Marine Biology Channel Islands Trip

Our Marine Biology class took a trip to the Channel Islands National Park this past week and had a blast! Hands on learning was the most important aspect of this trip. Students were able to see and learn about marine mammals and fish along with native Channel Island species that are only found on the island. On top of marine life, students learned about island geology, geography, and native peoples. This was the first Marine Biology trip out of many and we are so excited to share this experience with other students for years to come!

Channel islands - small -62 — Students sightseeing in Hollywood for a day.

Students visited the Channel Islands Visitors Center where they were taught about surrounding tide pools and plant life. One of the National Park Rangers fed the marine life as he showed them starfish, squid, sea cucumbers, lobsters, and more. The group was able to see firsthand what they learned in class!

Channel islands - small -52 — National Park Ranger feeds squid in the visitors center.

Channel islands - small -47 — Forrest, Andres, Rachel, and Luca learn more about the giant Channel Islands lobster.

Channel islands - small -13 — Starfish at the Channel Islands Visitors Center.

Channel islands - small -63 — Marine Biology boys discovering the Channel Islands Cacti.

Channel islands - small -57 — Marine Biology ladies exploring the Channel Islands garden.

Channel islands - small -56 — Squid fishermen just off the coast of the PCH.

Channel islands - small -65 — Students playing in the water at Leo Cabrilla Beach.

Channel islands - small -55 — Huy and Luca hurry together for a picture.

Channel islands - small -60 — Students enjoying a treat at the Santa Cruz Pier.

As well as visiting Hollywood, students were able to sight see in Santa Cruz. They also were able to travel all along the Pacific Coast Highway visiting multiple beaches. For some students this was the first time seeing the ocean so it was an amazing experience!

Channel islands - small -45 — Josh Harris enjoying the view at Leo Cabrilla beach.

Channel islands - small -42 — Andres Aguilar and Huy Nguyen climbing rocks at Leo Cabrilla.

Channel islands - small -37 — Forrest Coleman posing for a picture in front of the squid fishermen.

Channel islands - small -40 — Group photo after a long day of fun.

Channel islands - small -35 — Students stop and take a picture with the California Seals on their first ocean boat ride.

Channel islands - small -90 — Seth Gifford and Shaelyn Christensen hang on as the boat hits a wake.

Channel islands - small -30 — Students checking out the Prisoners Harbor dock.

The group had the unique opportunity serve on Santa Cruz Island picking invasive plant species from the hills. Students were able to see animals only known to the islands like the Channel Island fox as well as multiple birds and reptiles. Hiking and snorkeling were also favorites among the students. The ocean was an incredible place to learn!