Island Packers Announces 2025 Summer Schedule
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ISLAND PACKERS ANNOUNCES 2025 SUMMER SCHEDULE
WITH SUMMER WHALE WATCHING AND LANDING & NON-LANDING EXCURSIONS
FROM VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE
VENTURA, Calif. - July, 2025 - In celebration of Summer and its 57th Anniversary last month, Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions from June - mid-September, 2025 to view some truly extraordinary, magnificent mammals. For information, visit www.islandpackers.com.or https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/summer-whale-watching-with-island-packers-2/2025-06-26/
and www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/whale-watching/
Passengers on Summer Whale Watching trips, departing Ventura Harbor Village, have an excellent chance to view several whale species in the Santa Barbara Channel, who migrate there to feed on the abundant shoals of baitfish and krill.
Summer species that can be seen include blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, as well as marine life such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions. Located in scenic Ventura Harbor Village, Island Packers invites visitors to plan on booking this “must-see” experience as part of seasonal summer fun for the entire family.
Photo By David Beeninga
Historically, more than 28 species of whales and dolphins have been identified within the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the newly-designated Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area. During the summer months, humpback whales are the most frequently seen species in the Santa Barbara Channel. Their powerful breaches and elegant tail flukes are awe-inspiring reminders of the wild beauty that thrives just beyond the shores. As both a National Marine Sanctuary and a designated Whale Heritage Area, this region plays a vital role in supporting humpback whale populations by offering rich feeding grounds and a safe habitat. It also serves as a dynamic outdoor classroom, inspiring people of all ages to connect with and care for the ocean. With sightings of humpbacks steadily increasing along the Southern California coast, their return stands as a hopeful symbol of resilience and a call to action to continue safeguarding the marine ecosystems.
Whale watching departs at 10 AM every Thursday from Island Packers deck from Ventura Harbor, and returns at approximately 4 PM. at which time guests can enjoy more time by the shore at Ventura Harbor Village. Fare are Adults $84; Seniors $79; and Children ages 3-12 $69.00.
Anacapa Island Shoreline Cruises (Non Landing) to the north shore of the island offer views of the historic lighthouse, the highly-photographed arch rock, and allows a closer look at California sea lions, spotted harbor seals and occasionally dolphins or whales. Half-day trips operate on an approximately daily basis on Fridays through Mondays from 9:30 AM to 1 PM. or 1:30 to 5 PM, with departures from Ventura Harbor Village in Ventura and Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard on various dates. Fare are Adults $47; Seniors $43; and Children ages 3-12 $34.
Island Landing Trips, from Ventura Harbor Village, offer other opportunities for visitors to view whales and dolphins during the channel crossing to land on Anacapa and at Santa Cruz Island or at Santa Rosa. Fares start from $70 per adult to $124 for a day trip, and $93 up to $182 per adult fare to camp on one of the islands.
In addition to Island Packers seasonal excursions, travelers can top off their day at Ventura Harbor Village’s idyllic sun-kissed playground, pairing their time at sea with some “dine and drink” options at some of the best waterfront eateries, including fresh seafood and a variety of cuisines; shopping at coastal-inspired boutiques; and renting a boat, kayak or paddle board at Ventura Boat Rentals. For more information, visit www.venturaharborvillage.com
About Island Packers:
As the authorized boat concessioner to Channel Islands National Park, Island Packers provides transportation, education and research support for California's Channel Islands and wildlife viewing in the Santa Barbara Channel for more than 55 years. Captains and crew on all trips have many years of experience finding and viewing wildlife. Their thoughtful narration informs guests about the history, human impact, and unique characteristics of the Channel and wildlife encountered.
The company's boat excursions operate from Ventura Harbor at 1691 Spinnaker Drive. Plan to reserve in advance either online or by telephone, as boat trips fill quickly. The Ventura office is open daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM. Visit Island Packers newly-renovated gift shop with affordable t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, books, and many souvenirs of the Channel Islands.
Visit Island Packers official website www.islandpackers.com or call 805-642-1393 for more information and details on regularly scheduled transportation to the Channel Islands, specialty trips and to view the marine sightings or follow this link: https://islandpackers.com/information/marine-mammal-sightings .
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Nestled long the picturesque California Central Coast, endowed with breathtaking views, Ventura Harbor Village is vibrant, seaside marine destination in Ventura Harbor, bordered by
the City of Ventura on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the West. Ventura Harbor is 20 miles from Santa Barbara and is 60 miles from Los Angeles and just minutes off scenic US
Highway 1 and 101. The Ventura Harbor offers several sandy beaches for beach-goers, and wide open spaces for boating & recreation. The Channel Islands National Park Visitor
Center makes it home in Ventura Harbor For information regarding Ventura Harbor Village, visit Ventura Harbor Village or call 805-477-0470. Harbor Village is located at 1583
Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. Post, share, and like #VenturaHarbor
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