Island Packers is an American passenger ferry service that operates scheduled trips between Channel Islands National Park and mainland California. The company began service in 1968.
In January 2024, Island Packers entered a new 10-year contract with the National Park Service. Additionally, Island Packers offers a variety of tours, including whale watching cruises, wildlife cruises, and bird watching cruises.
Operations The company provides transportation to all five islands within Channel Islands National Park: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Island.. Anacapa and Santa Cruz trips occur year-round, Santa Rosa trips typically occur March through November, San Miguel trips typically occur July through October and Santa Barbara Island trips typically occur April through October. Santa Cruz operations include Scorpion Anchorage, Prisoner's Harbor and Fry's Harbor (located on The Nature Conservancy owned portion of the island).
Access to Santa Barbara is currently suspended due to dock damage on the island.
Ports Island Packers operates two harbors on mainland California:
Ventura Harbor, Ventura, California, with service to Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island and San Miguel Island. Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, California, with service to Anacapa Island
Fleet
Island Packers currently operate four vessels: Name Type Length (Feet) Passenger Capacity Top Speed Built Notes Islander Catamaran 149 2001 First catamaran operated by Island Packers Island Adventure Catamaran 149 2004 Island Explorer Catamaran 149 2013 Vanguard Monohull 81 1991 Typically operates out of Channel Islands Harbor
References