Such friendly staff! To the point and helpful. I appreciate the hands off of our experience. Boat was uneventful and smooth. We went to dive and that was it. I'd highly recommend swimming around past the arch, very neat around the corner. And to those interested there is a hidden cave under the dock at the island. You can exit it while in the cove next to the ladders, I wouldn't recommend entering from that side. Swim around to the left and go through (30 sec swim through), there's a breathing room right under the first lip going in. Can't see it from outside but you can hear the air escaping! Great experience, wish I had more energy and time to explore more. read more

Cruisin' for a Bruisin' The only way to get to Channel Islands National Park is by boat. And, unless you're Captain Stubing, Jr. and own your own vessel, then Island Packer Cruises is the official partner of the NPS to transport visitors between the mainland and the island. The Good: * Currently offering services to Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, and San Miguel Island. * Staff was friendly and helpful based on the minimal interactions we had with them. * Covered and uncovered seating on the boats, but you'll want to bring a hat regardless. * If you're lucky, you'll spot some dolphins and/or whales along the way. * Manage bookings online through their website. * They do send out emails updating you on the weather status and such in case there might be a chance of cancellations. * Prices vary depending on what you want to do, but they range from $15 per person to several hundred per person for 12-hour cruises. The average is probably around $70-100 each, though, which isn't bad for a round trip. * They do have a snack bar complete with beers on tap on the boat, so if you need some extra goodies to take along with you, now is your chance. I'm sure the prices are obscene, but you're in the middle of the ocean; you pay or you don't. The Meh: * They noodge you for tips on the way out. Listen, I get it. Times are tough, but maybe raise prices a touch instead of noodging customers for remuneration. The Ugly: * No service currently to Santa Barbara Island due to dock damage. * If you are visiting during the storm season, then there's a very good chance your trip might get canceled, at which point you can choose to get a refund or take a credit for a future trip. This happened to us this past December, but luckily we're only a few hours away, so it wasn't a big deal to rebook for this summer. Conclusion: The only way to the Channel Islands and it's a fun ride. Book it! read more

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This was an amazing ferry and crew! Laura, Marc, Danny and Felisha were listed as crew. We stopped once on the way to Santa Cruz Island as we saw a breach whale. Amazing to witness. Santa Cruz Island was beautiful. The air here is pristine. I felt sick when I woke up with a headache and a little weird on the ship but the second I stepped onto that island the fresh air took me to 100%, and I was totally fine on the way back. We hiked the trail to the right as you get off and had amazing views at the top. Unfortunately it was difficult to get a reservation to be able to go, stay a few hours and leave on another ship. Everything was booked like 2 weeks out. The only availability was a boat in that arrived late because we stopped for the whale (worth it!) at 3:45, and we had to board to get back on at 4:30. Wish we had more time, but it was worth the trip. They must be a popular ferry because it's difficult to book what you want unless you book way in advance. The ferry stopped again on the way back to Ventura to pick up a balloon so the dolphins don't eat it, and when we took off again a pod of dolphins were surfing in the waves from our boat... SO COOL!!! Some of them right next to the boat. We would definitely use this company again, maybe book in advance next time we travel here, but we would try to see another island next time. An excellent experience. read more

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What a wonderful and exciting excursion to the channel island national park! Island Packers is the best and reliable way to get to your channel island destination! The ride was fairly calm getting to and from the island. Felt like we were in great hands the entire time. The ship is clean and well stocked with snacks and drinks for your purchase. They also seem to be very knowledgeable when it comes to the rare whale sightings that can happen. We got lucky when the Captain saw some whale activity near by and slowed down to show us. He dropped a lot of knowledge about the animals and their habits etc. So we scored a surprise marine life lesson too! Thank you! Island Packers also do whale watching excursions btw. Overall: I would and absolutely recommend Island Packers for your visit to Channel island national park or anything else they provide! Super friendly and professional service all the way. read more

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We had a great time out to Anacapa Island- it was a perfect day and the crew was informative, casual and kind. Loved it all. Great value for the money, I felt as well. read more

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Knowledgable and proficient crew and great service! Not the fastest transit I've made but maybe the most comfortable. Nice detours to see whales for a few minutes. read more

I used this company 3 times to get out to 3 of the 5 islands that are part of The Channel Islands National Park and every experience was very good. First day I took this ferry out from Ventura Harbor to the Santa Cruz Island and it was about 90 minutes and we got to see plenty of dolphins and whales. And if wildlife is spotted, they make it a point to stop so we can watch the animals up close! Note that day trippers and campers are all packed onto this ferry. Second day, I took the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Rosa Island and the ride out was 3 hours, so plan for that. Again, we saw quite a lot of wildlife. We also on the way back, got a really nice look at the Painted Cave. Third day, I took the ferry from Oxnard Harbor to Anacapa Island and it was about an hour. This was a much smaller ferry, limited selection in their galley. Again, saw plenty of wildlife and got a nice video of a humpback whale. All 3 experiences were excellent and would use them again. Note that ferry ticket isn't cheap, so plan for that. Also not the different harbors that have ferries out, lots of options. I would definitely use them again next time I return! read more

Island Packer Cruises - Ferry docking at Santa Rosa Island - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

They will take you on a ferry to the Channel Islands. Then they will take you on a kayak or snorkel tour while you're there. The operation is professional and reliable. The ferry isn't luxurious but it's as comfortable as the ferries that ferry you to Catalina. Even better, when they see whales or dolphins--which you definitely will--they slow down so you can see them and take your pictures. Even though you didn't sign up for a whale or dolphin watching experience, you get the experience anyway. I like that. The kayak tour we took was excellent. Our guide was perfect. We were well-instructed, well entertained, and were given some education at the same time. High marks for this outfit. read more

Island Packer Cruises - Kayak tour to the sea caves was an absolute blast. - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

We had a great experience with Island Packers Cruises two days in a row! I booked our day trips well in advance to Santa Cruz Island (Scorpion Anchorage) and Anacapa Island. We got super lucky with the weather and both sailings went smoothly. Island Packers staff members were friendly and knowledgeable about the channel and islands. We also got to see so much marine life! Both days we spotted humpback whales, which the staff were quick to point out. We also got to see two massive pods of common dolphins! This was such a cool experience, especially since they love to play in the boat wake. Overall, Island Packers provided a seamless, well-organized experience. read more

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Island packers is a first class company that can take you on various cruises, including to Channel island NP! We did a weekday trip out to Santa Cruz Island, getting off at Prisoners Harbor for some hiking. The cruise out there is as packed full of campers and day visitors, almost all of which got off at the first stop, Scorpion Harbor. We loved our 4ish hours off of Prisoners Harbor. We did a nice few mile hike on rhe pelican bay trail with two guides from the boat. We also had time to picnic and walk around the lovely beaches in our own. We encountered a lot of wildlife on this trip including a pod of over 1000 dolphins, humpback whales, the endemic island fox, many plants and the island scrub jay. The boat captain really took time to stop for the dolphins and humpbacks, which we really appreciated. We also loved the snack bar on the boat and the staff as a whole. read more

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I have used Island Packers many times in the past 8 years to visit Channel Islands National Park, and it has always been a great experience whether I was camping or on a day trip. They have detailed information about packing on their website, are communicative, and have clear instructions the day of about things like where to park your car for a camping trip, where to sit on the boat if you're feeling seasick, etc. Although it's a little pricey to go on a boat (versus just driving to a National Park), I think the price is fair. Aside from the fact they are great at providing transportation to the islands, there are two bonus things: First, I always look forward to the trip because we'll usually see dolphins jumping in and out of the water and the boat will follow them for a bit. They'll also point out if there are whales, rare birds, etc. Second, they will stop to scoop up balloons out of the ocean, so they're also a company that I feel good about supporting! read more

They are a very organized company with clear instructions to prepare for your cruise to the Channel Islands National Parks. Priced fairly. Great crew both ways that are very helpful and experienced. About an hour to the Santa Cruz Island. They also have a gift shop with clothing and accessories. They also have 2 stamps for your passport book. Bathroom nearby. Free parking during the week but paid parking on weekends. read more

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Only official way to get to the Channel Islands NP. Great service and well maintained boats. Boats have limited heads (bathroom), some light drink and food service. We arrived early at the loading zone, as recommended at 7am, for our camping trip. However, others arrived later than 8am, and still made it on. But I would follow their extensive guidelines on the website before going for camping trips. They have details on what you can take, when to get there, parking and lots of information. We separated our water and fuel, set our packs down and waited until 8:30 ish. After setting down, there are bathrooms, we went to desk in the office to check in, get tickets, and parking tag. The parking tag will cover the first day and tell enforcement that you are camping. Then you pay for parking for the next day(s). They call campers to help load items, then go wait in the line with day passengers. If it is busy maybe have someone hold a spot in line, while the other loads. There is a shop that has some gallon waters, beachwear and other drinks and gifts. Loading was busy and it is packed. Find a good seat and then ship off. The captain and crew gave safety talk, and then on the water shared about the area and wildlife. They will detour to seek out wildlife. We found a large grouping of camrans and pelicans, then hundreds of dolphins, and finally the tail of two whales as they dove. It was a cloudy day with a light fog. Nice trip. Disembark passengers at island, then campers standby to form a line to help unload. Pickup fuel, Get a camping briefing from the ranger and then cut loose. Departure is about the same, get in a line, load fuel, help load camping gear, get back in line then load with other passengers, Make sure you have your ticket. Trip back found even more dolphins, went around a large cargo ship. Clearer skies. Same unloading process. Great transport to islands, crowded but great staff. read more

I have never been on these cruises before, and this is my first time whale watching. I have always dreamt of going to the channel islands, and we did not see any whales today probably because it was too early in the season for them to surface. We saw a ton of dolphins 3 kinds to be exact and some sea lions. Everyone on boat was polite and everything was clean, I do want to come back. The tour guides were kind and would linger around where we'd see wildlife. Id come back again and really enjoyed the boat ride and the experience. Wish I saw whales read more

Island Packer Cruises - No whales today but we will see em next time - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

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We got tickets to go to the Santa Cruz Island and I love how this company is super communicative with updates. They text and email all the info you need to enjoy your time at the island and they highly prioritize your safety. When we got on the boat they went through how to put on a life vest and when we arrived to the island, there was an orientation that went over safety and common sense things to follow. All their tips were great and straight to the point. read more

Island Packer Cruises - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

While in the area everyone I talked to said that visiting the Channel Islands was a must. The only way on and off the islands is by ferry run by Island Packers. I went to Santa Cruz Island and got off at Scorpion Cove. The booking is straight forward and done online. It books up well in advance so make sure you plan ahead. The ride out takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending upon what wildlife you encounter. On the way out we saw dolphins and a couple whales. On the way back we saw several pods of dolphins. The temperature is pretty breezy so make sure you dress accordingly. There is a lower cabin and then an upstairs exposed deck. If you are prone to seasickness stay on the lower deck. There is a small galley where you can get snacks. I got a pickle and trail mix to compliment what I had brought. It was surprisingly cheap. The crew of the ship was friendly and seemed passionate about the job. There was a nice narration on the trip filled with facts about the area and wildlife. The ship was punctual, so make sure you get there early as recommended in the booking. Overall I had a fantastic experience. read more

Everything was fantastic, from check-in to boarding, hospitality to knowledge. We had a great experience with Island packers. We boarded the vessel heading to Santa Cruz Island & the painted cave. We were spoiled to see thousands of dolphins and about 10 whales. The captain, was so kind to spend a lot of time with the mammals. One whale came so close to the boat, as curious about us as we are it. It was incredible. I appreciated the knowledge of the staff, they told history of the Channel Islands as well as the oil rigs. After about 2 hours we dropped off 1/3 of the passengers to the island and made our way to the painted cave. It was another 30 minutes north. The captain nestled the boat as far as she could into the cave. Very impressive in the tight space. We could see sea stars, sea lions swimming in the cave and just the impressive rock formation it was! (Next time, I'd skip the cave and allow more time to explore the island. We only had 2 hours before embarking back to Ventura) Tip: It can be rough seas out there, and nobody wants to hear ppl puking! If you know you struggle with motion sickness - prepare wisely. LISTEN to crew staff. They know best. Take water & snacks to the island! Take your own TP... I brought my she pee funnel. Just sayin' the "pits" are disgusting. It was a great trip! read more

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We booked our trip on Island Packers to finally make the trek over to Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park. If you're looking to go to one of the islands, Island Packers is the only way to get there without renting a private transportation. All that being said, I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the experience was. They have both indoor and outdoor seats, and you can seat/stand on the second deck and look out over the water. Really enjoyable (as long as you don't get seasick). We went during prime whale-watching season, and they spent extra time on the way there and back to see the whales and dolphins that were all around us. It was so unexpected, so cool, and such a wonderful treat. They do sell some snacks onboard and you can pre buy a breakfast or lunch if you want. But definitely make sure to bring some food of your own as well. Very organized boarding and offloading process. Overall, a great experience and would gladly return to the islands on them. read more

Orca show. Had the best nature cruise Saturday to Anacapa island. We saw around 6 humpbacks. Then later we came on the second mega pod of dolphins. This mega pod was being chased by four orcas. To see orcas off California was amazing. The crew shared many interesting facts, and were so professional and safe. read more

Island Packer Cruises - Orca one of four. - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

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We took the 8:30 AM ferry to the channel Islands on Saturday and returned on their 4:30 PM ferry back to Ventura. The staff on both ferries were extremely organized, and also very educated and nice. The trip took about an hour and a half each way. The staff made sure to slow the ferry down and even stop at some point so that we could enjoy the wildlife. We saw dolphins seals, sea lions, many birds, and even a couple of whales! The staff also made sure to give us some educational information about the animals, the channel Islands themselves, and climate/sustainability initiatives. We had a great time and we would definitely go on this cruise to channel Islands again. read more

Come for the boat ride, flee from the birds Ah, East Anacapa Island. A name that will haunt us in our dreams... or at least every time we see a seagull or hear the words "protected ecosystem." Let me start by saying the boat tour operator was a gem--knowledgeable, friendly, and, most importantly, the only sane part of this fever dream. The voyage out was promising... if you ignore the biblical plague of flies that decided we were their promised land. Bug spray? More like bug soup. But nothing--and I mean NOTHING--could have prepared us for what awaited on the island. Picture this: a barren rock floating in the Pacific, covered in bird poop and anger. It's like nature said, "What if we took Hitchcock's The Birds, added a million screaming seagull babies, and turned the whole island into a maternity ward from hell?" We bravely (foolishly) set out on the hike, which was less a scenic adventure and more an avian battleground. These seagulls were not just protective. They were tiny feathery assassins. One dive-bombed my head so hard I swear I briefly saw my ancestors. Every step was met with screeches, flapping wings, and the constant fear that we might not make it back with both eyes. Our hike turned into a speed-walk of terror, dodging poop bombs and bird rage, until we finally begged--yes, begged--the boat to take us back to the fly cloud, which at that point felt like a spa retreat. Would I recommend this island? Only to someone I deeply dislike or someone training for survival reality TV. Would I do it again? Only if the seagulls sign a peace treaty read more

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YOUR BEST ECONOMICAL OPTION! SAFE & SPEEDY US Coast Guard inspected and they have the process dialed in! Board vessel, take your seats (open seating), receive safety speech, depart, arrive, enjoy island. Return is same in reverse! SEATING Board early and get a spot on the inside. You can always step out to enjoy the sea air. You can't do the opposite if all the inside seats fill up and you get cold! Enjoy! :) read more

Island Packer Cruises - Line to board! - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

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These folks know what they're doing. 60 years in business and not one incident (we were told). They ain't cheap (not even close), but I guess this is the price you pay to have a peace of mind. We utilized their transportation services for a couple of day trips from Ventura to Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island. Everything ran smoothly. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Volunteers are often on board to provide additional information about the Channel Islands National Park. The boats have two floors (one indoor, the other outdoor) and are reasonably spacious. The restrooms - believe it or not - are kept clean and odorless throughout the journeys. An additional bonus is provided by the fact that if they run into wildlife on their way to an island, they'll make as many stops as they need to make sure passengers can see the animals. So, what you paid to reach/leave an island may as well turn into a whale watching experience with no additional cost. This happened to us on our way to Anacapa Island, where we saw dozens of dolphins and a handful of whales (a couple of whom swam directly next to the boat). That was pretty sweet, but of course you can't count on it to happen. Either way, although you really don't have a choice (they seem to have the monopoly of transportation services to the Channel Islands), this company delivers what advertised. Get at the dock in a Ventura an hour early if you want to choose your seat, as they're all on a first come first served basis. Restrooms also available at their dock (with drinkable water) and a gift shop for the younger ones. read more

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Island Packers is the only boat concessionaire approved to run trips to and from the islands within Channel Islands National Park. But it's still a family owned company- with two children of the founder still operating the company! And even though you're a captive audience, they still strive to provide an excellent experience - I've loved every trip I've taken with them! Their main office and departure location is in the Ventura harbor marina. They do also offer trips out of Oxnard to certain islands so be sure to check your location when booking online - bc there are options sometimes where you can book to leave from Ventura and return to Oxnard and vice versa. Check in is a breeze - the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable and give you tons of info. After checking in and getting your boarding pass, you'll board in an orderly fashion with clear instructions and help from the staff. Once on board, the staff give a brief safety orientation, open the galley, and you're free to move around as you see fit. There's lots of booths and tables inside, as well as rows of seating outside in the back of the lower level and more on the upper level. The galley offers all sorts of snacks and hot food, as well as hot coffee, tea, and cocoa. Prices are really inexpensive - the drinks and packaged snacks are decent. I tried a breakfast burrito on my last trip but it was not that great - just a standard microwave variety so I probably wouldn't get that again. Their catamaran style boats are designed to navigate through inclement weather and handle the huge rolling waves of the Pacific to give a smoother ride. I've taken three trips with them over the years and all have been relatively smooth. The waves can get quite large, especially on the way out - but it's absolute mad fun to stand on the front of the boat when it's like that - feels like a roller coaster!! If you suffer from sea sickness, I recommend taking your medicine. Most (if not all!) of the staff on board are trained naturalists who love to educate on any wildlife we may come across while on our journey. The captains do a fabulous job of looking out for and getting close (safely) to any pods of dolphins, seals, and whales we may come across. I've seen dolphins and seals on every trip!! Prices for the trips run around just over $60 depending on the length and landing. I've been to both ports on Santa Cruz Island (Scorpion Cove & Prisoner's Harbor) for day trips and I did a half day boat-only trip to Anacapa. They give you plenty of time on the islands. And there are some options to extend your trip and camp as well. They do tell you to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure. The office Same for your return departure- and they always say they leave on time - but honestly I've never seen them leave an island without making sure every single ticket holder is either on board or accounted for - so I don't think they'll just up and leave you if you're running behind. The main office has clean bathrooms, limited supplies, and some concessions as well as plenty of parking in a private lot. I love the boat rides over to the islands - Someday I'll make it to all of them!! read more

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crew is great but beware of flies! If you're taking Island Packers ferry to Santa Cruz, prepare for swarms of flies during ferry ride and while waiting for departures! Best advice is to stand starboard or port side for entire trip to stay where breezes are strong enough to detract flies. Flies are not an issue once you're on island... read more

Stroke of luck, today the sea was calm and the sea life was all over us! Great crew, I'd imagine even if seas hadn't been so perfect. Whales flocked to us. read more

Just do it! This is an incredible company that will whisk you to some of the most magical places that are just in our back yard. You will be asking yourself why you haven't ever done this before and planning the next trip before you land back in Ventura. Book online to one of the five islands. We have been to Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa and we recommend Santa Cruz. It costs about $120 per person round trip and the boat ride itself is worth the cost. Every time we go we get a free dolphin show. There are something like 250,000 dolphins in the Santa Barbara Channel and they love to chase the ship. We must have seen at least 2,000 on our last trip, and many babies! You will also see pelicans, cormorants, and occasionally, even whales and sharks. Bring a lunch and water and be prepared to hike once you land. There are multiple walks of varying lengths and difficulty--something for everyone. You can also kayak in the sea caves if you bring your own kayak or sign up for a super cool tour with Santa Barbara Adventures. So surprise a loved one by booking this trip. You will thank me:) read more

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They were all so helpful and accommodating. Marie helped us and was very patient in answering all our questions. She was also very helpful in assisting us with a good itinerary for our trip to the channel islands. We never felt rushed and spent so much time with us. Great service especially for a couple (us) who didn't have any set plans! Thanks marie! Thank u guys!! read more

Very friendly. Great trip to Channel Islands. We did 2 islands on 2 different days. Both were great.

My famliy and I have used Island Packer Cruises twice, once to Anacapa Island and most recently to Santa Cruz Island for day trips. Both trips went very smoothly and the crews were professional and helpful. But the most recent trip back to Ventura from Santa Cruz takes the cake. We had left for SC island in the morning and felt very fortunate to have seen one humpback whale on the way over. The captain was great, stopping the boat and alerting us to the whale's presence so that we could take pictures. What luck, I thought! On the same boat back to Ventura, our captain then alerted us to a huge pod of dolphins surfing on the swells around us, jumping and seeming to have lots of fun in our wake. Amazing!! THEN............our captain alerted us to a group of humpack whales breaching far off in the distance. I looked over and saw a gigantic splash, not believing my eyes. It happened again, and again, and again. The whales (a group of two adults and a calf) breached separately and together, partially out of the water and all the way out of the water. Absolutely mind-blowing. Our captain navigated the boat way off course to enable us to see this incredible sight up close, all the while giving us important information regarding whale behaviors and safety. As he said, we won the whale lottery on this trip, which wasn't even supposed to be a whale watching trip. Reluctantly, after about 30 minutes, he let us know it was hard to leave but we had to return to harbor. I would give Island Packers and this captain in particular 100 Yelp stars if I could. For the very reasonable price of boat fare, my family and I had the experience of a lifetime, thanks to the fantastic captain and crew. Thank you, thank you, thank you. read more

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I've done all three Island Packers cruises -- whale watching, Santa Cruz Island, and Prisoners Harbor -- and every trip was incredible! The crew is super friendly and makes the whole experience fun and informative. Be ready for a bumpy ride (seasickness is real!), and dress in layers -- it gets chilly out on the water. For day trips, don't forget snacks, lunch, extra water, SPF, and a spare bag for your trash (no bins on the islands!). Island Packers is a fun way to explore the Channel Islands, beautiful and totally worth it! read more

Island Packer Cruises - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

I used Island Packers last weekend on my trip to the Santa Cruz Channel Island. I had a wonderful experience with their team. Booking was made easy through the app, and even when they were booked out for the date/time I wanted, they had a waitlist option. This was ultimately the reason I was able to go this past weekend. Their location is easy to find with plenty of parking. They have a gift shop and bathrooms. The boat was bigger than I expected and the crew was very friendly. They went around making sure that people were not feeling sea sick and were very helpful to the ones that were. We saw dolphins on the way there, and extended the boat ride to slow down and see them. On the way back, we saw multiple whales, in which we stopped to look as well!! Highly recommend this company that streamlined this process so efficiently and was incredibly friendly throughout the process! read more

Such a fun and beautiful experience even though I got sea sick! Thank you so much Marc for making it better by getting me ginger candy and an endless supply of barf bags, water, and paper towels. I was treated with dignity and respect, such a huge plus!!! You are the best! This crew was awesome and their communication was amazing! read more

Island Packer Cruises - Scorpion cove - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

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As the only real way for folks to make it to Channel Islands National Park, you're really limited to Island Packer Cruises for transportation if you want to experience the Park. As a NPS concessionaire, they're above average when it comes to service and professionalism, but that also gives them a monopoly over transportation to the islands in the park. The trip to Santa Cruz is fairly enjoyable, even in colder winter weather (when dressed appropriately for colder overwater transportation temperatures!), when on the bow looking out toward the waves and scenery. They have a small snack stand on board (which I didn't personally experience) but it definitely makes far more sense to bring all the food/drink yourself to the island. On our return trip, the pilot noticed some dolphins and humpbacks which he diverted our cruise to see unnecessarily adding time to their work day which was much appreciated by most on board. This was definitely a bonus but something not to be expected on every journey, but given the additional effort/time by the staff, it certainly earned them a tip! Overall, the trip is pleasant and the staff may even go out of their way to give you a better wildlife experience if conditions allow. That said, compared to other, similar experiences, I feel the roundtrip price is just a bit too high solely for the transportation service provided given the number of passengers on each voyage and the fact it's the only way for the general public to experience the national park. read more

I booked with Island Packers a few months in advance of our trip. The website was easy to understand and I decided to do the most popular destination, Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Cove, for our first try to Channel Islands National Park. It was about $130 for 2 people round trip. I ended up calling a few weeks later to request our inflatable paddleboards to be added to the reservation, $40 for 2 people round trip. They didn't charge my card immediately and said I would be charged upon check-in, which I was happy with if I happened to change my mind or weather wasn't good for paddling. Came on a Saturday and arrived at 7 am for our 8 am boat reservation from Ventura. Parking was easy this early in the morning and there were way more people than I expected. Finding the check-in office and bathrooms were easy. Check-in was fast and they were very helpful with my questions about the wind for paddling and gave clear instructions where to drop off our gear and where to wait. Everyone working was friendly and knew exactly what they were doing. Once aboard the boat, we took our motion sickness medicine and enjoyed the trip out. A little bit into leaving, my partner and I got up to go to the front of the boat (you're not required to sit at your seat) so we could look at the water and sealife. We were fortunate to see a humpback whale breach on the way to the island! It was also not too choppy so there wasn't much boat rocking. Debarking the boat was easy and quick. There was a short orientation with some volunteers and we were left to our own devices. My partner and I immediately got to work pumping up our paddleboards. We were able to explore some sea caves which were gorgeous! After paddling, we prepared to snorkel. We were able to see so many different kinds of fish. It was our first time snorkeling but we brought our own gear (I know a company does rentals nearby the Island Packers office). It was so thrilling! The island is well equipped for visitors, with bathrooms, changing rooms, potable water, and fox boxes to keep out the indigenous foxes. If you don't have food; you're welcome to leave your items on the beach because no one will take them. We were promptly on the pier at 3:30 pm for our 4 pm departure. On the way back, we saw another humpback whale breach and a huge pod of hundreds of common bottlenose dolphins. Literally such an amazing experience. Everything went smoothly and blew our minds. We will definitely be going back and we hope to try some of the other destinations! read more

Always a great experience I have been whale watching with them 3 times and it's so fun every time. Always feel safe and well taken care of. The boat is a great size and offers many seats and places to see the beautiful ocean and all its creatures! I even got to see orcas one time! Such a rare treat read more

Island Packer Cruises - Whale watching - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary by riding the Island Packer boat to Santa Cruz Island, and we were so happy with our experience. The boat ride took about 1 hour and 20 minutes due to some high winds, and it was a fun time. We rode alongside hundreds of jumping dolphins and I (surprisingly) didn't get sea sick! There was plenty of space on the boat for us to move around and get multiple views. Once on the island, we took the more "ambitious" trail towards Potato Harbor, which led us to some gorgeous views. The hike was about 5 miles round-trip and, despite some hills, was very manageable. I would recommend that you pack food and enough water to last you 5-ish hours on the island. We made sure to bring some Subway sandwiches and were careful to not leave behind any food scraps or trash, which is necessary because the island is a protected national marine sanctuary. On our ride back on the last (4 pm) boat, we enjoyed a vibrant sunset while pleasantly exhausted from the day we had. Overall, everything went smoothly and the day was filled with good energy, beautiful nature, and a fantastic boat ride. Thanks to the crew for being awesome, too! read more

Island Packer Cruises - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

We attempted to take the cruise to the Channel islands but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. Island packers was great getting info out there to let you know what to do. We ended up reschedule for a whale watching tour instead. The guides were great, rebooking was super easy and the options were very clear. read more

I've used Island Packers twice. Once we took a trip to Santa Cruz Island. The second time we took their holiday harbor lights cruise. Both times we had a fantastic time. They are professional, responsible and helpful. Their trips depart on time. They board quickly. The snack bar on board is reasonable in prices. The views from outside are great. The seats indoors are comfortable. read more

Island Packer Cruises - The 5:00 harbor lights cruise was basically a sunset tour. - Boating Near Me - Ventura, California

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From before the start of my trip to disembarking, Island Packers (IP) was great! Family and I decided on a trip to Santa Rosa island (Channel Islands National Park) for a birthday camping trip and realized we needed a ride to the island! IP was great in providing all the relevant information via their website and over the phone. The website was super easy to use and ordering tickets was a breeze. The day of our trip, we received a text message at 530am telling us about inclement weather that would be delaying our departure. Although the news wasn't great, I was impressed at the communication effort made by IP. Check in was fast and simple, all staff was very thorough with instructions. Remember to park in the turtle or whale lot if you're leaving your car overnight. Staff often asked if it was our first time and when we said yes, they offered additional tips and information. Boarding was also very simple and no fuss. We were given a safety talk and shown how to use life jackets if we were to need them. The trip itself was enjoyable (if you don't get sea sick!) there was plenty of seating room. Snacks, coffee, soft drinks and beer were offered for sale at very reasonable prices. When we got close to the island, we saw dolphins swimming next to us in which the captain slowed down and let us enjoy the views and minimizing impact to wildlife. Once having arrived at the island, we were asked to form a "fire brigade" (teamwork!) to unload everyone's gear. We were then greeted and briefed by National Park Service staff. When it came to the return trip, everything was still great, seamless and enjoyable. My entire experience with IP was truly enjoyable, I cannot wait to return to the islands and also enjoy a nice ferry ride. IP has got this down! They are friendly, efficient, kind, and helpful! Thank you Island Packers! read more

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