About the event
Whale of a Celebration is a joyous event dedicated to honoring the wonderful whales that grace local waters and celebrate the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. The weekend festivities include a wildlife cruise aboard Island Packers, guest lectures from Alisa Schulman-Janiger of the California Killer Whale Project, Jonathan Hoffman of the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, and the “Whales, Ales, and Cocktails” Film Festival featuring a new short film produced by local cameraman Adam Ernster.
The schedule
Friday, Nov 21, 2025
● 6:30 pm - Join us at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach by IHG for a special evening celebrating the 2-Year Anniversary of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area! Enjoy guest lecturer Alisa Schulman-Janiger, lead research biologist of the California Killer Whale Project and Research Associate at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Enjoy Jonathan Hoffman from the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum speaking about an ancient whale that was recently unearthed in nearby Goleta. Finally, local wildlife filmmaker Adam Ernster will unveil a new film highlighting all the updates from the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025
● 11am - 2:00 pm: Island Packers
Join local experts and scientists on board Island Packers Company for an unparalleled wildlife cruise in the heart of the Santa Barbara Channel.
The fee is $75. Part of the proceeds will support The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area's ongoing education and outreach programs.
The Crowne Plaza Ventura
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach offers a rare beachfront location, just steps from the sand and moments from downtown Ventura. Stroll to over 40 restaurants, shops, and local attractions or catch the train at the adjacent Amtrak station. With the Ventura Pier, Surfers Point, and scenic coastal trails nearby, you’re perfectly placed to explore the California coast, with Santa Barbara less than a 30-minute drive away.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Blue Whale Sponsor- $25,000
- Recognition as the TITLE event sponsor on all marketing materials
- Prominent logo placement on all event materials and promotional channels, including social media posts.
- VIP seating and special recognition at the anniversary events
- 1 large custom whale or dolphin print from photographer Adam Ernster
- 8 tickets for both events, Friday, Nov 21st and Sunday Nov 23rd
Fin Whale Sponsor-$10,000
- Logo placement on event materials and promotional social media posts
- Recognition as a major sponsor during the opening ceremony
- VIP seating at the Friday evening event
- 6 tickets for both events, Friday, Nov 21st and Sunday Nov 23rd
Humpback Whale Sponsor-$5,000
- Logo placement on event materials and promotional social media posts
- Recognition as a major sponsor during the opening ceremony.
- VIP seating at the Friday evening event.
- 4 tickets for both events, Friday, Nov 21st and Sunday Nov 23rd
Killer Whale Sponsor-$2,500
- Logo placement on event materials and promotional social media posts
- Recognition as a major sponsor during the opening ceremony
- 2 tickets for both events, Friday, Nov 21st and Sunday Nov 23rd
Common Dolphin Sponsor-$1,000
- Recognition on the event website and in the event program
- 2 tickets for both events, Friday, Nov 21st and Sunday Nov 23rd
Bottlenose Sponsor-$500
- Recognition on the event website and in the event program
- 1 ticket for both events, Friday, Nov 21st and Sunday Nov 23rd
INQUIRE ABOUT A SPONSORSHIP HERE!
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SPONSORS
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