Whale Watching Adventures and Eco-Friendly activities at Channel Islands Harbor include Hiking, Kayaking, Fishing and Camping
- Christene Meyers
- Jun 4, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 19
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
Boarding a boat bound for whale watching is one of life's loveliest pleasures. We've watched whales here in California and around the world, and love the opportunities around Oxnard, Calif. One of our favorite California boating enterprises, Island Packers, successfully weathered the Covid storms of a few years and is thriving with some of the world's best whale watching right off our beautiful coast.
Things to do in the marina, a hidden gem on the California coast:
Whale Watching
Boat to a nature rich preserve and spend the night on a Channel Island
Kayak, hike, snorkel and observe birds and marine life up close and personal
Island Packers provides Eco-Friendly exploration of the Channel Islands Marine Life by various means
Island Packers Connects Travelers to California’s Wildest Islands
The family operated Island Packers offers many options for enjoying nature's wonders. We enjoy its cruises to the beautiful and varied Channel Islands. It's easy for us -- just a few hours drive from San Diego, and easy journey from Los Angeles. Based in Ventura and Oxnard, Island Packers is less than 10 miles from Channel Islands National Park. Channel Islands Sportfishing is also in Oxnard, offering whale watching along with fine sports fishing. Visitors often enjoy both options as Oxnard is an ideal home base for a sea-driven holiday.
A Perfect California Coastal Adventure: Channel Islands Harbor to the Open Ocean
Usually, the summer months are the best times to see humpback whales and blue whales, which are attracted by ocean upwellings that bring abundant krill.
But because of Oxnard's jutting placement on the water, and the deep channels, there are whales and dolphins all year long.
Seeing a magnificent sea creature, knowing you're sharing the planet with this magical being, is a thrill we share whenever we get the chance.
Why This Channel Islands Company Stands Out
We've watched whales in Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Iceland, Russia and Norway, always with admiration and awe but going to sea with Island Packers or Channel Island Whale Watching is a real local treat for southern Californians -- and for tourists worldwide who visit here.
BEST OF ALL.....
The boat ride is as short as it gets to the viewing grounds
How to Plan a Channel Islands Adventure from Southern California
We researched the options and decided upon these two highly rated outfits, both well established:
Island Packers on the West side of the Harbor
Channel Islands Whale Watch and Sportfishing, on the East side of the Harbor
Both operations have been around since the 1960s, known for their interesting rides and excursions to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and even Santa Barbara and San Miguel in the Channel Islands.
Channel Islands Day Trips and Overnight Adventures with Island Packers
A variety of activities awaits -- from whale, dolphin and seal spotting to camping, sport fishing, kayaking energetic hiking and user-friendly family treks.
Naturalists with vast knowledge of the area are part of the entertainment.
Channel Islands National Park
Check out the Painted Cave Exploration, its high on our bucket list with Island Packers.
Channel Island Sportfishing puts its emphasis on catching beautiful white sea bass, yellowtail and halibut. It also offers seasonal whale watching expeditions.
During the whale migration times they offer guided tours for Wildlife Watching in the Channel Islands National Park where you can see and get up close to a wide variety of Whales, Dolphins, Seabirds and more
Both Island Parkers and Channel Island Sportfishing are well respected businesses. Locals know now they have excellent well informed staff and go beyond the call of duty to accompany unique and memorable journeys into the Channel Islands.
Sailing with Purpose: How Island Packers Connects Travelers to California’s Wildest Islands
Beautiful to approach and largely uninhabited -- except for forest service naturalists -- they form an eight-island archipelago along the Santa Barbara Channel in the Pacific Ocean.
Five of them are part of Channel Islands National Park and the beautiful waters surrounding these make up Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Whale watching trips include both southbound whales going south to birth their calves, then migrating north with their calves, back up to their feeding grounds in the Arctic. Whatever your choice, Oxnard's a good place to visit uncrowded waters with friendly staff -- a fruitful learning experience. As for a hotel, there are several but our favorite is Hilton's Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor for a pleasant, relaxing place to stay with stunning harbor views, friendly staff and an excellent breakfast. More information or to book:
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On Tap: We'll explore the famous Route 66, celebrating its 100th birthday, take a fun walking food tour in Scottsdale, and jump on a Segway. Check back often as we share wonders of spring whale watching off the California coast and new shows in Las Vegas. We're always on the look out for fun people, fine food, nature's wonders, music, museums and unique architecture. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us often for a fresh look at travel, the arts, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com