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Deluxe California Day Trip: Fly From Santa Barbara to the Channel Islands

Pilots fly guests to Santa Rosa Island, where they explore forests, beaches, and a historical ranch on foot or in four-wheel-drive vehicles.

To begin this 5 1/2-hour excursion, pilots whisk passengers away on a 25-minute flight in a Britten-Norman Islander, across a stretch of the Pacific to the hilly, grass-strewn Santa Rosa Island. Upon landing, enjoy a self-packed picnic lunch on a secluded beach or on one of the cliffs that overlooks the water. After lunch, visit popular attractions on the island such as the Torrey Pine Forest, Lobo Canyon, Cherry Canyon, and the historic Vail Ranch. Participants hike by foot and may also hop on a four-wheel-drive vehicle when available. Participants should wear walking shoes or hiking boots, dress in layers, and are encouraged to bring food, binoculars, and cameras.

Channel Islands Aviation

Mark Oberman began flying to the Channel Islands in 1975. In 1976, Mark and his wife Janie opened Channel Islands Aviation. More than 35 years later, their certified pilots still fly charters out of Camarillo Airport and organize multiday camping and hiking trips on Santa Rosa Island.

In the Cessna Pilot Center flight school, instructors train pilots of all experience levels with an up-to-date Redbird flight simulator and hands-on flights. Lessons prepare fledgling fliers to obtain their private-pilot, instrument-rating, single-engine-commercial, or CFI-training license.