Island Packer Cruises is Open during Government Shut Down

Island Packer Cruises, established in 1968 will continue to run the regular three-hour marine Wildlife Cruises during the National Park closure. The day-trips include mid Santa Cruz Island, Prisoners Harbor, and two special days trip arranged through The Nature Conservancy on their island property.

The Nature Conservancy is working in conjunction with Island Packers to provide trips for the day. The guided hike from Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay is one Island Packers offers year round. New trips during the closure are a hike from Prisoners Harbor to Canada Del Puerto Canyon, or the option of landing at Cueva Valdez Anchorage and viewing the Painted Cave on west Santa Cruz Island.

Daily trips landing on mid Santa Cruz Island, Prisoner’s Harbor are: $ 59 for adults; $ 54 for seniors; and $ 41 for children. Guided Hikes from Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay Trail are 2 to 5 miles. Visitors can hike this rugged trail while taking in beautiful views and unique native plants and animals.

Cañada Del Puerto Canyon is 2 miles and is led by a naturalist who provides an informative easy walk up the island watershed canyon.

Cueva Valdez Anchorage consists of a narrated island cruise to visit Painted Cave with several hours ashore for picnicking, a guided hike, or a beach exploration.

Marine Wildlife Cruises (non-island landing) are $36 for adults; $32 for seniors and $26 for children. This excursion departs various days for a three hour narrated cruise along the shores of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island within the Marine Sanctuary. Highlights include sightings of sea lions, harbor seals, and marine birdlife. The cruise also provides opportunities to view whales and dolphins during the channel crossing.

Island Packers is the authorized boat concessionaire for transportation to all five of the northern Channel Islands consisting of the Channel Islands National Park and the Marine Sanctuary. Three catamarans carry 145 passengers and one mono hull vessel with 80 passengers. Scheduled trips are provided to all five islands for hiking, camping, kayaking or whale watching from both Ventura and Oxnard Harbors. Half day and all day trips year round are offered to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island, and trips to Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Island are offered from mid-April thru the fall.

Island Packers also provides harbor cruises and whale watching excursions. Gift certificates are available by calling Island Packers at 805-643-1393, or can be purchased at Island Packers, opened daily from 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Island Packers will resume a regular schedule once the National Park re-opens.