ABOUT ISLAND PACKERS
Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968.
Cruising the California Channel Islands for Education, Recreation and Research Since 1968.
Island Packers Cruises is the Official Boat Concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park. We offer year round transportation to the “local islands” Santa Cruz and Anacapa. We offer trips to the “outer islands”, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara (NPS Closure) from March through November on a limited schedule.
Island Packers Cruises also offer trips that get close to the Channel Islands without going ashore. These trip are designed for you to view the abundant wildlife found in the waters of the Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Seasonally, in summer and winter we offer Whale Watching trips.
Other special trips for birding and trips to special areas of Santa Cruz Island that are property of The Nature Conservancy are available as scheduled.
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.