Island Packers Cruises

Great adventure with island packers cruises! The cruise we did on a Sunday was a full day tour with great guides and lots of wildlife. Really enjoyed exploring the island and the boat ride to the island. Would recommend as a way to visit the Channel Islands national park! Wear a hat, bring sunscreen and bring water! You can buy some snacks and drinks on the boat

It was a 6 hour round trip to Santa Rosa Island, but the captain would point out the marine life, making the trip interesting. We got to see different whales and also dolphins. Once at the island, I went on a long hike then enjoyed the cold water down at the beach. An overall memorable experience.

Our excursion to the Painted Cave, followed by a visit to Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island, was an unforgettable experience and a rare privilege. Not having previously explored a sea cave, I found this particularly fascinating. Santa Cruz Island was also noteworthy. Channel Islands National Park's distinct character and relative lack of visitors make it a standout destination. Fortunately, Island Packers' transportation services facilitated a hassle-free experience.

Island Packers offers cruises to several of the Channel Islands. We went out to Santa Cruz Island and the ride was about an hour and a half each way. While en route, the crew keeps an eye out for wildlife and will take a slight detour and stop briefly for wildlife sightings which will add a few minutes to the travel time. The captain won’t go far enough off course to have a significant impact travel time. We stopped briefly for sea ions and dolphins on the way out and then again for a dolphin feeding frenzy and on the way back to the harbor. The action was right next to the boat! The lower deck has a snack bar with breakfast items, lunch items, chips, candy bars, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. The terminal has a shop for souvenirs as well as some supplies. The staff is amazing.

Great experience! Went to Santa Cruz for a kayak tour and traveled with island packers. The ferry ride over was smooth and plenty of seating. We saw a TON of humpback whales and dolphins and some sea lions! It’s awesome they take the time to allow for whale watching as well. Made the channel island experience even more memorable. Went on a whale cruise before in Oregon and wasn’t really plannning to do another because it wasn’t that exciting, this however changed my mind and I would for sure do a whale watching tour (or just the ferry ride over)!

We had a fantastic experience with Island Packers Cruises on our trip to Scorpion Cove! The boat ride was smooth and very comfortable, and we were lucky enough to spot a humpback whale on the way—what a treat! You can buy hot coffee and snacks onboard, which made the journey even nicer. Once on the island, we had plenty of time to explore. We did a long hike and spotted lots of wildlife, including the famous island foxes and beautiful jays. The landscapes were stunning, and we even found a quiet spot on a cliff to enjoy a short nap with a view of the ocean. Everything was really well organized, and the crew was friendly and professional. Island Packers did an incredible job from start to finish—highly recommended for anyone wanting to visit Channel Islands National Park!

Exceptional experience. From their website, to the confirmation emails, waivers, etc. all easy to access and provides all the information you need. We did the day experience to Prisoner's with an excursion to Painted Cove. We did the Pelican Bay hike which was fantastic. We also reserved lunches from Honey Cup coffeehouse which were so tasty on our hike. We ate lunch overlooking the ocean. On our way, we had three humpback whales that liked the attention of all the passengers on board. It was a magical hour that we got to spend with those whales. The captain and crew were patient and loved it just as much as we did. Highly recommend.

I took the Island Packer day trip (9a - 4p) cruise to Santa Cruz and it was awesome! We saw plenty of marine life activity on our way out and back as well as a very interesting feeding frenzy between whales, dolphins, pelicans and seagulls. Spotting animals like whales aren’t guaranteed but I could hear the captain and guides coordinating with other boats to see the best chance. I sat out back by the bathrooms on the way out and was a bit seasick. The return trip inside the boat was much better. For those looking to go, I definitely recommend it! Staff are very friendly and ensure everyone gets where they’re supposed to go. For departure, the email asked us to show up 45 minutes in advance of departure but there was still plenty of time as people queued and gear was loaded onto the boat. Similarly, on the way back, they requested us to meet at the harbor st 3:30p but the boat didn’t arrive until past 4p. Better safe than sorry but just context for folks that may have some extra time to ask about trails before departure or look at foxes around campgrounds for return (with check-in proactively).

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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! :)

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.

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!

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!

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!!

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!!

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:)

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.

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!

such a great experience with my daughters field trip. the crew was very friendly and informative. Definitely want to book another trip!

We used Island Packers Ventura to scatter my late brother's ashes at sea. They were wonderful. They helped me plan the event and were so kind. It went perfectly. We're looking forward to going back someday to see the islands or go whale watching.

My best friend and I took our kids on the 6 hour whale watching boat tour today. We saw whales, dolphins, different birds. It delivered exactly what it said it would, and the boat was clean. But I'm leaving this review for the crew. My friend's 3 year old got sick first. They immediately brought a bag for my friend to put the dirty clothes in and checked in on her a couple of times. Then I got sick. I'm a 40 year old woman. It was not pretty. I was sick for 4ish hours. One crew member came over a couple of times to change my barf bag. Like she took the dirty one and gave me a clean one, 2 or 3 times. Another crew member checked on me a few times and gave me some ginger chews. Not only were they very knowledgeable about the wildlife we saw, but they were kind and sincere and seemed to really care about everyone on board. Some of the other guests were kind as well, one gave us water and another gave us oil to put behind our ears to make us feel better. Obviously nothing went as planned but the crew did everything they could for us. Highly recommend them!

I was very impressed with Island Packer Cruises. They were professional and efficient and very support of those going through the seasickness. I loved this Cruis to the Island and would recommend it highly to anyone wanting a great adventure and relaxing trip.

Truly one of the best days ever. I went for Santa Cruz island and got so much more. We saw hundreds of dolphins, humpback whales, tons of birds diving for fish and the captain slowed down so we could see. Once we got to the island, the hikes were amazing, the water was the clearest I've ever seen in California and the wildlife was off the hook with the island fox, ravens, tiny birds and more. We also saw whales on the way back, with them circling the boat. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Could not have asked for a better day. Thank you, Island Packers!

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.

I went on a winter whale watching tour. The wildlife we saw, orcas, hundreds of dolphins, humpback whales, was amazing! The staff were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The boat was very clean. The restrooms were the nicest I have ever seen on a boat! I recommend using Island Packers. I will use them again.

We had an amazing time on the February 19 afternoon whale watching trip from Ventura. On the way out, we encountered a megapod of dolphins - we were completely surrounded by what appeared to be thousands of dolphins. Over by the islands, we saw a couple of gray whales, but they were pretty shy and kept their distance. As we were heading back from a wonderful afternoon, the captain said "One o'clock - humpback breaching!" After checking to make sure no one had to be back by 5, the captain stopped for about half an hour to let us watch the humpback. I was at the very front of the boat with my granddaughters and we got a fantastic view. I have been on several Island Packers trips before and this was the best yet. As always the captain, crew, and volunteer naturalists from the Park Service were great at providing information and answering questions. I had heard that there were fewer whales recently, but we lucked out and had a fantastic trip!

Cruise to Santa Cruz Island. Beautiful trip with amazing pods of playful dolphins. Landing and Casting off from the Scorpion Cove pier, a storybook valley with groves of eucalyptus trees as the background. After a few hours of hiking, cruising back to Venture harbor as the sun creates shimmering ocean.

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!

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

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.

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.

We went across to Santa Cruz Island, the boat ride over was fantastic! Th e crew is very professional! We came back from the island and this crew was equally as professional!!! Loved the day at the island! I'm

I am so impressed with the level of service at Island Packers. Our trip was well organized, frictionless, and easy. All the staff were pleasant and friendly. We camped at Channel Is NP and they stored our gear and a rented kayak on board. Then they padded the kayak to shore for us at the island. On both trips there and back they stopped the boat to see whales and dolphins. It was a blessing to see them. Thank you !

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!

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!

A girl worker, Felitia, put a big black full trash bag right in front of my mom and grandma (who can't walk well and uses a cane) feet while it leaked brown liquid all over because it wasn't closed properly and they had "nowhere else to put it" without even saying excuse me...there were empty trash cans upstairs and they stated they couldn't put the bag in there because it's recycling (they could've taken it out after we returned, obviously). When my mom went in to ask them why they couldn't put it in one of the empty trash cans upstairs and they acted like they (Felitia and Paige) couldn't hear her or understand her because she has an accent. They said that it's not their fault that the bag is leaking and were so rude I'm appalled. It's their job to check a trash bag to see if it's leaking before placing it in front of a paying guests feet, a huge health hazard on a boat where there's water which can make it run all over the place. I will NEVER go back here and I will make sure to warn everyone away.

Yesterday, I simply called in to learn about the available ferry options and I left with a wealth of knowledge about Channel Islands National Park as a whole! I've always wanted to visit the Channel Islands, but every time I researched about them online, I got a bit overwhelmed since are so many different islands and a lot of information. However, Andrew Henry at Island Packer Cruises was the ticket to really allowing me to understand the differences between all of the islands in such an easy and fun comprehensive way. He was SUPER helpful, patient, friendly, honest, and knowledgeable. Andrew literally walked me through each of the islands, what makes each special, and even shared minute details like overall trip time / what seasons they're closed / activities allowed / & even the level of clearness of the water for each island. Because of him, I've booked a trip to the islands immediately after our call. Thanks so much for the help and I seriously cannot wait to head there soon! I'll follow up with another review after my trip there, but I am confident that it's gonna be smooth sailing :)

This was an excellent, outstanding wildlife viewing cruse experience. The crew members, wildlife expert and captain were informative and responsive. It was a sunny day and WE had a great time! Tell first time passengers to take binoculars and a warm coat even on a sunny day! 12/1/2024

Island Packers Cruises are the only way I think you can get to the Channel Islands. Check in was super easy, and we got tickets for both to and from the island. We were intially worried about the parking situtation since the website says that there is "limited parking" on site. We came pretty early, and during the Spring season (maybe busier during the Summer), and there was ample lot parking + adjacent street parking next to the beach (The visitors center is in a different building across the lot, and was told it includes an aquarium (?) and museum-y stuff. It closes at 5, so if anything, try to make it before the trip!). I was very suprised with how clean the boat was, both the boat to and from the island! The outside seats were taken right away, but the inside had a lot of space to sit-- mostly tables of 4-6 seats, some 2-seaters in the corner, and I think a three seater without a table towards the front. We went to Santa Cruz, and to get off the boat, it might be a bit difficult for people that have trouble walking/older folks. FOR PEOPLE THAT GET MOTIONSICK: Ride to the island- For the love of God, please take your Dramamine before the trip. I almost didn't take any, and I think I would have been a gonner. There was a sign at check-in that warned the water was choppy. I have been in choppy water in ferry boats, but in retrospect, these ferry boats were bigger and much more stable (?), not sure if that is the word. Right out of the harbor, the boat skid across the surface everyone now and then. I thought it was fine. Friends went out to experience the ride at the railings. But THEN, it got crazy (for me at least), and the boat would skid so high and land, that you felt the drop in your tummy. Def a little crazy in the moment, but looking back, it was not that bad, I was just not prepared lol. Was ok until probably the end when I really started to feel sick. The other boat that left a half-hr before us was still unloading, so they stalled at the side of the island and got really close to a blow hole. It was pretty neat!! But I thought staying in place on the water and those slow rocks almost ended me. Ride to the mainland- Took another dose of Dramamine. We were told that this ride would be much smoother, it was! I was able to actually sleep. No skidding on the water to where I felt the drop in my stomach. We stopped a few times to look at a pod of dolphins, and I felt brave enough to get out and go to the railing. Very uneventful (besides seeing dolphines) vs. the ride to the island. The GOOD- The staff are so friendly! They warn you multiple times about feeling sick and what to do. They instruct you to find a staff member, and these people are the nicest! They would routinely walk around the boat and ask everyone if they were ok. My group felt a little sick LOL, and they came several times to check in on us (but not so many times that it was too much). It was very sweet. Aside from finding a staff member, they tell you to not lock yourself in and suffer in the bathroom (which is suprisingly clean as well!). Head outside towards the back, near the end of the boat, this is where the boat is most stable. In summary, what a great experience! Check in was super easy. The trip to the island was a little rocky, but the trip back was a breeze. The boat was incredibly clean. They will stop the boat to look at wildlife, which is a major plus! We didn't see much on our run, but be prepared to really ride that swell a little bit. The staff on the boat were some of the nicest people, and were more than happy to talk about the ocean/nature/run to grab you a bag to throw up in even if you made eye contact from far away haha. For motion-sick people, take dramamine, stare at the horizon, and if sick, move to the back of the boat. They encourage to go near the part of the boat you enter on. Island Packers may be the only way to get to the Islands, but if there were any other option, I would still choose Island Packers, no doubt! My first 5/5!!

Awesome trip out to Santa Rosa. Highly recommend checking out. Can't wait to head back out.

The Island Packer cruise to Santa Cruz Island exceeded my expectations in every way. It helped that the weather was perfect; in fact, the crew even said we were very lucky. The trip to the island was about 1.25 hours and the check in and boarding were smooth and right on time. I did receive a reminder the day before the trip, but was surprised that there was an ability to order some breakfast/lunch from them for the island trip. I had already gone to the grocery store for supplies (no food sold on the islands) and it would have been handy to get it through them. The crew was friendly and professional; I always felt safe. We did not see whales, but we saw plenty of dolphins and the captain was good about being flexible so that everyone on board had a chance to see/photograph them. Santa Cruz Island is such a great place to hike and spend the day. Make sure you go to the Scorpion Cove Overlook - it's spectacular!

Great experience from beginning to end. TLDR: The crew was super helpful and informative from beginning to end, so I felt well taken care of. Boat was smaller than expected, so seating was a little "competitive". It was windy on the day I went out (Friday, April 7, 2023), so the ride was really bumpy. I didn't get sea sick, perhaps due to taking Genexa motion sickness tablets once I got on board, but 6 passengers threw up. More Details: Plenty of parking in the lot when I arrived an hour before departure. There was even electric car charging available. Bathrooms were very clean and there was a filter water dispenser there. The earlier you arrive the better if you want your choice of boat seating, with the option of indoor or outdoor. I got in line about 40 minutes before departure and there was already a queue. On the boat, you can buy drinks, snacks, and food at a reasonable price. The island allows for bringing your own food and many people, including myself, brought lunch in a cooler. Santa Cruz has picnic tables, decent bathrooms, and a few places to fill up water bottles. With the weather in the 60s during my trip, I didn't need too many layers for the boat ride or walk around the island, but I'm glad I packed them just in case. Was also grateful to have a hat with a chin stap because it was very windy on the deck. Sunscreen was important too. Overall the trip was smooth, easy, and enjoyable. Would return! Only thing that didn't work out is that there were no wildlife spotting beyond birds.

The only way out to Channel Islands National Park unless you have your own private yacht...or possibly a helicopter? I was impressed with our experience with Island Packers. We had planned this trip last year over the 2020 holidays, and it was canceled due to the CA state government shutting down ALL California national park and state campgrounds. Transportation (Island packers) was also shut down. Fast forward to one year later, there was a huge storm that forced us to cancel the first 2/3 of the same planned trip. I called and was able to cancel my first ferry and totally change my second trip to different islands with ease. Granted, all these changes were made within the 72 hour cancellation window. I was emailed detailed instructions prior to our trip including when to call in (after 5:30am the morning of) for the latest updates. Luckily, our ferry took off as scheduled, and pretty smoothly too despite some forecasted wind! The staff is well trained and has the system down pat. On the return, we ran into a pod of 1,000 dolphins catching their dinner. OMG, what an experience! The captain looped around so we could really get immersed in it all. I've never seen anything like that. That totally made our trip!

This is a great tour company, I recommend everyone work with them. They are so friendly and so helpful and so organized. They have a great system of offloading and loading bags and they're always always on time.

The crew, employees, and customer service all get an A+ from me. My friends and I had an awesome time during our little weekend getaway to Channel Islands via Island Packers. The sunset on the boat was serene and seeing a humpback whale for the first time had me floored. Oh, also the crew member who gave us a play-by-play on whales is a G!!

Second time traveling to Santa Cruz Island with Island Packers and I feel it's about time I praise them for their remarkable service. The entire staff ... from phone operators to crew members ... are so kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating to everyone's needs. I always feel very safe traveling with IP to the islands. The ocean is a treacherous place, but IP staff always make me feel comfortable because they emphasize safety and truly want all travelers to have a good time. On the boat ride, staff take time to check in on everyone to make sure they're comfortable (e.g. make sure they're not sea sick) and ship captains literally go out of their way to search for wildlife and add cool bits of information about marine life, or the geography and history of Channels Island. Ticket prices are very reasonable. All rules are clearly explained on their website or on the boat before departure. There are no hidden fees or other shady business. Island Packers double-decker boats are always clean, and have seating inside, outside and even offer a bar. Once again, I'm so grateful to Island Packers for making my trip to Channel Islands one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Thanks to them, I'm already planning my next trip to Channel Islands.

We hit some rough waters on the way to Santa Cruz. The island Packers team did an exceptional job making sure that the passengers were ok. Danny checked up on our family several times. He even told us some stories about his father, the captain. He also provided useful advice about which side of the boat is less dangerous outside, during the high waves. From what I could tell, passengers had a good time navigating the rough waters. Thank you Island Packers for being awesome!