| The big, beautiful blue & humpback whales, see them now with Island Packers | |
| Magnificent Blue Whales Though the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale is also one of the most endangered whales as well. Blue whale populations are growing slowly, and as they do it has been discovered that the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and National Park are an important feeding ground for blue whales. Typically the whales arrive to feed in late spring and stay through the summer months mingling with the currents where krill is present this time of year. Island Packers invites you to join one of our whale cruises to search out and see the Blue whales. Video clip of blue whales off Santa Cruz in 2005. |
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| General information about the blue and humpback whales we see. | |
 Photo © Kathy deWet-Oleson |
The blue and humpback whales travel to the waters near the northern Channel Islands to feed in the summer months. The blue whale, possibly the largest animal ever on the planet, feeds on one of the smallest creatures of the sea, known as krill. The sample of krill shown left, was scooped from the surface of the water during a North Shore Wildlife Cruise, and passengers got a close look at this important food source that the blue whales have come to consume. The whales will move through the area following this food source during the summer. |
 Photo © Kathy deWet-Oleson |
The humpback whales are the show stoppers when it comes to breaching, tail lobing and other amazing feats. Passengers aboard Island Packers whale watching tours, as well as island trips, in 2007 were witness to humpback whales performing acrobatic and feeding behaviors this summer. The whale shown left was seen off the west end of Santa Cruz Island as campers were returning from a beautiful weekend camping on Santa Rosa Island in July 2007.
See our 2010 Summer Whale Cruise Schedule |
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North Shore Wildlife Cruises: On north shore wildlife excursions we look for marine mammals and seabrids on our journey to either Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island where we then cruise the shoreline of one of these rugged volcanic islands. On more than 50% of our travels to and from the islands we see pods of common dolphin, and there is always a chance for any of the other nearly 30 species of marine mammals known to live in or travel through this region. Visit the Anacapa & Santa Cruz trip schedule to find a North Shore Cruise, these trips are about 3 hours long and run in the mornings and afternoon so they can fit nicely into your plans without filling your entire day.
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