By far our most popular tour! Situated just miles from the California shore, yet worlds away, the Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five primary islands and is regarded as the jewel of the central coast. Within minutes of lift-off the flattened peaks of Anacapa Island appear on the horizon through the mist of the Santa Barbra Channel. The native Chumash people fittingly named the Island "Ennepah" for dream or mirage and as if from a dream, the cliffs of Anacapa soon rise from the sea and the island's primitive austerity reveals its full glory that is best appreciated by air.
Perched on the islands highpoint, the Anacapa Lighthouse stands in resolute contrast to the islands surrounding natural landscape. Views of the station's stucco Spanish Revival staff & support buildings speak to the critical role of Anacapa in maritime navigation and utilization by the Navy as an early warning outpost for enemy aircraft and ships during World War II. Situated below the lighthouse, and undoubtedly and the most recognizable feature of Anacapa: Arch Rock. Located at the eastern end of the Island and rising 40 feet out of the sea, this natural arch was formed by the erosive forces of wind and water of millennia. It is one of the most highly photographed features on our tour.
Approaching neighboring Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands group, we will glide effortlessly around the spectacular jagged coastal cliffs guarding the islands interior. Santa Cruz is mountainous and rugged, largely covered by scrub and grasslands that were favored by ranchers until the Island was incorporated into the National Parks System in the late 1970's. There are deep canyons and the island is characterized by sizable ridges with Picacho Diablo holding the highest point on the island at 2434 feet. A favorite backdrop for movie production, the scenery of Santa Cruz is truly breathtaking!
The sea surrounding the entire island group is protected by the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands Helicopter is the only operator authorized to fly over this protected area. With over 28 species of marine mammals habituating the sanctuary and Santa Cruz Channel, whale watching and sightings of large dolphin pods en-route to the islands and back to the airport are a favorite part of the tour! If whale watching is your thing, be sure to see the details of our Whale & Dolphin Tour.

To Learn More about Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands visit: http://www.nps.gov/chis/
To learn more about the native Chumash people visit: http://www.wishtoyo.org/
To learn more about the Anacapa Lighthouse visit: http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=93

Private helicopter for up to 3 passengers - $550 (Add $25 per flight for Champaign Package)

Sites & Attractions: This tour starts out as the Anacapa Tour with a fantastic continuation to Santa Cruz Islasnd. The Channel Islands National Park is one of America's best kept secrets, a jewel of un-touched natural beauty... right off our door step. Enjoy this very unique opportunity!

Tour Length 40 min.