Bob Forbes photo courtesy of Islands Packers.
Company Collaborates With The New Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area To Protect Marine Life
VENTURA — A winter Whale Watch trip is a perfect way to gather with family and friends to view Pacific Gray Whales migrating through the Santa Barbara Channel from their feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding grounds in Baja.
Pacific Gray Whales are normally sighted in the SB Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, and whale watching excursions to witness the whales are offered, now available through April, 2024, by Island Packers, a family-owned and founded in 1969, and the official concessionaire to the Channel Island National Parks. For more information, visit www.Island Packers.com. The mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California.
The exciting news this year is the migrating gray whales are now traversing the newly designated Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA).
Honored with this designation this past October because of responsible tourism and important conservation initiatives to protect the diversity and abundance of whales, dolphins and porpoises, the SBCWHA is one of only ten whale heritage areas found around the world. This prestigious designation is a testament to the region’s commitment to marine conservation and ocean education through whale watching and wildlife cruising opportunities.
Sightings of the southern migration typically begins in December for Pacific Gray Whales, and visitors can witness Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and occasionally Orcas. Common Dolphin are enjoyed year-round, delighting passengers as they frolic with the boat, and ride the bow and stern waves. For the most recent sightings visit www.islandpackers.com or on Island Packers Twitter.
The half-day Winter Whale Watch Cruise provides stunning views of the Ventura coastline or the Channel Islands; depending on where the whales may be sighted.
Winter Whale Watch excursions are available now thru mid-April from Ventura and/ or Channel Islands Harbor departing at 9:30 a.m. and/or 1:30 p.m. Rates for half-day trips are $45 for adults, $41 for seniors, and $32 for children 3-12. Children 2 years old and younger ride free.
All-day trips to Anacapa, Prisoners Harbor (Mid-Santa Cruz), and Scorpion Anchorage (East Santa Cruz) are also available year-round. Island Packers anticipates resuming travel to Santa Rosa Island in the middle of February or early March. All-day trips range from $ 66.00 to $ 89.00 per adult. Camping is also available for an additional fee.
What makes whale watching a great activity:
Affordable family fun – half day excursions start at $45 for adults; $32 for kids
Flexible – winter trips depart twice a day, almost daily (weather permitting) until mid-April
Educational – crew and volunteers aboard the whale watching cruises have many years of experience sighting whales on the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and will narrate and inform guests about all the varieties or marine mammals seen on the cruise
Get in touch with nature – it is not just whales that make the area so special; you may also see sea birds, sea lions, and the coastline of the offshore islands while onboard
Call for more information 805-642-1393
Book online www.Islandpackers.com
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Situated along the picturesque California Central Coast, endowed with breathtaking views, Ventura Harbor Village is the waterfront seaside attraction in the Ventura Harbor, bordered by the City of Ventura on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the West. Ventura Harbor is 20 miles from Santa Barbara and is 60 miles from Los Angeles and just minutes off scenic US Highway 1 and 101. The Ventura Harbor offers several sandy beaches for beach-goers, and wide open spaces for boating & recreation. The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center makes it home in Ventura Harbor.
For a complete schedule of holiday events and entertainment and additional visitor information, contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-477-0470, or visit VenturaHarborVillage.com. Ventura Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, CA 93001. Post, share, and like @VenturaHarbor