Island Packers Trips
The Islands
Island Packers offers several types of trips to visit Channel Islands National Park year-round. We travel to the local, “inner” islands of Santa Cruz Island & Anacapa Island, all year. During peak summer season, we travel to Santa Cruz Island multiple time a day and visit Anacapa Island 5-6 days a week. During the off season, trips to Santa Cruz depart 4-5 days a week, and Anacapa Island 2-3 days a week.
The outer islands are visited only during certain months. Santa Rosa Island is visited from March through November with trips every two to three days. San Miguel Island is visited from July through October or early November with 4-6 trips a month. Most trips to San Miguel are for Camper drop off and pick up. In October when the weather is best, we offer one or two trips that allow day visitors to explore San Miguel.
Santa Barbara Island while open to the public, does not have a suitable landing platform at this time. Rough winter weather in 2015 damaged the pier structure and it is now closed. We will resume trips to Santa Barbara Island when the landing pier has been repaired. There is no repair scheduled at this time.
Wildlife Viewing
Island Packers offers many trips that do not land at the islands. Most of these trips deliver a closeup view of the islands.
–Island Wildlife Cruises are available year round. Island Wildlife trips offer a narrated crossing and shoreline cruise of Anacapa. During the crossing we also scout for possible wildlife sightings. Typically, trips are 3 ½ hrs. in duration.
–Summer Whale Watches. From Mid-June through Mid-September we offer a chance to view Blue & Humpback Whales . Trips may or may not get close to the islands. Summer Whale Watching typically last 5-6 hours.
– Winter Whale Watching offers the chance to view migrating Gray whales. Winter Whale Watching begins December 26th and runs almost daily until Mid-April. Trips are 3-3.5 hours in length.
–Birding Excursions are offered three to four times a year in Winter, Summer and Fall. We offer trips to view the many birds that migrate through and reside in our area. These Birding Excursions are a favorite for pelagic bird viewing.
Harbor Cruises
Dinner, a complimentary beverage, and live music are the hallmarks of our Summer Harbor Cruises. These enjoyable two-hour evenings on the water are offered on select Saturday nights from June through October. The Valentine Day Evening Cruise offers lite appetizers and a complimentary beverage during this one-hour cruise. On our Nation’s birthday we load up our boats and head to the Channel Islands Harbor for our 4th of July Fireworks Cruise. During the winter holiday season, we offer Caroling Cruises and boats to View the Parade of Lights. Other special and fundraising cruises may also be offered. Island Packers boats are also available for private charters. Be it a birthday, wedding reception, anniversary, corporate team building or memorial we can provide a new experience for every occasion
