • Breakfast served: 7:30AM-8:30AM

  • After breakfast, all gear will be packed into the on-island vehicles for the afternoon trip home.

  • Guests will be driven back to Prisoner’s Harbor, and spend the day exploring the cliffs and beaches of this piece of the island.

  • After a final (provided) picnic lunch on the beach, guests will enjoy a closing hike along The Pelican Trail to Pelican Bay, with the option for swimming at Prisoners Harbor. There is an abundance of marine life both above and below the water at Prisoners Harbor, with the chance to see eagles, dolphins, sea lions, leopard sharks, bat rays, and even whales.

    There will be two groups for this hike, and guests may choose which they would like to join - one group (moderate) will stop at the 1.5mi turn-around point, and one group (challenging) will continue on to the 3mi turn-around point, time permitting.


What’s Included:

  • Accommodations and meals.

  • Round trip island boat fare, and any transportation using the on-island vehicles.

  • Certified and highly experienced guides and facilitators.


Courtesy 4Points Expeditions

The ticket price is $725 for (CalNAM) Members and $775 for (CalNAM) Non-Members, per participant, with all on-island meals (other than Day 1 - Lunch) included. Travel to and from the island (through Islands Packers, which will depart from and return to Ventura Harbor) is also already included in the ticket price. Advance registration is required, 15 attendees max. This trip is best suited for ages 10yrs+.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

  • May 1st-June 15th, 2024: Full Refund

  • June 16th-July 15th, 2024: 50% Refund

  • July 16th-August 15th, 2024: 25% Refund

  • August 15th: Non-Refundable

For more information, contact Rachel Metz at rachel@calnatureartmuseum.org.

Tickets can be purchased here:

Did you know that a portion of your ticket price ($25 off for Members, and $75 off for Non-Members) can be written off as a tax donation? Please contact Development Associate Joe Romero at joe@calnatureartmuseum.org for more information.

Upcoming Programs/EventsRachel MetzChannel Islands National Park, Santa Cruz Island, Weekend Trip, Hike, Nature Conservancy, Nature Journal