Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village and is now offering Winter Whale Watching excursions. Book your spot today to view these magnificent mammals at www.islandpackers.com.
A winter Whale Watch is a perfect way to kick off 2022 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 National Marine Sanctuary near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island now extending through middle of April. This mammoth migration of over 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles twice a year remains a major attraction in Southern California. Sightings of the southern migration began in December for Pacific Gray Whales, and we also saw Humpback Whales, Fin whales, and occasionally Orcas.
Winter Whale Watch excursions are available now thru mid-April from Ventura Harbor next to Ventura Harbor Village. Rates for half-day trips are $42 for adults, $38 for seniors, and $30 for children 3-12. Children 2 years old and younger ride free. 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.
All-day trips with landings and camping trips to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island are also available year-round. On Santa Cruz, both Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoner’s Harbor are now open. All-day trips run from $ 63.00 to $ 120.00 per adult. Common Dolphin are enjoyed year-round, delighting passengers as they frolic with the boat, and ride the bow and stern waves. For our most recent sightings and to book visit www.islandpackers.com or call 805-642-1393.