Experience the Majestic Wildlife of the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara Channel!
Explore the natural wonders of the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands with a variety of exciting non-landing cruises:
- Anacapa Shoreline Cruises: Enjoy stunning views of the islands from the comfort of the boat as you cruise along the rugged Anacapa shoreline.
- Whale Watching Adventures: Traverse the Santa Barbara Channel to spot majestic whales in their natural habitat.
- Wildlife Cruises: Discover the rich biodiversity of the marine sanctuary, with opportunities to see sea lions, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.
- Pelagic Birding Trips: Search for rare and seasonal bird species, including those that frequent deep waters beyond the islands.
Each trip offers a unique perspective on the incredible marine ecosystems of the region, providing unforgettable encounters with wildlife and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Select Your Trip!
Anacapa Shoreline Cruise
The Ideal Introduction to Channel Islands National Park!
Experience the wonders of Channel Islands National Park with our 3.5-hour, non-landing Anacapa Island Shoreline Cruise. This compact adventure offers a big day in a small package, perfect for those with limited time who want to immerse themselves in the Park’s beauty. Enjoy stunning views of Arch Rock and the surrounding waters from the comfort of our vessel. As you traverse the Santa Barbara Channel, search for wildlife with the guidance of a professional naturalist.
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, our dedicated crew will make every effort to spot seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, and abundant bird life. This trip also highlights the rich natural, human, and economic history of the islands. Learn about the Chumash people who inhabited the islands for over 13,000 years, as well as the ranching era, oil development, and the significance of commercial and sport fishing.
Availability:
Anacapa Shoreline Cruises operate year-round, typically 3-4 days a week in the summer and 1-3 times during the rest of the year. Most trips are offered both in the morning and early afternoon. Reservations can be made online or by calling our reservation team at (805) 642-1393.
Perfect For:
– Passengers with limited time who want to see the islands
– Those who prefer to stay on the boat rather than hike on the island
– Individuals with limited mobility
– Guests with service animals
– Families with small children
– Wildlife enthusiasts
Costs:
– Adults: $47
– Seniors (55+): $43
– Children (3-12 years): $34
– Infants travel free
Join us for an unforgettable introduction to the Channel Islands! 🌊🐬
Whale Watching
Winter Whale Watching (December – Mid-April)
Experience the awe-inspiring migration of Pacific Gray Whales as they travel 6,000 to 10,000 miles between their breeding lagoons in Mexico and feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. Witness these majestic creatures as they pass through the Santa Barbara Channel on a scenic 3-hour cruise.
Summer Whale Watching (June – September)
During summer, the nutrient-rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel attract some of the ocean’s largest baleen whales. Keep an eye out for Humpback, Blue, and Fin Whales as they feed in the area. This unforgettable excursion also includes a brief cruise along the shoreline of one of the iconic Channel Islands.
Channel Wildlife Cruise
Channel Wildlife Cruise
Embark on a scenic and unforgettable 5-hour Channel Wildlife Adventure, a non-landing cruise perfect for nature and marine life enthusiasts. Passengers will stay aboard as the excursion explores the Santa Barbara Channel, renowned for its diverse marine life, and journeys toward the western tip of Santa Cruz Island. Highlights include breathtaking views of the island’s rugged coastline and the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The cruise’s crowning moment is a visit to the stunning Painted Cave, depending on sea conditions.
What’s Included
A 5-hour scenic wildlife cruise (non-landing)
Exploration of the Santa Barbara Channel, home to abundant marine life
A voyage to the western end of Santa Cruz Island
Stunning close-up views of Santa Cruz Island’s coastline
Opportunities to spot dolphins, sea lions, whales, and seabirds
A visit to the Painted Cave (conditions permitting)
What’s Not Included
Lunch: Bring your own packed meal for the day.
Full meals: The onboard galley offers snacks, beverages, beer, and wine for purchase (cash and card accepted).
Highlights
This adventure offers a perfect blend of discovery and natural beauty. From playful dolphins and majestic whales to the dramatic cliffs of Santa Cruz Island, every moment promises excitement. The Painted Cave, a geological masterpiece, provides a spectacular backdrop for photos, and the crew’s dedication to tracking marine life ensures a dynamic and engaging experience. Ideal for nature lovers, this journey captures the essence of the Santa Barbara Channel’s vibrant ecosystem and scenic charm.
Calendar for Birding Trips
Pelagic Offshore Birding Adventure
Santa Barbara Booby Birding Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure across the Santa Barbara Channel!
After a brief stop at Santa Cruz Island to drop off passengers, we’ll journey south past the Northern Channel Islands, navigating deep waters known for attracting diverse seabirds like shearwaters, alcids, and storm-petrels.
Our ultimate destination is Santa Barbara Island, home to a thriving colony of Brown Boobies and even occasional sightings of Blue-footed Boobies.
On our return, we’ll retrace our route, stopping again at Santa Cruz Island to pick up National Park visitors before heading back through the Santa Barbara Channel to our home port in Ventura.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience
Fares:
- $159 per person
- Ages 13+
- Duration: 9.5 Hours
Sci Scrub-Jay & Pelagic Birds
Santa Cruz Island Scrub-Jay & Pelagic Bird Adventure
Discover the unique beauty of the Island Scrub-Jay on Santa Cruz Island and embark on a pelagic bird-watching cruise in the Santa Barbara Channel. This primarily non-landing excursion offers approximately one hour on Santa Cruz Island, giving you the rare opportunity to observe the endemic Island Scrub-Jay and other terrestrial birds. After reboarding, you’ll have ample time to explore the Santa Barbara Channel for diverse wildlife and birds. We’ll also cruise along the coast of Anacapa Island to witness seabird colonies preparing for the nesting season.
Fares:
- $138 per person
- Ages 13+
- Duration: 9 Hours
Prepare for an unforgettable day of bird watching and natural beauty!
