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BIRDING EXCURSIONS

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Channel Islands Bird Watching Trips

Birding Excursions are offered 3-4 time a year. The captain of the vessel is usually our birding enthusiast Joel. We try to have experienced birders onboard to help aid fledgling birders to identify sightings.

a flock of seagulls are swimming in a body of water

Island Packers Birding Excursions

Discover the incredible diversity of seabirds and island species with Island Packers’ birding excursions, offering unique opportunities for bird enthusiasts to observe both coastal and deep-water species in the Channel Islands region.

🌊 Offshore Pelagic Birding Trips (Summer & Winter)

Embark on an unforgettable 10-12-hour offshore adventure into deep water—well beyond the range of typical day trips. These pelagic birding excursions head south from Ventura towards San Nicolas Island and surrounding ocean features like banks, knolls, and canyons, depending on the most favorable conditions for marine life.

Highlights include chances to spot:

  • Red-billed Tropicbird
  • Least, Leach’s & Townsend’s Storm-Petrels
  • Guadalupe & Craveri’s Murrelets
  • Marine mammals, including dolphins and whales

These seasonal trips offer some of the best opportunities to see rare and sought-after pelagic species in their natural habitats.

🏝️ Anacapa & Santa Cruz Island Birding (Scrub-Jay & Pelagic Combo)

This 9-hour trip departs from Channel Islands Harbor (Oxnard) aboard the Vanguard. The journey skirts the Hueneme Canyon, providing excellent pelagic birding along the way.

Pelagic bird sightings may include:

  • Cassin’s Auklet
  • Scripps’ Murrelet
  • Common Murre
  • Rhinoceros Auklet
  • Black-vented Shearwater

At Anacapa Island, we observe nesting seabirds before continuing to Santa Cruz Island for a one-hour stop at Prisoner’s Harbor. Here, guests can search for the island endemic Island Scrub-Jay, as well as a variety of terrestrial birds, before returning to the mainland with more open-ocean birding on the return crossing.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious nature lover, Island Packers’ birding excursions offer a rare opportunity to observe an array of bird species in one of the richest marine environments on the California coast.

a bird flying over a body of water

  • Ages 13+
  • Non-Landing Trip
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  • Ventura Departure

This 8 hour, offshore pelagic trip allows you to experience the abundance of birds in the Santa Barbara Channel and nearby Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary along with a some of the deep water south of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. You will have a chance to see a number of outstanding pelagic birds and marine mammals. Generally, we see a variety of Alcids, Shearwaters, and some migratory and resident bird species.

Fares:

  • Adult (13-54): $140
  • Senior (55 and up): $121
  • Military (Active): $121
  • Ages 13+
  • 8 Hours
  • Non-Landing Trip
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  • Ventura Departure

More time, more birds. This 12 hour, offshore, deep water, pelagic trip allows you to get out to the offshore waters beyond the reach of most day trips. You will have a chance to see a number of outstanding pelagic birds and marine mammals. Look for sought after species like Red-billed Tropicbird, Least Storm-Petrel, Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Townsend Storm-Petrel, Guadalupe Murrelet, Craveri’s Murrelet, various Boobies, Shearwaters, and more.

Fares:

  • Adult (13-54): $210
  • Senior (age 55+) $210
  • Military (Active) $210
  • Ages 13+
  • 12 Hours
  • Non-Landing Trip
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  • Ventura Departure

Cruise through the Santa Barbara Channel looking for birds and other wildlife en route to Santa Cruz Island. After arrival at the Island, passengers disembark for an hour or so to observe the endemic Island Scrub-Jay and other terrestrial birds. The remainder of the day is filled with pelagic birding in waters of the eastern Santa Barbara Channel, nearby islands, and time permitting waters south of the islands.

Fares:

  • Adult (13-54): $130
  • Senior (55 and up): $130
  • Military (Active): $130
  • Ages 13+
  • 9 Hours
  • Landing Trip
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  • Oxnard Departure

Oxnard Scrub Jay

Explore the scenic coast of Anacapa Island, where seabirds gather in large colonies during nesting season. Then, continue to Santa Cruz Island and disembark at Prisoner’s Harbor for a guided walk, offering a chance to spot the Island Scrub-Jay and other unique terrestrial birds. On the return journey, enjoy expansive ocean views with excellent opportunities for pelagic birding.

Fares:

  • Adult (13-54): $138
  • Senior (55 and up): $138
  • Military (Active): $138
  • Ages 13+
  • 9 Hours
  • Landing Trip
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LEARN MORE

Bird List | Channel Islands PDF
Channel Island Birds – NPS