
Local wildlife champion
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...
Set sail in the Santa Barbara Channel, where you can witness majestic blue whales and playful dolphins in a marine paradise renowned for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. 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.
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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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.