ABOUT ISLAND PACKERS
Island Packers Cruises: Your Gateway to Channel Islands National Park
As the official boat concessionaire for Channel Islands National Park, we provide unparalleled access to California’s island wilderness.
Our Year-Round Services Include:
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Daily trips to the “local islands” (Anacapa & Santa Cruz)
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Seasonal expeditions (March-November) to the remote outer islands: Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara*
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Wildlife and Non-Landing tours showcasing the rich marine ecosystems of the Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
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Seasonal whale watching (summer and winter) featuring migrating Gray Whales, Humpbacks, Blue Whales and other marine mammals
Unique Island Experiences:
✔ Specialized birding excursions
✔ Access to The Nature Conservancy’s protected areas on Santa Cruz Island
✔ Customized trips for education and research groups
Note: Santa Barbara Island access is currently restricted by National Park Service closure
Whether you’re seeking adventure ashore or wildlife viewing at sea, our 50+ years of experience brings you closer to California’s most spectacular marine environments.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Island Day Trip Preparation
What to Know Before You Go- Please arrive at your harbor of departure 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Pack food and drink for your time on the island. A small cooler or a backpack can protect your food from small animals and birds.
- There are no shops or restaurants on the island…
Protect Channel Islands National Park
Watch the Bio Security VideoNon-native, invasive species threaten endangered animals and plants on the Channel Islands and are costly to control. Please watch the following video on bio security regulations & guidelines to help prevent the introduction and spread of nonnative species before they become a problem.
Get the National Park Mobile App!
Free on the App Store & Google Play StoreOne app, every park at your fingertips. The NPS App is the new official app for the National Park Service (NPS) with tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide. Help plan your trip and enrich your visit to Channel Islands National Park with this official, free app.
Get the Latest Weather in Our Area
View the Current Weather ForecastWeather is important. It can cause cancellations, a rough boat ride, or a truly beautiful day. Have the latest information to help plan your trip. Click the button below to view the latest Marine Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service.
Islapedia Celebrates 8 Years
California Islands EncyclopediaISLAPEDIA is a comprehensive California Islands encyclopedia covering hundreds of topics and thousands of entries on all eight California Channel Islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, Santa Catalina, and San Clemente Islands.
Camper Transport
What You Need to Have & Bring- Please arrive at your harbor of departure a full hour before your departure time. Late arriving gear may not be loaded onto the boat.
- An Island Packers boat reservation.
- A campsite reservation. Please be prepared to give your campsite number at check-in as required by the National Park Service…
Santa Barbara Channel becomes the 9th Whale Heritage Area
The Whale Heritage Area (WHA) recognizes & accredits destinations that support / demonstrate responsible and sustainable whale & dolphin watching tourism. Island Packers is proud to be one of over 30 local organizations to promote sustainable practices to ensure the conservation of the Santa Barbara Channel.
Accessing Sea Caves
Many people like to experience sea caves from the water in a kayak. Visitors to the islands can kayak the caves three ways:
- Purchase a guided tour with Channel Islands Adventure Company.
- Bring your own kayak.
- Rent a kayak
Media Articles & Videos
The Channel Islands National Park and Island Packers Cruises have had many articles and interviews published over time. These articles are independently written, by professions journalists as well as bloggers, hikers, kayakers, divers, travel writers and happy visitors to the park. Click the button to view these articles and videos.
TOP-RATED FERRY TRIPS TO CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Island Packers is the only boat concessionaire approved to run trips to and from the islands within Channel Islands National Park. But it’s still a family owned company- with two children of the founder still operating the company! And even though you’re a captive audience, they still strive to provide an excellent experience - I’ve loved every trip I’ve taken with them!
– Lady G. • Tripadvisor
Everything was smooth…Online tickets, picking up boarding passes, embarking…even the water. Found a table by the window and just enjoyed the view. Saw some sea lions on the way out chilling on a buoy. We landed at Scorpion Cove, and it was quite a day’s adventure. On the way back, I sat on the top deck. We saw so many dolphins, you just couldn’t count!
– Monica H. • Tripadvisor
We cannot say enough great things about our experience with Island Packers! From the moment we checked in at the office, the staff was welcoming and friendly. The dock crew politely and efficiently instructed us how to load our camping gear and board the boat. The captain made special efforts to point out and share fun facts about the local marine life!
– Christine C. • Tripadvisor
What a wonderful day! We went to Prisoners on Santa Cruz Island. Adam, the naturalist who was on the boat, led us on a hike toward Pelican Bay. He was so knowledgeable and thoughtful. We saw island scrub jays and even a couple of island foxes. Even the porta potties were clean. We saw dolphins on the ride out and a humpback whale on the return trip!
– John G. • Tripadvisor