The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area includes the waters within the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. From one of the healthier blue whale populations in the world to playful common and bottlenose dolphins, these waters are teeming with marine wildlife. The Santa Barbara Channel is also an important living laboratory with research and conservation initiatives to protect these natural treasures. Education and community engagement programmes aim to raise awareness about the importance of whale conservation. Through responsible ecotourism and educational programmes, visitors are invited to experience the wonder and beauty of this special place.
Whales play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our marine ecosystems. Not only do they contribute to the health of the ocean by recycling nutrients and promoting primary productivity, but they also inspire awe and wonder, fostering a sense of connection with our wild oceans.
Whales have the power to touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and deepen our connection to the natural world. By appreciating and protecting these magnificent creatures, we not only enhance their lives but also cultivate our own sense of empathy, wonder, and responsibility towards the planet we share.
Collisions with large ships can be a significant threat to whales in the Santa Barbara Channel, which is a busy shipping route. Whales can also become entangled in fishing gear such as nets, lines, and traps, which can potentially harm or drown them.
Underwater noise pollution, particularly from shipping, oil, and gas exploration, and military activities, can disrupt the communication, feeding, and migration patterns of cetaceans. Exposure to pollutants through ingestion of contaminated prey can have detrimental effects on their health. Finally, climate change, rising water temperatures, ocean acidification, and coastal development can cause changes in food availability and impact entire ecosystems on which cetaceans depend.
Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
Dave Beezer is the longtime captain of the Condor Express, Santa Barbara’s premier whale-watching boat. He is also one of a handful of people in California who are federally trained and certified to disentangle large cetaceans when they get wrapped up in marine debris.
Untangling a whale is difficult and dangerous, so Beezer and his team of volunteers approach each case...
The Whale Safe tool provides data insights to help prevent whale-ship collisions, also known as ship strikes. It displays both visual and acoustic whale detections in the Santa Barbara Channel and San Francisco region. It also includes a blue whale habitat model that predicts the likelihood of blue whale presence. The tool ranks vessels and shipping companies according to their...
The Santa Barbara Channel, including waters in the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, is protected by a network of 19 MPAs, five along the coast and 14 surrounding the Channel Islands. Each MPA was designated to set aside a particularly special area of marine environment to create a robust network of protection covering over 350 square...
The Channel Islands Naturalist Corps (CINC) programme was started in 1996 with the Condor Express and has expanded to over 150 volunteers and five other marine excursion vessel operators. CINC volunteers educate the public on whale watch tours, wildlife excursions, island hikes and at community events. CINC volunteers also play a vital role in citizen science, recording...
Students at Canalino Elementary School and Carpinteria Family School brought their mascot to life in January 2023 with a ‘living’ portrait on the field of a breaching humpback whale, made up entirely of 700 students and staff.
The mastermind of this project is Daniel Dancer of Art for the Sky, who travels all over the country and helps schools bring their imaginations to life....
The Chumash people have a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in their connection with wildlife, including whales.
Folktales often involve animal characters with human-like qualities, teaching moral lessons and emphasising the importance of sharing the land and ocean harmoniously.
Art, including cave paintings and intricate basketry, often portrays animals and plants,...
In 2020, the Condor Express was re-powered with four new engines, making it faster and more efficient. Specifically designed with wildlife in mind, there are no propellers or sharp rudders underneath the boat, making it completely whale and dolphin safe.
Island Packers has always strived for the highest environmental standards across their entire operation. Their 3 larger...
‘Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies’ is a vessel speed reduction programme, bringing government, corporations and local air quality boards together to protect blue whales from ship strikes and, in return, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution for all ocean wildlife. Started in 2014, it was slow at first to get shipping companies to comply but, every year since,...
Condor Express Whale Watching, based in Santa Barbara Harbor, is one of the few companies offering year-round whale watching and a whale watch guarantee. The Condor Express is an eco-friendly, 75’, quad-jet catamaran that provides a stable and comfortable ride. The Condor Express is specially designed to allow marine mammals to visit up close without endangering them with a spinning propeller.
Island Packers, a family-run business since 1968, is the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Four boats run daily trips to the closest islands, Anacapa and Santa Cruz, and to the outer islands, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara, from early spring to November. Depending on the time of year, trips can view migratory grey whales, humpbacks, blue whales, and fin whales.
Channel Islands Expedition is owned by its guides, with a mission to provide outstanding outdoor experiences. Its philosophy is to take advantage of every moment on this planet and take care of home to pass it to future generations better than we found it. With three boats, it offers liveaboard excursions to the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary alongside kayaking and whale-watching trips.
Santa Barbara Sailing Center's Double Dolphin catamaran offers whale watching, coastal cruises, and various on-the-water events. It is also a world-class ASA sailing school, providing beginner-to-expert sailing instruction and certifications. Boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available, too. Green Business Certified, The Sailing Center aims to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and exceed environmental regulatory requirements.
Santa Barbara Whale Watch (SBWW) specializes in guided whale watching tours, with a spacious deck area for photography and optimal viewing.
SBWW follows strict guidelines and regulations, ensuring that their tours are eco-friendly and do not interfere with the whales' natural behavior.
