The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara, Santa Barbara

ACTIVITIES: THE RITZ-CARLTON, BACARA, SANTA BARBARA

Youth Ages 5 – 12

CSI: Coastal Scene Investigator: Salty the Seal has gone missing and Ambassadors has the important job of investigating why. Through water-testing techniques and coastal observations we collect samples and analyze data to make final conclusions that help solve the case.

Coastal Discoveries: Explore land’s end as we take a close-up look at both sides of the water’s edge. During this program young participants will discover life in the intertidal through hands on exploration and guidance from our experienced naturalists.

Water Wows: Water is truly unique. It is what makes planet Earth different from other planets. What makes water so special? Discover the importance of water and how YOU can conserve and protect it. Be a scientist; conduct water-based experiments. Join the adventure to learn more.

Cosmic Adventure: Discovering the constellations in the night sky instantly connects us with the history of our species, through our cosmic origin and the myths and legends that have been constructed to explain our connections to the cosmos. Explore our galaxy and learn about distant stars on our iPads.

Shark: With over a dozen different species of sharks inhabiting the Santa Barbara Channel’s waters, including the infamous Great White, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is the perfect place to study this apex predator and its relatives.

Whale of a Tale: Discover the natural wonder of the rich diversity of marine mammals: whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions, found in the Santa Barbara Channel. Our naturalists will share their knowledge of these magnificent creatures through interactive activities and games. Then we’ll head for the coastline and search for some of our favorite marine mammals.

Waves of Wonder Through hands-on experiments, learn about ocean currents, tides and what makes the perfect wave. Take a journey outside to see the water in its powerful state from a safe, dry location on property.

Ecohike: Explore our coastal nature trail and discover interesting adaptations that enable plants and animals to survive in this arid landscape. Step back into time as we understand how the Chumash survived on this land for thousands of years. On the hike, we engage in a scavenger hunt, several interactive discussions, and challenge activities.

Creatures of the Night: We experience the heightened sensory awareness that comes from being outdoors at night, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell and intuition. We watch and learn how other species far surpass our limited abilities to function in the dark and become entranced by this other-world of mystery and beauty.

Young Adult

Lights, Camera, Take Action: Think like a Cousteau and explore video production as we research, write, direct and star in our own public service announcements. At the end you will have an environmental message of your own to share with your friends and family back home.

CSI: Coastal Scene Investigator: Salty the Seal has gone missing and Ambassadors has the important job of investigating why. Through water-testing techniques and coastal observations we collect samples and analyze data to make final conclusions that help solve the case.

Coastal Discoveries: Explore land’s end as we take a close-up look at both sides of the water’s edge. During this program participants will discover life in the intertidal through hands on exploration and guidance from our experienced naturalists.

Ecohike: Explore our coastal nature trail and discover interesting adaptations that enable plants and animals to survive in this arid landscape. Step back into time as we understand how the Chumash survived on this land for thousands of years. On the hike, we engage in a scavenger hunt, several interactive discussions, and challenge activities

Creatures of the Night: We experience the heightened sensory awareness that comes from being outdoors at night, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell and intuition. We watch and learn how other species far surpass our limited abilities to function in the dark and become entranced by this other-world of mystery and beauty.

Families & Adult

Ecohike: Explore our coastal nature trail and discover interesting adaptations that enable plants and animals to survive in this arid landscape. Step back into time as we understand how the Chumash survived on this land for thousands of years. On the hike, we engage in a scavenger hunt, several interactive discussions, and challenge activities

Coastal Discoveries: Explore land’s end as we take a close-up look at both sides of the water’s edge. During this program participants will discover life in the intertidal through hands on exploration and guidance from our experienced naturalists.