Island Packers Cruises to the Channel Islands

Island Packers provides exciting whale-watching trips and cruises to the breathtaking Channel Islands National Park. Guests can witness various marine life, including playful dolphins, majestic minke whales, friendly bottlenose dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoise, and even occasional sightings of orcas.

Island Packers Cruises manages a fleet of two catamarans and one monohull vessel, all equipped with a galley, restrooms, and indoor seating areas. The twin-hulled catamarans provide a smoother ride, minimizing the chances of seasickness. Their most sought-after excursions are the half and full-day trips to the Channel Islands.

Island Packers Cruises

Year-round cruises are offered to the Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. Passengers cruise along the shores of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island within the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. Highlights include sightings of sea lions, harbor seals, and marine birdlife, along with the opportunity to view whales and dolphins during the channel crossing.

Trips to Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands are available from mid-April through the fall months, allowing visitors to land on the islands. These trips offer a variety of activities, including hiking to showcase breathtaking views, kayaking along the shore and exploring sea caves, and overnight camping trips on the Channel Islands.

Half-Day Marine Wildlife Cruises to the Channel Islands. These trips last about three hours but do not make any landings on the islands. Island Packers is the only exclusive boat concessioner with authorization to transport guests to the Channel Islands National Park.

Anacapa Island

Day trips, a half-day, and overnight camping. Twelve miles from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Located only 12 miles from the Harbor in Oxnard, Anacapa Island comprises three small islets. Landings can be made on the east and west sections.

Santa Cruz Island

Day trips and overnight camping. Santa Cruz Island is the largest island off the coast of California. Activities include hiking and kayaking. Santa Cruz Island has two landings. One of the most viewed features of the island is the painted cave. Weather permitting, your boat will get you an up-close look at this amazing cave.

Santa Rosa Island

Day trips and camping trips. Santa Rosa is the second-largest Channel Islands. Santa Rosa is located about 26 miles off Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County, and is part of Channel Islands National Park. Santa Rosa Island is the second-largest of the Channel Islands.

Santa Barbara Island

Day and overnight trips. Located about 55 miles from the harbor. About a three-hour journey to reach the island. This channel island is barren with no shade, so be prepared on this trip. Visitors must use a ladder to climb onto a dock to gain access to the island.

San Miguel Island

Day and overnight trips. A ranger or National Park naturalist must accompany all hikers. San Miguel is another barren island with no shade trees. Most trips to San Miguel Island are for campers. Day trips are offered in September and October.

Best Time to View Whales

December-Mid, April Gray whales, April-September Humpback and Minke whales, and during the summer, Giant Blue whales, the earth’s largest mammal.

The Nature Conservancy works closely with Island Packers to provide an informative and entertaining experience for visitors on their land outside the park boundaries, offering naturalist-led hikes that showcase the natural beauty of Santa Cruz Island.

Island Packers Cruises Phone Number 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105B Ventura, CA 9300. Visit their website to book a trip to California’s Channel Islands.

Southern California Adventures

Channel Islands National Park

Ventura County Day Trips