Take To The Great Outdoors For Island Packers Winter Whale Watching
And Excursions To The Channel Islands National Park And National Marine Sanctuary!

Ventura, CA - February 2025 - A winter whale watch excursion is the perfect way to gather with family and friends to witness the inspiring migration of Pacific Gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island. http://islandpackers.com https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/whale-watching/
 

“This mammoth migration of more than 20,000 whales and 6,000 miles continues to remain a major attraction in Southern California,” said President Cherryl Connally of Island Packers.  “Located in scenic Ventura Harbor Village, we invite visitors to plan on booking this “must-see” experience soon as part of their fun for the entire family Spring Break activities. “
 
Winter whale watch excursions are available now thru mid-April from Ventura  Harbor Village and/ or Channel Islands Harbor departing at 9:30 a.m. and/or 1:30 p.m.  Rates for half-day trips are $47 for adults, $43 for seniors, and $34 for children 3-12. Children 2 years old and younger ride free.
 
The Pacific Gray Whales are now traversing the newly-designated Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA), one of only eleven whale heritage areas found around the world. This prestigious designation is a testament to the region’s commitment to marine conservation and ocean education through whale watching and wildlife cruising opportunities.
 

Pacific Gray Whale

Sightings of the Southern migration start with the Pacific Gray Whales and also include occasional sightings of Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, and even orcas. Common Dolphin is enjoyed year-round from the catamaran, delighting passengers as they surf with the boat, and ride the bow and stern waves.  The half-day Winter Whale Watch Cruise with Island Packers provides stunning views of the Ventura coastline or the Channel Islands; depending on where the whales may be sighted. 
 
Island Packers is excited to share their daily marine mammal sightings with mainlanders on the Island Packers website Marine Mammal Sightings. Here guests can see in real time what Island Packers crew and captains view in the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
 
In addition to an excursion with Island Packers, travelers can immerse themselves in  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, as well as coastal-inspired boutiques. www.venturaharborvillage.com

What Makes Whale Watching A Great Activity:

Affordable family fun – half day excursions start at $47 for adults; $34 for kids

Flexible – winter trips depart twice a day, almost daily (weather permitting) until mid-April

Educational – crew and volunteers aboard the whale watching cruises have many years of experience sighting whales on the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and will narrate and inform guests about all the varieties or marine mammals seen on the cruise

Get in touch with nature – it is not just whales that make the area so special; visitors may also see sea birds, sea lions, and the coastline of the offshore islands while onboard

Channel Island National Park all-day trips to Anacapa Island, Prisoners Harbor (Mid-Santa Cruz Island), and Scorpion Anchorage (East Santa Cruz Island) are also available year-round with Island Packers.  The trips range from $70.00 to $96.00 per adult. Remote camping facilities are available on the islands for an additional fee.  Interested in more wildlife?  Island Packers recently added popular all day birding trips out to Santa Barbara Island.