Photo courtesy Island Packers.
VENTURA — With Summer fast approaching, Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Island and Summer Whale Watching excursions from Ventura Harbor from May – September 2026. Visitors of all ages can view some truly magnificent mammals and also have the option to board a vessel to experience specialty trips to destinations on The Nature Conservancy property, in addition to the company’s full schedule of transportation to destinations in the Channel Island National Park. www.islandpackers.com and Ventura Harbor Village
Revel In Summer Whale Watching – The Santa Barbara Channel has been newly designated as a Whale Heritage Area, only the 2nd one in the United States. This area is renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, where more than 25 cetacean species have been documented. Over the summer months, you may see visiting Humpback, Fin or Blue Whales, or come across resident groups of seals, sea lions, or dolphins. In summer through September, a six-hour day spent on the ocean in the company of these creatures can be awe-inspiring and truly memorable. Whale watching trips do not offer time ashore.
Summer Whale Watching: Adult: $90, senior $ 85 and child $74.
Partake in a Anacapa Shoreline Cruise that offers a 3.5-hour tour to view the rugged coastline, historic lighthouse, and arch rock. Highlights are sea lions, seals and island birds, plus other possible marine sightings during the crossing. Shoreline cruises do not offer time ashore.
Anacapa Shoreline Cruise (no landing): Adult: $ 49, senior $ 45
Enjoy Specialty Trips –Painted Cave and Prisoner’s Harbor, Santa Cruz Island that provide the option to take advantage of direct service to this popular destination. Visitors partake in a coastal tour culminating with an “in the island experience” at Painted Cave. This is followed by landing ashore at Prisoners Harbor for a couple hours to picnic, hike, snorkel or lounge. There is the opportunity for a naturalist-led hike or exploring on your own.
Painted Cave and Prisoner’s Harbor Santa Cruz Island Day Trip: Adult $ 95, senior $89 and child $ 71
Experience Fry’s Harbor or Fraser Point Santa Cruz Island Day Trips, including landing ashore on The Nature Conservancy property on Santa Cruz Island. Shore access is via small boats, with a possibly wet landing. Island Packers staff are available to share the natural and human history of the area. Hiking is limited. There will be approximately two hours to picnic, hike, snorkel or lounge.
Fry’s Harbor or Fraser Point Day Trip Santa Cruz Island: Adult: $104, senior $ 98 and child $ 75.
Discover Santa Cruz Island Scrub-Jay & Pelagic Bird Trip on Santa Cruz Island and embark on a pelagic bird-watching cruise in Santa Barbara Channel. This primarily non-landing 9-hour excursion offers one hour on Santa Cruz Island, giving visitors the rare opportunity to observe the endemic island bird and other diverse wildlife and terrestrial birds.
Scrub Jay Birding Trip to Santa Cruz Island: Adult $ 143
For more information, visit Island Packers official website www.islandpackers.com or call 805-642-1393 to obtain details on regularly scheduled transportation. Island Packers offers specialty excursions as well as trips to land for the day or camp on trips to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Island with the opportunity to view the marine sightings on all the various trips.
About Island Packers:
As the authorized boat concessioner to Channel Islands National Park, Island Packers has been providing island transportation and wildlife viewing in the Santa Barbara Channel for more than 57 years. Captains and crew aboard all trips have many years of experience finding and viewing wildlife. Their thoughtful narration informs guests about the history, human impact, and unique characteristics of the channel and wildlife encountered.
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Situated along the picturesque California Central Coast, endowed with breathtaking views, Ventura Harbor Village is the waterfront seaside attraction to shop, dine, play and explore with over 30 seaside businesses and tons of fresh seafood options and culinary delights. Ventura Harbo Village is located just steps from Island Packers and hosts year-round live music and entertainment, waterfront events, and a wide calendar of annual events. Just across from Ventura Harbor Village, are several sandy beaches for beachgoers, and wide-open spaces for boating & recreation in the inner channels of Ventura Harbor. The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center makes it home in Ventura Harbor on Spinnaker Drive and is open to the public for free daily. For information regarding Ventura Harbor Village, visit Ventura Harbor Village or call 805-477-0470. Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. Post, share, and like #VenturaHarbor