UPCOMING ISLAND LANDING TRIPS
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Anacapa Islets Photo by Mary Maki
ANACAPA
East Anacapa Island
*You must purchase 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
The Beach at Scorpion Anchorage Photo by Doug Mangum
SCORPION COVE
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
Group Campsite at Scorpion Campground Photo by Diane Edmond
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.
The Pelican Trail Photo by Tim Hauf
PRISONERS HARBOR
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
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): $89
- Senior (55 and up): $81
- Military: $81
- Child (3-12): $70
- Infant (under 3)$0
Round Trip Camper/Overnight Fares
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- Adult (13-54): $126
- Senior (55 and up):$115
- Military: $115
- Child (3-12): $100
- 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
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
Photo by Mary Maki
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.
Explore a Hidden Gem on Santa Cruz Island – In Partnership with
The Nature Conservancy
FRY’S HARBOR
Island Packers invites you to experience an exclusive destination on the remote northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only through special permission from The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This secluded spot features a small beach, a historic quarry site, and a creek bed that offers limited hiking access through a scenic drainage area.
Your adventure begins with a skiff (small shore boat) landing—watershoes are strongly recommended for comfort and safety. Once ashore at Fry’s Harbor, an Island Packers naturalist will be on hand to share insights into the area’s unique natural and cultural history and to lead a short walk up the drainage.
The trip also includes a narrated cruise along the island’s rugged north shore, with a visit—weather permitting—to the awe-inspiring Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world.
Enjoy a picnic with breathtaking coastal views, or take advantage of the calm waters for swimming or snorkeling (please note: no lifeguard is on duty). Whether you prefer exploring or relaxing, this protected cove offers something special for every visitor.
Important Information:
Access is by skiff directly onto the beach.
A signed release form from The Nature Conservancy is required for all participants. You may download the form online or pick one up at check-in.
UPCOMING NON LANDING CRUISES
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VENTURA SUMMER WHALE WATCH
Join us for a summer whale watching excursion looking for Humpbacks and Blue Whales! Cruise and search for Whales and other local marine life on this summer whale watching cruise. Summer Whale Watches are longer in duration than Winter Whale watches due to greater distances traveled.
Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $84
- Senior (55 and up): $79
- Military (Active): $79
- Child (3-12): $69
- Infant (under 3): $0.00
- 6 Hours
- Non-Landing Trip
VENTURA WINTER WHALE WATCH
Join us for a winter whale watching excursion looking for Gray Whales! Cruise and search for Gray Whales and other local marine life on this winter whale watching cruise.
Fares:
- Adult (13-54): $47
- Senior (55 and up): $43
- Military (Active): $43
- Child (3-12): $34
- Infant (under 3): $0.00
- All Ages
- 3.5 Hours
- Non-Landing Trip
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