Things to Do

Santa Barbara · cruises, tours & watersports

Channel Islands
year-round

The Harbor

tap a boat

Channel Islands Day Trip

Islands

Island Packers runs day trips to Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor -- hike the island trails and watch for wildlife on the crossing.

tomorrow

Next boat

Full day

Trip

$90

From

Departures · Santa Barbara Harbor

LIVE CLOCK

Dock wisdom

Island Packers' Channel Islands day trips leave from Ventura Harbor and Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor, not Santa Barbara, and book out weeks in advance in summer -- reserve online before you arrive.

Blue whale season in the Santa Barbara Channel peaks in July and August, often with sightings within a mile of shore.

The harbor is fully protected -- boats load in calm water even on windy days.

Kayak tours launch from the harbor launch ramp and cover the sea caves west of the harbor most mornings.

fair winds

Operators are real local fixtures — confirm current sailing times and prices with each operator before you go. Countdowns run on the real local clock and the sunset sail time is computed from tonight’s actual sunset.