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    Island Packers Cruises

    4.0 (40 reviews)

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    Entering Painted Cave
    Terri B.

    We made reservations online several months ago and the day finally arrived. We are trying to see all the National Parks, and that means experiencing each one. So it was time to actually go out to one of the islands. We booked the Prisoner's Harbor and Painted Cave excursion. We arrived 45 minutes before our scheduled boat departure, checked in and received our boarding tickets and return tickets. There was staff outside informing each person of which line to get into as there were several boats leaving for different islands or harbors. We boarded the boat and were greeted by all the friendly boat staff. We found our seats and were instructed on where the life jackets were, and how to put them on in case they were needed. We had a small snack bar on board along with two bathrooms. We soon set off from the dock and on the way to the island, the staff were constantly on the microphone telling us what dolphins we were seeing, and when a whale was spotted, they were very responsible in keeping their distance, yet close enough for us to see them and watch them. We spent time just floating to watch the whales, it was awesome. We made it over to Santa Cruz Island and Prisoner's Harbor where half the boat disembarked as their tickets either didn't include Painted Cave, or they were camper's going to their campsites. The rest of us remained on board and we soon set off for the cave. I had no idea that this part of the trip would be so awesome. We whale watched on our way and when we arrived at the cave, the water was pretty smooth so our captain was able to enter the cave, it was awe-inspiring. After a good visit and entering twice, we turned around and headed back to Prisoner's Cove. The captain skirted the coastline so we could see all the little coves, beaches and caves. Back at Prisoner's Cove, we all got off and had about 2.5 hours to either sit on the rocky beach or hike. After climbing up two steps on the ladder we were on the dock. We decided to hike a portion of the Conservancy Pelican Path. The hike is fairly strenuous, but so worth the flowers, fauna and views of the ocean from this path. We stopped for snacks, many had brought picnics. We visited with fellow traveler's and just enjoyed a beautiful day. Going to the islands is like entering a whole other world and is so worth the time. Island Packer's staff was professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience extra special. We will absolutely go out with them again, this time to explore another island.

    Island Packers boat
    Soo H.

    We booked a half day tour of Channel Islands National Park with Island Packers. The Channel Islands are made up of Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. The trip from Oxnard to Anacapa took about an hour. Loved the boat ride which was full of ocean spray and bumps as we were going into the waves. The highlight of the cruise was checking out the Anacapa Island Lighthouse. Constructed in 1912 it was the last major lighthouse built on the west coast. Built on the easterly entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel the light could be seen from 20 miles away. We spent about a half hour touring just the Oxnard facing side of Anacapa. Then it was about an hour to return to Oxnard. While I had a great time I think the half day tour of the Channel Islands would have been awesome if we had visited all the islands and spent more time viewing the islands versus just getting to the islands and back. The staff of Island Packers were nice and helpful. Boat was well run and nice to be on.

    Inside the boat
    Anastacia M.

    The best way to get to the Channel Islands! These folks have great services and a comfortable ship stocked with snacks coffee and beer. The crew and head crew master Garron are efficient and friendly. They slowed to show us several schools of Dolphins on the way. They even have seasick remedies for newbs. Book way ahead for weekends because they fill up fast!

    The Painted Cave - 2nd largest sea cave in America
    Matthew G.

    We had a great time on our combo cruise to Santa Cruz Island: Prisoners Harbor and the Painted Cave. My wife is very prone to sea sickness, so was very apprehensive -- and, indeed, the cruise was a bit too long and bumpy for her tastes, with very few "seasick friendly" seating options (outdoors with a good view of the horizon. We found a couple side-facing ones that worked... but then we ended up being in a "splash zone" that ended up getting us thoroughly drenched before we decided to head indoors and brave the motion sickness as opposed to the cold wind and wetness outside) Other than that, everything was smooth sailing -- and despite rougher-than-ideal conditions, my wife soldiered through (and the captain also seemed very good at navigating rough waters), and we even got nice calm waters inside the very cool Painted Cave. We also enjoyed seeing the pod of playful dolphins that joined us for some "wake surfing" We had planned on hiking a bit on the island, but the steep trails and warmer than expected weather made us spend more time hanging out at the shore with the crystal-clear waters (wish I had actually brought swimming gear and maybe even snorkel!) All in all, it was a long and tiring day, but an enjoyable one.

    A sick customer in the snack bar. Note the torn cushion by the soda can.
    Rob S.

    Well, remember the term from the popular TV show..."a three hour tour?" My trip with Island Packers Cruisers on August 15th was horrible. The sea was rough and the tiny boat named Vanguard, which is not shown in any literature was going to fast, creating an VERY uncomfortable race to the Channel Islands. I witnessed several people fall to the wet deck, my 70 year old wife one of them. I was swept off my feet, despite holding onto the chrome guard rail which were few in number and landed crashing my knees against the side of the boat. It hurt. I saw people turn green and become sick. I managed to get from the front of the boat to the snack cabin, in the rear, where I sat for the remainder of the trip on torn cushions nursing my knees and a massive headache. I couldn't care less when we reached the Channel Islands, I just wanted off this horrible trip... Never again...never again. Future visitors, be AWARE you not getting the big beautiful ship you see in their ads, rather a small, ill equipped boat lacking necessary hands rails. Too many ill people of all ages. This three hour tour was HELL.

    One of the boats that gets you to the Channel Islands.
    Ania K.

    Exploring the Channel Islands! This was my second trip to another Channel Island upon an Island Packer boat and excited to share my experience! This time we ended up on Anacapa Island. 1 of 8 islands. Very different from the first island we visited which was Santa Cruz Island. Anacapa has just over 2 miles of walking trails which means you can see the entire thing in just a few hours. The perfect half-day experience! The boat ride will last just under an hour. You can depart from Ventura or their second location in Oxnard. I recommend taking the first boat out early in the morning for two reasons; one is to enjoy the volcanic island without full sun for a few hours as you'll begin the day with early morning mist and cooler temps and secondly to still have half of your day left upon your return. Boat sizes may vary depending on the time of year you travel & which island you choose to visit. The boats we have been on were both substantial in size, comfortable & clean. Staff is great and both experiences went without a hitch. If you're interested in exploring these islands there are only 3 ways to get to them, by private boat, small aircraft or Island Packers. The boat offers restrooms and a snack bar. Looking forward to hopefully exploring a new island once COVID restrictions lift.

    View from the back of the boat!

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    8 months ago

    Came from far away to go. Cancelled by email at 10:00 the night before. No replacement, no booking another day.;(

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    2 years ago

    Staff is great.. and knowledgeable. I was pleased to chose to go w Island Packers!!!! The staff is

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    They were excellent with their organization and friendliness of the staff as well as making sure that we were safe while in their care.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    We love these trips. Always efficient, friendly and fun. The boats are clean and safe.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Had to file a dispute to get my promised refund back. No I will not be booking with them in the future

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    2 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Island Packers Cruises

    What's the likelihood of getting on the boat as a standby? When we bought our tickets the outbound didn't go through only inbound back and it's all shown as sold out now. I filled out the online form. Has anyone seen standby in person/day of?

    I am sorry I can't really answer this question. I can tell you from our experience a week ago, the boat was fully packed, and there were no stand by passengers boarding. Everyone had pre-purchased tickets in hand. You may want to contact them and… Read more

    What can I bring on a whale watching excursion as far as food and drink?

    You can bring any of your own food or drink, except alcohol. They serve beer, wine and seltzers if you want to purchase some. Most people bring a sack lunch

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Island Packers Cruises

    The reservations were easy to make for our day trip to Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Santa Barbara Adventure Company - 10 strangers that ended up friends at the end of the day.

    Santa Barbara Adventure Company

    (258 reviews)

    Rachel is awesome! Super knowledgeable of the ocean, water, marine life, and history of the area…read more What a rad human being to have guiding the tour. As it turns out, all of the harbor seals, and sealions have names. We befriended one named Steve, he is much better at swimming than I am. He also taught me secret techniques to paddling. This one Pelican named Parry got into a barking match with some sealions, which is a fight he wasn't gonna win, let's be honest. Though I was hoping to see an M-A-N-A-T-E-E ... next time! If you're gonna go down on Haley street, where the dogs are easy and the sun is cheap, you never know just who you'll meet, on Haley. (But hopefully it's Rachel from the Santa Barbara Adventure Company, and you get her kayak tour; shout out!)

    A heartfelt thank you to Santa Barbara Adventure Company for creating such a memorable birthday…read moreexperience for our daughter. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. We had a fun ferry ride to the islands and even got to slow down to watch a large Sunfish (Mola Mola) snacking on some jellies. I recommend getting in line early to secure the best view seating on the ferry. Our kayak guides, Chuck and Adam, were exceptional--knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made the entire trip both fun and informative, while ensuring we always felt safe and well cared for. We were fortunate to have perfect weather and warm water, which allowed us to explore all seven sea caves--many of which are inaccessible during high tide or rougher conditions. It made the experience even more special. Having lived in Santa Barbara for 22 years, this was my first time visiting the islands, and it was truly unforgettable. The pristine landscapes, abundant sea life, and even spotting several tiny island foxes while enjoying our picnic lunch, made it an unforgettable adventure. We can't wait to do it again--highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and exceptional experience!

    Island Packers Cruises - boating - Updated May 2026

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