UPCOMING TRIPS
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Anacapa
(‘Anyapakh)
East Anacapa Island
*You must purchase both your departure trip AND return trip
- One way trip from Ventura to Anacapa Island
- Return trip from Anacapa back to Ventura
Round Trip Day Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $70
- Senior (55 and up): $65
- Military: $65
- Child (3-12): $50
- Infant (under 3)$0
Round Trip Camper/Overnight Fares
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- Adult (13-54): $93
- Senior (55 and up):$88
- Military: $88
- Child (3-12): $68
- Infant (under 3):$0
For More Information Click Here
- All Ages
- 1.5 Hours (Times are approximate)
- Landing on Anacapa Island is **not guaranteed** and depends on sea conditions. The vessel captain will make the final decision on-site. If landing is not possible, the trip will continue as a half-day wildlife cruise, and ticket costs will be automatically prorated. Spring (March–May) often brings high winds, increasing the likelihood of cancellations.
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Anacapa Island Interpretive Guide: Here
Hiking Map: Here
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Recreation.Gov Campground: Here
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Anacapa Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, is the closest island to the mainland, located 12–14 miles offshore.
Despite being about 4 miles long, it contains less than one square mile of land.
Visitors reach the island via the East End Landing Cove, climbing a ladder and 157 steps to the plateau.
There is no potable water or shade, so guests must come prepared.
Photo by Dan Harding
Prisoners Harbor
(Limuw)
Mid Santa Cruz Island
*You must purchase both your departure trip AND return trip
- One way trip from Ventura to Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island
- Return trip from Prisoners Harbor back to Ventura
Round Trip Day Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $70
- Senior (55 and up): $65
- Military: $65
- Child (3-12): $50
- Infant (under 3)$0
Round Trip Camper/Overnight Fares
- Adult (13-54): $93
- Senior (55 and up):$88
- Military: $88
- Child (3-12): $68
- Infant (under 3):$0
Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay Photo by Doug Mangum
For More Information Click Here
- All Ages
- 2 hours (times are approximate)
- Accessing Prisoners Harbor requires agility, as visitors must offload from a live boat onto a 6–8 foot ladder, depending on the tide. Guests must be able to hold their own weight while climbing. Once on the pier, a flat, wooden walkway leads to dirt roads and trails.
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You can hike on the National Park side of Prisoners Harbor. Click this link for hiking descriptions.
You can also hike on The Nature Conservancy side of Prisoners Harbor. Click this link for a hiking description of the Pelican Bay Trail.
(Note a waiver must be signed prior to accessing the Pelican Bay Trail)
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Recreation.Gov Del Norte Campground: Here
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Prisoners Harbor, on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island about 24 miles from Ventura.
With less visitors it often offers a quieter, more rugged experience.
Visitors can hike through restored wetlands and scenic canyons, or snorkel off the rocky beach. The endemic Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay is commonly seen here.
There is no potable water, so guests must bring their own
Pelican Trail View Photo by Doug Mangum
Santa Rosa
(Wi’ma)
Santa Rosa Island
*You must purchase your departure trip AND return trip
- One way trip from Ventura to Santa Rosa Island
- Return trip from Santa Rosa back to Ventura
Round Trip Day Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $96
- Senior (55 and up): $86
- Military: $86
- Child (3-12): $74
- Infant (under 3)$0
Round Trip Camper/Overnight Fares
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- Adult (13-54): $134
- Senior (55 and up):$122
- Military: $122
- Child (3-12): $105
- Infant (under 3):$0
Photo by Doug Mangum
Weather permitting, we’ll stop at Painted Cave—one of the world’s largest sea caves—on the return.
More Information Click Here
- All Ages
- 2.5-3 Hours (Times are approximate)
- Expect open ocean conditions and possible rough seas.. Has potable waterTip: Dress in layers and be ready for wind, fog, and adventure.
San Miguel
(Tuqan)
Santa Miguel Island
*You must purchase your departure trip AND return trip
- One way trip from Ventura to San Miguel Island
- Return trip from San Miguel back to Ventura
Round Trip Day Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $124
- Senior (55 and up): $110
- Military: $110
- Child (3-12): $97
- Infant (under 3)$0
Round Trip Camper/Overnight Fares
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- Adult (13-54): $182
- Senior (55 and up):$170
- Military: $170
- Child (3-12): $150
- Infant (under 3):$0
All visitors must fill out a waiver prior to boarding the boat
For More Information Click Here
- All Ages
- 3.5 - 4 Hours (Times are approximate)
- Landing at San Miguel Island requires transferring from the main vessel to a small shore boat/skiff, which brings visitors to the beach. Be prepared to get wet, as surf landings are common and there is no pier.
Anacapa Shoreline Cruise
Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $47
- Senior (55 and up): $43
- Military (Active): $43
- Child (3-12): $34
- Infant (under 3): $0.00
A Great Introduction to Channel Islands National Park!
This 3 ½ hour non-landing cruise offers stunning views of the islands, abundant birdlife, and the chance to see seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales as we cross the Santa Barbara Channel. A professional naturalist provides narration on the area’s natural and cultural history, from the Chumash people to ranching, oil, and fishing eras.
The Anacapa Shoreline Cruise operates year-round, with multiple departures in summer and select trips in the off-season. It’s ideal for guests with limited time, mobility considerations, young children, or those who prefer sightseeing by boat.
Please note: This trip makes a brief stop at Anacapa Island to offload landing passengers.
Passengers departing from Oxnard will ride the Vanguard
- All Ages
- 3.5 Hours (Times are approximate)
- Non-Landing Trip
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We recommend bringing the following items so that your trip is enjoyable:
- Light Jacket or Windbreaker
- Sun Protection (Sunhat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen)
- Personal medication (Seasick remedy if needed or insect repellent)
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Snacks (There is a galley onboard as well offering chips, microwable items, drinks including beer and wine)
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➤ Ventura Harbor
For trips leaving from our Ventura Harbor location in Ventura, there is ramp access to the docks that varies in steepness depending on the tide. Access to the boats is via a ramp at deck level. The boat has inside and outside seating available on the lower deck while the upper deck has outside seating only.
The lower deck has two restrooms with one oversized restroom on each catamaran boat to accommodate wheelchairs.
The upper deck is only accessible using narrow, steep stairs. Each deck narrows in the forward section of the boat, making part of the bow inaccessible.
➤ Channel Islands / Oxnard Harbor
For trips leaving from our Channel Islands Harbor location in Oxnard, there is ramp access to the docks that varies in steepness depending on the tide. There are 7 steps up to the boat and 3 large steps down into the boat.
The boat mainly has open back seating and narrow aisles on the lower deck. There are only narrow, steep stairs to the upper deck and no elevators. Assistance from the boat crew is available. The restrooms are much smaller.
Photo 1: Stepping up to vessel Vanguard from the dock at the Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard.
Photo 2: Steps down onto the boat deck.
Cueva Valdez
AND PAINTED CAVE
(Limuw)
Round Trip Day Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $111
- Senior (55 and up): $106
- Military: $106
- Child (3-12): $91
- Infant (under 3)$0
Explore a Hidden Gem on Santa Cruz Island – In Partnership with
The Nature Conservancy
Discover the raw beauty of Santa Cruz Island’s remote northwest coast. Land by skiff on a quiet beach framed by volcanic cliffs and explore a shoreline sea cave shaped by centuries of ocean erosion. This pristine cove is home to seabirds, harbor seals, and vibrant tidepools. Enjoy a picnic, swim, or snorkel in the calm, protected waters (no lifeguard on duty).
Your trip also includes a narrated cruise along the island’s rugged coastline, featuring dramatic sea cliffs, marine life sightings, and a visit—weather permitting—to the awe-inspiring Painted Cave, one of the world’s largest and most colorful sea caves, carved into ancient lava flows.
Note: Water shoes recommended. A signed Nature Conservancy release form is required.
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Skiff landing means potential for getting wet. All info you used for Scorpion wet landings applies here as well.
This area is remote and unimproved. There is no water or restrooms at this location.
A wetsuit is recommended for more than just a quick dip. Mostly sandy bottom with one rocky wall for snorkelers.
Hiking here is very limited – just a short bushwhack up the drainage. Most of the time will be spent exploring the beach and sea caves in the cove.
Chances of seeing a Scrub Jay are somewhat slim.
Summer Whale Watch
Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $84
- Senior (55 and up): $79
- Military (Active): $79
- Child (3-12): $69
- Infant (under 3): $0.00
The perfect way to experience whales in the Santa Barbara Channel!
This 5-hour trip is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and search for the incredible whales and dolphins that migrate through or call our waters home in the summer months. From the comfort of our vessels, passengers traverse the Santa Barbara Channel, take in sweeping island views, and receive narration from a professional naturalist. While sightings are never guaranteed, your crew makes every effort to locate and visit with these animals. Summer often brings encounters with humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales, and large pods of dolphins and sealions
These trips are great choices especially for:
• Wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the largest animals on earth
• Families with children
• Visitors who want a unique and memorable experience on the water
• Passengers who prefer to stay aboard the boat instead of going ashore
• Photographers and nature lovers of all kinds
! Please Note: Summer Whale Watching trips do not land on any of the islands.
- 5 Hours (Times are approximate)
- All ages
- Non-Landing Trip
Scorpion Anchorage
(Limuw)
East Santa Cruz Island
*You must purchase both your departure trip AND return trip
- One way trip from Ventura to Scorpion, Santa Cruz Island
- Return trip from Scorpion back to Ventura
Round Trip Day Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $70
- Senior (55 and up): $65
- Military: $65
- Child (3-12): $50
- Infant (under 3)$0
Round Trip Camper/Overnight Fares
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- Adult (13-54): $93
- Senior (55 and up):$88
- Military: $88
- Child (3-12): $68
- Infant (under 3):$0
For More Information Click Here
- All Ages
- 1.25 Hours (times are approximate)
- Visitors disembark from a live boat—untied and unanchored—onto an adjustable platform on the pier. A ramp at the landing platform leads to the top of the pier. Wheelchair access is typically available via the stern or side gates of the catamarans, depending on weather conditions. Once ashore, visitors cross a flat, wooden-planked pier to reach dirt roads and trails
- To limit the impact of visitation on fragile island ecosystems, The NPS restricts the number of daily visitors to the islands. If no tickets for day visitors are available, capacity on the island for day visitors has been reached. You are welcome to search for another destination or add your name to the standby list for this trip.
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East Santa Cruz Hiking Map: Here
Scorpion Interpretive Guide: Here
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Recreation.Gov Scorpion Campground: Here
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Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, lies about 20 miles offshore from Ventura.
It is California’s largest island—24 miles long, up to six miles wide, and covering 96 square miles.
Visitors land at Scorpion Anchorage on the island’s east end, where a pier provides access to hiking trails, beaches, and a historic ranch area.
The island offers potable water at the Scorpion campground and shaded picnic spots nearby.
With 77 miles of coastline and over 62,000 acres of rugged terrain, Santa Cruz is a prime destination for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Winter Whale Watching
Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $45
- Senior (55 and up): $43
- Military (Active): $43
- Child (3-12): $34
- Infant (under 3): $0.00
The perfect way to experience the Gray Whale migration!
This 3 ½ non-landing trip is an excellent way to witness one of nature’s great journeys.
Each year, Pacific gray whales migrate through the Santa Barbara Channel on their journey between Alaska and Baja California. Island Packers offers Gray Whale Watching trips departing from both Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors, giving you the chance to witness this incredible migration up close.
Winter Whale Watching Cruises are available late December through mid-April, typically offered several times a week, with morning and early afternoon departures.
These trips are good choices especially for:
• Passengers interested in seeing the gray whale migration
• Those who would rather stay on a boat than hike on the island
• Families with children
• Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers
• Visitors looking for a unique seasonal adventure
! Please Note: These trips do not land on the islands.
- All Ages
- 3.5 Hours (Times are approximate)
- Non-Landing Trip
Boat Ride Only
Scenic Cruise to the Channel Islands
Short Boat Ride
Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $47
- Senior (55 and up): $43
- Military (Active): $43
- Child (3-12): $34
- Infant (under 3): $0.00
Long Boat Ride: (Includes a look at the Painted Cave!) Weather permitting
Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $96
- Senior (55 and up): $86
- Military (Active): $86
- Child (3-12): $74
- Infant (under 3): $0.00
Looking for a relaxing ride on the ocean without getting off the boat? Our Boat Ride Only trip offers a peaceful way to experience the beauty of the Channel Islands from the water.
This trip stays entirely on board as the vessel transports visitors to and from the islands. You’ll travel with our experienced crew as they drop off and pick up passengers, enjoying the fresh sea air and scenic coastal views along the way.
Please note:
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This is not a whale watching or wildlife tour.
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There is no time spent on the island and no disembarking.
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Marine wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed.
This is a great option if you’re curious about the island experience but prefer to remain on the boat. Perfect for those who enjoy being out on the ocean without committing to a full day of hiking or beach time.
- All Ages
- 4 hours (Short Boat Ride) 8+ hours (Long Boat Ride) Times are approximate
- Non-Landing Trip
Tend to get Seasick?
Don’t Let Seasickness Spoil Your Trip!
If you’re planning a trip with us out to the Channel Islands or a whale watching cruise, it’s a great idea to prepare ahead, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness. A little planning can go a long way in making sure your day on the water is smooth sailing!
Seasick Medicine
We sell motion sickness medication in our gift shop, but it must be taken at least one hour before departure to be effective. Please plan accordingly and consider taking it before you leave home or arrive at the harbor.
Best Place to Sit
If you’re worried about getting seasick, we recommend sitting at the back and on the lower level of the boat. This area experiences the least amount of motion and is generally more comfortable for those with sensitive stomachs.
Natural Remedies
We also offer ginger ale and ginger chews in the gift shop—both popular natural options for easing nausea. Many of our guests find ginger helps settle their stomachs during the ride.
More Tips
- Stay outside in the fresh air when possible. Focusing on the horizon can help.
- Avoid heavy, greasy meals before boarding.
- Keep hydrated and try to stay relaxed so your trip is enjoyable!
If you have any questions or concerns before your trip, feel free to call us. We want everyone to have the best possible experience exploring the ocean and islands!
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