The holidays are a special time for family and friends to get together. However, the conundrum is often finding unique things to do locally that everyone will enjoy. Island Packers just made planning a holiday gathering easy by scheduling Ventura Harbor holiday cruises aboard their decorated 64’ catamaran. The special holiday cruises include:

• A one hour caroling cruise in the Ventura Harbor

• Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights cruise

• A private group holiday cruise

• Whale watching excursions

Taking a holiday caroling cruise is a great way to bring relatives and friends together for an outdoor activity, and to see the decorated boats in the Ventura Harbor and the homes in the Keys.

Island Packers is offering the following holiday cruise selection:

One Hour Caroling Cruises – Passengers can sing along with the crew or just relax and admire the decorated homes and boats in the Keys. Hot and cold beverages and items from the snack bar are available for purchase. Boats depart at 6:30 p.m. and return approximately 7:30 p.m. on December 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21 & at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22. The fare is $16 per adult, $13 per senior, and $10 per child.

Ventura Parade of Lights – Saturday, December 21. This annual cruise allows passengers to be a part of the boat parade ending with an onboard view of the fireworks display. The boat departs promptly at 6:30 p.m. A cash snack bar is available with and cold beverages. The fare is $34 for adults, $31 for seniors (55+) and $24 for children. (Advanced reservations are recommended for this cruise).

Private Group Holiday Parties (also great for company functions) – This particular cruise includes a buffet-style dinner, a no host or host bar, and optional entertainment. Menu options and prices are available from Island Packers. Group rates are available for 30 to 100 guests at $930 per hour with a 1 ½ hour minimum. Advanced, prepaid reservations can be made by calling at 805-642-1393.

Whale Watching Excursions – December 26 through mid-April marks the official start of the gray whale migration. Island Packers offers three and half hour whale watch trips as well as all day trips with landing on Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island for approximately four hours. Departure times are listed daily on the Island Packers website. Rates vary from $36 per adult for the half day trip and up to $59 per adult for day trip to Santa Cruz Island or Anacapa Island.

Looking for holiday gift ideas? Anyone searching for great gift ideas or stocking stuffers should look no further than Island Packers gift certificates. Some of the most popular include:

• A half day or all day whale watch

• An island wildlife cruise

• An island day hike

• A camping trip to one of the five northern Channel Islands

• A harbor dinner cruise aboard our 64’ catamaran.

Recommended attire: Harbor cruise and whale watching passengers are strongly encouraged to dress in layers with coat and gloves. Island Packer’s gift shop does offer a variety of warm fleece pullovers and vests, t shirts, hats, and children’s clothing should items need to be purchased prior to boarding.

For additional information on how to purchase gift certificates, book a harbor cruise or whale watching excursion, visit islandpackers.com or call 805-642-1393.

About Island Packers

Island Packers is the authorized concessionaire servicing the Channel Islands National Park and has been family owned and operated since 1968. The main office is located at 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105B in Ventura Harbor Village. For more information about the company, visit http://www.islandpackers.com or call 805-642-1393.

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