Ventura Eco-Tourism Strong In Fall And Beyond

Nature Seekers Find Ventura A Convenient Place for Connecting with Wildlife Year-Round

In September, Ventura’s skies begin to fill with migrating birds while blue whales emerge for all to see. What can we say? Some cities have all the luck. Located on the Pacific Flyway and along the gateway to Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California has a front-row seat to all of the ecological action.

And eco-tourism is thriving, according to Cherryl Connally, co-owner of Island Packers, Ventura’s boat concessionaire to Channel Islands. “This summer alone, our repeat business has doubled,” she said.

Indeed, from the abundance of birds, whales, dolphins and seals at Channel Islands National Park (which include species found nowhere else on earth) to other avian varieties at nearby wetlands to the emergence of the monarch butterfly in winter, Ventura is rich in natural settings for both resident and migratory creatures. The reasons for this activity are many, according to Art Marshall, vice president of the Ventura Audubon Society.

“Being located on the coast and on a major avian migratory provides ample opportunity to see a multitude of species,” said Marshall. “Additionally, the county has a number of water courses flowing into the Pacific Ocean, which creates yet another type of eco-environment.” And thanks to Ventura’s excellent guides, naturalists, boating, biking, rock climbing, surfing and diving concessionaires, nature seekers of all ages and physical abilities find wildlife within reach.

Ready to pack a picnic lunch for your breathtaking excursion out to Channel Islands National Park? Rare plants and animals, such as the Island Scrub Jay, make the boat ride well worth the trip – as do the marine life you’ll spot from deck. Full and half-day excursions are available as well as ranger-guided walks, hiking, sea cave kayaking, camping, diving and whale watching. Despite their endangered status, (numbers are estimated at just a few thousand) blue whales are one of the most commonly sighted animals off the Ventura coast June through September. Considered the largest animals on earth, blue whales are attracted to the Channel Islands’ areas of nutrient upwelling where they feast on as much as 1,000 pounds of krill per day.

Soon after the blue whales leave, December welcomes the grey whales as they migrate along the California coast on their way to give birth in the warm waters of Mexico. Once again, Island Packers Cruises takes scores onlookers out and around the islands for a close up of these breathtaking creatures.

Hundreds of common and bottle-nosed dolphins are also seen year-round in the waters off Ventura. According to Island Packers Cruises, 60 percent of their boat tours experience these playful creatures.

Yet another feat of nature to witness is the amazing migration of the monarch butterflies as they “overwinter” October through January at Ventura’ s Camino Real Park. Guided tours are often available (call to reserve) and the park is also a terrific spot for bird watching. Even more unusual species of birds may be found in the Ventura River area and the Santa Clara River Estuary, where an exceptional range of avian life resides.

A picnic at Ventura’s Grant Park Lookout Point up above the city is another way to absorb the spectacular views of Ventura and the sea. Kayak rentals at Ventura Harbor Village are also popular. This is a chance to silently glide past seals, dolphins, birds and more. Biking is another great way to cover ground while taking in the sights, while both Ventura’s 13-mile Coastal Trail and famed Ventura River Trail are ideal for taking you back to nature. Not enough time for it all? Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center in the Ventura Harbor area is a great way to learn all about the region and the islands through displays, rangers and a live marine animal observation tank.

Nature excursions, tours and equipment rental of all types are available. For information, please contact the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau at 800-333-2989 or visit www.ventura-usa.com

-Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, 89 S. California St., 648-2075.
Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center, 1901 Spinnaker Dr., 658-5730.
Island Packers Cruises, 1691 Spinnaker Dr., 642-1393.
Camino Real Park, Dean Dr. & Varsity St. Monarch butterfly guided tours available, call 658-4726.
Ventura River Estuary, Emma Wood Group Camp, north end of Main Street. Santa Clara River Estuary, Spinnaker Dr. (enter through Surfer’s Knoll Beach).
Grant Park Lookout Point, above Poli Street. Enter on Brakey Rd. next to City Hall.
Rent a kayak, Bay Queen Harbor Cruises, 642-7753.
Wildlife Discovery Cruise at Lake Casitas, off Highway 150 near Ojai, 649-3535.
Los Padres National Park, Highway 33, Ojai. Ranger Station 646-4348.
City of Ventura Walking Tours, tickets in advance at 658-4726.

For information on Ventura accommodations and attractions, visit www.ventura-usa.com or phone 800-333-2989. A non-profit organization, the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau enhances tourism and the economy by positioning the City of Ventura as a visitor and conference destination. The Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.