While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) and planes (Channel Islands Aviation) or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.

There is no transportation available on the islands. All areas must be accessed on foot or by private boat or kayak.

Public boat transportation is available year-round by the park concessionaire Island Packers. In addition, Island Packers offers whale watching trips. For departures out of Ventura and Channel Islands (Oxnard) Harbors contact:

Island Packers
1691 Spinnaker Dr.
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 642-1393
islandpackers.com

General Public Island Boat Transportation Schedule

Please refer to the concessionaire's transportation schedule for more detailed information: islandpackers.com

Anacapa Island
Operator: Island Packers
Frequency of Trips: Year round, variable schedule 3-7 days per week
Travel Time from Ventura and Oxnard Harbors: 1 hour
Landing Conditions: Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a dock. Once ashore, visitors must climb 157 stairs to the top of the island. Non-landing trips are available.

Santa Cruz Island
Operator: Island Packers
Frequency of Trips: Year round, variable schedule 5-7 days per week
Travel Time from Ventura Harbor: 1 hour
Landing Conditions: Visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners Harbor. When the piers are closed, landings are via skiff onto the beach.

Santa Rosa Island
Operator: Island Packers
Frequency of Trips: Boat trips run April through early November, 2-4 days per week.
Travel Time from Ventura Harbor: Boat trips are 3 hours.
Landing Conditions: Boat visitors must climb from the boat up a steel-rung ladder to a pier at Bechers Bay. When the pier is closed, landings are via skiff onto the beach.

San Miguel Island
Operator: Island Packers
Frequency of Trips: Boat trips run April through early November, 4-8 days per month.
Travel Time from Ventura Harbor: Boat trips are 4 hours.
Landing Conditions: Boat visitors are skiffed onto the beach—be prepared to waterproof gear and possibly to get wet. Strong winds and rough seas are possible.

Santa Barbara Island
Operator: Island Packers
Frequency of Trips: Spring through Fall, variable schedule 2-4 days per month.
Travel Time from Ventura Harbor: 3 hour
Landing Conditions: Visitors must climb a steel-rung ladder to the top of the pier from a skiff. Once ashore, visitors must walk uphill 1/4 mile with 131 long steps to the top of the island.