$ 48
$ 44
$ 44
$ 35
Free
Each winter, Pacific gray whales migrate between the lagoons of Baja California and the feeding grounds of Alaska, passing through the Santa Barbara Channel along the way. From the comfort of our vessels, passengers search for gray whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and abundant bird life while enjoying narration from a professional naturalist. While sightings are never guaranteed, your crew makes every effort to locate and visit with these magnificent animals.
Our experienced captains and naturalists provide narration throughout the cruise, sharing insights about gray whales and the many other marine mammals that inhabit these waters.
This trip also highlights the natural and cultural history of the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands. Your crew may discuss the migration of the gray whale, the diverse marine life that thrives here, and the human history of the islands, from the Chumash who lived here for thousands of years to more recent ranching and fishing eras.
What you might see on your trip:
In addition to gray whales, the Channel is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Passengers often encounter dolphins, sea lions, and harbor seals, with occasional sightings of orcas and a wide array of seabirds.
The Whale Heritage Area (WHA) program is an initiative created by World Cetacean Alliance and World Animal Protection to formally recognize and accredit destinations around the world that support and demonstrate responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching tourism.
Island Packers is very proud to be one of over 30 supporting local organizations; whale watching companies, museums, environmental NGOs, research institutes and federal agencies working together to promote sustainable practices to ensure the conservation of the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara Channel. This designation highlights the region’s commitment to promoting responsible ecotourism, providing more ocean educational opportunities, supporting on-going research and conservation efforts, and honoring the timeless cultural connection we have to cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises).
The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area is the perfect location where whales are celebrated for their ecological role in enhancing ocean productivity; where whales have an economic value through responsible tourism; where conservation and research is a priority in reducing their longevity and where we can continue to learn and appreciate the rich complex lives of cetaceans.
Learn more here: https://www.sbwhaleheritage.org
Gray Whale Watching is a winter event and we encourage you to dress in layers of warm clothing, and wear comfortable flat shoes on your trip. Bring along your camera and binoculars for added viewing options.
Summer Whale Watching
Each summer, the waters off the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary come alive with some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. Once a rare sight, Humpback whales and the endangered Blue whale are now regularly seen as they gather to feed on massive swarms of krill.
Explore the Scenic North Shore of Anacapa Island – No Landing Required!
A great introduction to Channel Islands National Park
