How to Prepare for Your Island Experience

• How do I get out to Santa Rosa Island with SRIRS?

  CI Students can take advantage of CI Faculty/Staff led trips, both overnight and for the day. Generally, these trips are offered through specific courses, organizations, and clubs. You can view trips scheduled for the current academic year on our Student Resources page.

• I’m going on an overnight with my class; will we be sleeping in tents?

  No. The SRIRS Bunkhouse and Canvas Cabins on Santa Rosa accommodate up to 36 people with bunkbed-style beds. Additionally, no tents are allowed outside NPS-designated camping areas such as Water Canyon Campground.

• Do I need to bring my own water?

  No. The SRIRS Bunkhouse has tap and filtered potable water.  You DO need to bring at least one 32oz water bottle so that you have water with you while participating in island activities.

• Are there toilets?

  Yes! The SRIRS Bunkhouse has three flush toilets; there are also flush toilets located in the Water Canyon Campground and adjacent to the historic More home.

• Do I need to bring my own food? How do I cook on island?

  The SRIRS Bunkhouse has a fully equipped Kitchen, including oven/stove, fridge, pots/pans, etc. Meals are generally planned by your Group Leader, who will inform you if there is anything additional you should bring.  If you are a student researcher, you may be responsible for bringing your own food and meal planning around other groups.  If you have questions, reach out to SRIRS staff or your advisor.

• What about showers, how do I shower while I am on an overnight trip?

  With so many annual visitors to the SRIRS, we practice water stewardship and do not allow non-field research groups to shower if they are staying less than 5 total days.  For groups staying longer than 5 days, one 5-10minute shower is permitted per person.

• I’ve never been on a boat before, what should I expect?

  You will meet your Group Leader at Island Packers in Ventura Harbor at 7am on the day of departure.  By 7:30am you will help transport all the gear you brought to the boat, ask Island Packers or CI Staff/Faculty if you are unsure which boat.  The boat ride takes roughly 3 hours, usually with lots of marine animal sightings!  Sea conditions always have the possibility of being rough; you can prepare by eating a good breakfast, taking anti-nausea medicine 1-hour before you get on the boat, and sitting outside on the bottom deck.

• Will I have internet access while I am on Santa Rosa Island?

  WiFi (Starlink) access is not given to non-research groups, except by SRIRS Staff approval.

• What if I don’t have a sleeping bag or other gear that I need for a trip to Santa Rosa Island?

  Check with Campus Recreation, your Group Leader, or SRIRS Staff for borrowing options.

Can't find an answer to your Questions? Contact us at SRI@csuci.edu