We were on Island Fox today and had a great experience! The deckhands were very helpful, and…read moreCaptain was also incredibly attentive. We stopped at several different fishing spots, and Captain also took his time to move us around and made sure everyone on board was having a great time. He was always checking in to see if anyone needed help, and the crew was quick to assist with tangled lines and reeling in fish. It was an amazing day, and we caught plenty of fish! My husband was especially thrilled to hit the jackpot. We couldn't have asked for a better trip. We will definitely be coming back to Island Fox again. I highly recommend giving them a try. July7, 2026

3/31/18 Captain did a good job to put us on fish was not…read moreafraid to burn some gas. Captain and crew where very helpful and had some good tips. Captain was also fun and had some good jokes about my friends skinny sweatpants.

Capt JT was a fantastic guide. I came from MN to take my son and 2 grandsons on their first pacific…read morecharter fish. The youngest is 4 and Capt JT was so awesome with both boys. We saw a lot of fish we have never seen before and had a very memorable day. Thank you Capt JT for helping us make amazing memories together.

There's not enough that can be said about fishing with Capt. JT!…read more1st, just out of the harbor you'll know you're safe and on the way to an incredible experience. Then, relax while your knowledgeable captain cruises you along out to the islands. Your choice or his for what you're targeting, but you'll enjoy the day either way. This was our 3rd trip with Capt. JT and there will be many more.

Shout out to the crew on the Coral Sea! They'll put you on the fish for sure . Whether you are a…read moreseasoned fisherman or a noob , they'll try their hardest for you to catch a fish. It's a 2.5 to 3hr trip to the islands if the weather is good. Pop a Dramamine if you don't have your sea legs . There are beds so take a nap and the captain will wake you up 15 minutes before fishing then a quick tutorial , pay attention if you don't know how to fish and ask questions . Thy do serve food in the galley, breakfast burritos and some really bomb hamburgers. Also drinks and beers . Great sport fishing experience if you're in the Santa Barbara area. Parking is $20 all day , pay when you leave, get there an hour early for choice parking and don't forget to check in at the bait/tackle shop.

Honestly not really worth the money, everyone who works on that boat seems like they hate their…read morejob. Except for John , John is awesome . The office sold me 100 dollars of tackle which I was told was useless the second I stepped on the boat. Boats pretty overcrowded and lots of tangles. I can deal with the fishing being bad , that's part of it . But being looked at like you're a Moron anytime you ask a question is pretty lame. Like god help you if you've never offshore fished in California before . At one point I got an annoyed nod when I asked a question. At the end of it all we circled in front of the harbor for an hour and a half with no fishing. It is what it is , but I wouldn't spend the money on it again.

Best Captain, Randy and Deck Hand, Gunner!! We went out to the islands for a private memorial, they…read moregave such attention to every detail to assure we enjoyed the day. They provided muffins, fresh fruit, coffee, juices, snacks and drinks!! They even had fresh flowers for our departed loved ones!! Really???!!! No one does that, WELL Randy does!! Give them a call, you will be pleased!!

Hired Captain Randy for Boating Lessons for a 32ft Cruiser. Very patient and an excellent…read moreexperience learning how to handle the boat, docking, salt water safety, radio communications and navigation. If you buy a boat without proper training, you are crazy. Very reasonable and well worth it. Captain Randy thank you for flexibility in our schedule and overall great training. VP and AP

My family wanted to do something completely different for a change. We have been to Magic Mountain,…read moreDisneyland (expensive too), the movies, BBQ at the park and the beach. We went online to look for something and my son who loves to fish saw the website for the Breakwater Charter. I'm not a fan of boats or the water, but I'll try anything once. Well the kids and the wife LOVED the adventure! We sailed with Captain Bob and had a blast. The water was not to bad, my son fished with Capt Bob assisting (instead of at the jetty). The rest of the family and a couple friends had a wonderful time just enjoying each others company, no cell phones, no tablets and no TV, it was heaven being out on the open water. We got to see the seals playing, other boaters relaxing too and fishing and kayakers. The Islands were magnificent and a sight to see. We are planning another boat trip soon, this was truly a fun and happy experience for the entire family.

Cruisin' for a Bruisin'…read more 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!

This was an amazing ferry and crew! Laura, Marc, Danny and Felisha were listed as crew. We stopped…read moreonce 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.

Did three dives in May off Anacapa island from the Spectre dive boat. It was great diving and my…read moreguide Matt was awesome. He showed me all sorts of amazing sea life and underwater curiosities at our dive sites. Highlights include giant lobsters, leopard sharks, humongous crabs, an old shipwreck, and large kelp forests! I'd highly recommend diving with DGCI, they made the whole experience very easy and fun!

I have been so amazingly impressed with Gary Swenson and the Ullman Sails Ventura California loft…read morethat I have to share my enthusiasm. Living on the east coast I had many options for my new head sail, including some great local lofts. After speaking with local sail makers, reading on-line reviews and several conversations with Gary Swenson, owner of Ullman Sails Ventura, the choice was clear. What convinced me? The great reviews highlighting the customer first service approach from Gary and Ullman Sails. Several calls from me, a first time sail buyer, to Gary simply confirmed what I had read in the reviews. Gary was great, fielding my questions and helping in my decision to upgrade to a 140 Cruising Genoa for my Catalina 36 MkII. What followed was even more impressive! I had asked Gary if he could apply spreader patches with the dimensions and location from my old sail. Sure he said. Gary gave me a call a few weeks before the sail was due to ship and said "Dave, something doesn't look right so my guys and I took the sail down to marina and hauled it up on a Catalina 36. Are you sure you don't have a tall rig?" I couldn't believe that these guys took the extra step and went above and beyond to actually take the sail down to a sister ship. Well, I purchased the boat in 2012 and there was no documentation or mention during the sale it was a tall rig. Gary suggested I take some measurements of my old sail. "Sure enough", he said, "definitely a tall rig!" Now, this was clearly my screw up and the sail was made. Without skipping a beat, Gary said, "No problem, I'll get a 140 tall rig in the shop right away." My new sail showed up, on time and despite several offers, Gary would not take any more money to cover my faux pas or even for the upgrade from a Standard Rig to a Tall Rig. This is customer service and support like I've encountered very few times in my life. It makes Gary Swenson and the Ullman Sails Ventura loft a real standout! The only thing that made me smile more were the beautiful lines, great shape and accolades from fellow club members as I sailed by with my new Ullman Sails Tall Rig 140 Genoa! Thank you Gary and thank you Ullman Sails Ventura loft team!

This group of people are the best!!! Can't say enough great things about them. They are so…read moreskilled. We were helping a fellow boater with his sail and Gary came down to our dock, vintage marina, in Channel Islands and he could clearly see what the issue was. He needed to make some adjustments on the sail. He did it and brought it back a few days later. He insisted on installing and making sure it worked. It was perfect!!! We have purchased a new mail sail from him fir our Catalina 387 with partial battens, to use on our furling mast. Perfectly done, work great!!!