Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (CMA) is offering a Channel Island Adventure to San Miguel Island on Saturday, September 12, 2009. San Miguel is the most remote island of the Channel Islands National Park. This year will mark the 39th year that CMA has offered this annual trip. The fee for this trip is $100 ($91 FRIENDS member) and reservations are required.
Upon reaching the island, CMA’s Director Emeritus John Olguin will direct a reenactment of the 1542 landing of Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo and hike to the historical marker commemorating Cabrillo. Trip participants will then have the opportunity to observe island natural history and explore the pristine dunes and beaches of San Miguel.
During the crossing, staff will guide passengers in spotting marine mammals, birds, and other animals of the channel. Passengers will have an opportunity to view and learn about the other Northern Channel Islands. A highlight of the trip takes place when the vessel enters a deep cave off of Santa Rosa Island. Encounters with migrating blue whales are also likely. The blue whale is the largest animal on the planet and can reach a length of up to 100 feet. During last year’s trip to San Miguel over 50 blue whales were spotted.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro and is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
For further information, reservations or to receive a calendar of events, please call (310) 548-7562 or visit www.cabrilloaq.org on the web.
