Island Packer Cruises, A Portal To Channel Islands

(Santa Barbara Channel, CA) - Since 1968, Island Packer Cruises have been providing Southern California with reliable, enjoyable transportation between the Ventura/Oxnard Harbors and the Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary. Visitors and locals alike have the option, year round, of hopping on board one of Island Packer's numerous vessels and experiencing one of Southern California's best kept secret treasures - the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. Island Packers has scheduled trips departing out of the Ventura and Oxnard Harbors and is the only exclusive boat concessioner with authorization to transport guests to the Channel Islands National Park. Three 145-capacity catamarans and one 80-passenger mono hull vessel provide half and whole day trips year round to the Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, with trips to the Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands from mid-April through the fall months. Marine Wildlife Cruises (which do not land on the island) depart from the Harbor for 3 hour narrated cruises along the shores of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island within the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. Highlights include sightings of sea lions, harbor seals and marine birdlife, along with the opportunity to view whales and dolphins during the channel crossing. Island Packers also offers whale watching cruises - which, depending on the time of year, are a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the Pacific's most magnificent creatures. While pods of dolphins can be seen nearly year-round, whales are a far more seasonal bunch: Late December-Mid April: Gray whales April-September: Humpback and Minke whales Summer & Fall: Giant Blue whales- not only the earth's largest mammal, but thought to be the largest known animal ever to have existed.  Whales aren't all these cruises have to offer, however. A trip to the Channel Islands can also mean sightings of rare birds! Though difficult, pelagic birding can be incredibly rewarding - but the real treasure trove is on the Islands themselves. The following highlights can be found during the fast-approaching nesting season: The rare Blue-footed and Brown boobies, usually found off of Baja California Easy-to-spot nesting birds: Brown Pelicans, Western Gulls, Pelagic, Brandt's, and Double Crested Cormorants Smaller visiting nesters: Scripps's Murrelet, Cassin's Auklet, Pigeon Guillemot and the scarce Ashy Storm Petrel  Santa Cruz Island is also home to the gem of the Channel Islands birding community - the Island Scrub-jay! The Island is the only place in the world this bird is found, and is highly sought after for avid bird enthusiast's 'life lists.'   Picturesque hikes that showcase breathtaking views; kayaking along the shore and exploring sea caves; and snorkeling and diving in the protected waters, are popular ways to enjoy the islands. The Nature Conservancy works closely with Island Packers to provide an informative and entertaining experience for visitors on their land outside the park boundaries, offering naturalist led hikes that showcase the natural beauty of Santa Cruz Island. This summer there will be ALL NEW trips to Nature Conservancy land, providing special access to parts of Santa Cruz that has never been available to the public before. They include Cueva Valdez Anchorage which includes a narrated cruise to visit the Painted Cave on west Santa Cruz Island with several hours ashore for picnicking, a guided hike, and beach and sea cave exploration. In addition, trips will be scheduled to the isolated cove at Willow's Anchorage on the south shore of Santa Cruz. Considered the best beach on the island, Willow's is protected from wind and ocean swell because of its location. This new landing trip will provide great opportunities to hike with naturalists, swim in calm waters and spot wildlife. For schedules, directions, tickets and more information, visit http://www.islandpackers.com, or call (805) 642-1393. Excursion prices range are $59 adult, $54 senior, $41 child for island landings; wildlife and whale watching are $36 adult, $32 senior, $26 child. Gift cards are available over the phone or at the Island Packers office. Office hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

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