The Channel Islands are home to incredible biodiversity. Often referred to as the Galapagos of North America because of the number of different animals found there, the Channel Islands support over 100 endemic species (or species found nowhere else on the planet).

Whether by land or by sea, these animals are sure to astound you as you watch in awe — and from a respectful distance, of course!

Here are just a few of the amazing creatures you might find at Channel Islands National Park:

Terrestrial Animals

Many of our animals show obvious signs of adapting to island life. One indicator that evolution has acted on an island species is its size. Through a process called island dwarfism, over many generations, species that are larger than a breadbasket in size tend to shrink, including the island fox and island spotted skunk. On the flip side, island gigantism results in species smaller than a breadbasket growing larger, which is the case for the island scrub-jay.

Island Fox

The island fox is a small fox (only about four pounds), native to six of the eight Channel Islands of California. There are six subspecies, each unique to the island it lives on, such as the Santa Cruz Island Fox (above). Island foxes are generally docile, and often bold when accustomed to humans. They’ll even hop on the picnic table in hopes of stealing your lunch!

Island Scrub-Jay

The island scrub-jay, as compared to its mainland cousin, the western scrub-jay, is larger, darker blue in color, and has a distinctive call, making it the most differentiated of all the island endemic birds. This species is the only scrub-jay on the Channel Islands and is found only on Santa Cruz Island. They are remarkable for their intelligence, memory and curiosity.

Island Spotted Skunk

While most people wouldn’t automatically describe a skunk as ‘cute,’ we sure think the island spotted skunk is adorable! The island spotted skunk is also an endemic species, and can be found on the two largest Channel Islands, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa. The island spotted skunk is largely nocturnal and very hard to find, but it’s that much more rewarding when you do!

Marine Animals

Many of the marine animal sightings happen during the journey to Channel Islands, specifically while boating across the Santa Barbara Channel (between mainland Santa Barbara and Ventura and the Channel Islands). The Channel is rich in nutrients and food, drawing a third of the total species of marine mammals (whales, sea lions, seals, and more) to the Santa Barbara Channel. The Channel (as the name implies) quickly drops off to become very deep (over 1,000 feet in some places!), supporting a healthy marine ecosystem from the bottom up.

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are named for the characteristic dorsal fin that sits on a large “hump” on the back, which is noticeable when the whale arches its back to dive, or sometimes breach in acrobatic leaps. Generally, the Humpback whale can be seen in the Santa Barbara Channel from mid-May to mid-September on whale-watching boats. During the humpback season, it is common to find Humpbacks.

Common Dolphin

Common dolphins are one of the most numerous cetaceans in the world, with a population that is estimated to be over one million. Nearly every ride across the Santa Barbara Channel includes interaction with common dolphins. Common dolphins are found in all of the world’s temperate seas (basically, wherever the ocean is free of ice). In the Channel, visitors can find both long- and short-beaked common dolphin playing in the boat wake or by the bow.

California Sea Lion

ARF! ARF! ARF!

Did you know that sea lions produce loud roars and barking, which explains why they’re named after lions? The deepest dive ever recorded by a California sea lion was 900 feet and it lasted just under ten minutes. San Miguel Island is home to one of the largest rookeries in the world for California sea lions with a breeding population of approximately 80,000 animals. That’s one crowded beach!

The post Channel Islands National Park Animals appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..

The Adventure Company family is happy to welcome two new vans with open arms. A silver Honda Odyssey and white Honda Odyssey recently joined our crew, and we are excited to announce that they have been officially named.

There was an overwhelming amount of clever suggestions from our followers and staff, from Yolanda Honda, to Flotsam and Jetsam, to Diatomaceous Earth. Due to the importance of issue, our management team had to make a decision.  After several rounds of voting, passionate debates, and even a freestyle song, the team came to a conclusion.

The silver Honda, which has been referred to as “Honda” for the past year, has been awarded the name Arroyo Honda. The name is a play on Arroyo Hondo, a land preserve on the Gaviota Coast north of Santa Barbara. Rich in both history and natural life, the preserve is a canyon that offers some of the best hiking and walking trails, and also serves as an outdoor classroom for environmental education.

Photo: https://songsofthewilderness.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/trail-quest-arroyo-hondo-preserve/

The white Honda Odyssey won the name Migaloo, after the world’s only documented white humpback whale. As an Australian resident, he was given this Australian Aboriginal name meaning “white fella.” His hypo-pigmented color makes him easy to spot, giving researchers insight into humpback migratory patterns. The charismatic creature has also earned his own website, Facebook page, and Twitter account.

Photo: Qld Environmental Protection Agency

Cheers to you, Arroyo and Migaloo! You have already proven yourselves as trusty vans, and we know you’ll live up to the big names you have earned. Here’s to all the salty, sandy surf days, massive food buys, and runs to the harbor yet to come! Be strong; we dread the day you become old and rusty and retire to the big adventure trip in the sky. But have peace of mind in knowing you’ll join the legends of the past: 1-2 and Silver Bullet await, as do others who have rolled before you.

The post Introducing Arroyo Honda and Migaloo! appeared first on Santa Barbara Adventure Co..