BOOK A WILDLIFE, BIRDING OR WHALE WATCHING TRIP

Explore the natural wonders of the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands with a variety of exciting non-landing cruises:

• Anacapa Shoreline Cruises: Enjoy stunning views of the islands from the comfort of the boat as you cruise along the rugged Anacapa shoreline.
• Whale Watching Adventures: Traverse the Santa Barbara Channel to spot majestic whales in their natural habitat.
• Wildlife Cruises: Discover the rich biodiversity of the marine sanctuary, with opportunities to see sea lions, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.
• Pelagic Birding Trips: Search for rare and seasonal bird species, including those that frequent deep waters beyond the islands.

Each trip offers a unique perspective on the incredible marine ecosystems of the region, providing unforgettable encounters with wildlife and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Introduction to Channel Islands National Park!

Experience the wonders of Channel Islands National Park with our 3-3.5-hour, non-landing Anacapa Island Shoreline Cruise. Enjoy stunning views of Arch Rock and the surrounding waters from the comfort of our vessel. As you traverse the Santa Barbara Channel, search for wildlife with the guidance of a professional naturalist.

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, our dedicated crew will make every effort to spot seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, and abundant bird life.

Availability:

Anacapa Shoreline Cruises operate year-round, typically 3-4 days a week in the summer and 1-3 times during the rest of the year. Most trips are offered both in the morning and early afternoon. Reservations can be made online or by calling our reservation team at (805) 642-1393.

Perfect For:

• Passengers with limited time who want to see the islands
• Those who prefer to stay on the boat rather than hike on the island
• Individuals with limited mobility
• Guests with service animals
• Families with small children
• Wildlife enthusiasts

Costs:

• Adults: $49
• Seniors (55+): $45
• Children (3-12 years): $36
• Infants travel free

Join us for an unforgettable introduction to the Channel Islands! 🌊🐬

Discover the unique beauty of the Island Scrub-Jay on Santa Cruz Island and embark on a pelagic bird-watching cruise in the Santa Barbara Channel. This primarily non-landing excursion offers approximately one hour on Santa Cruz Island, giving you the rare opportunity to observe the endemic Island Scrub-Jay and other terrestrial birds. After reboarding, you’ll have ample time to explore the Santa Barbara Channel for diverse wildlife and birds. We’ll also cruise along the coast of Anacapa Island to witness seabird colonies preparing for the nesting season.

Fares:

• $143 per person
• Ages 13+
• Duration: 9 Hours

Prepare for an unforgettable day of bird watching and natural beauty!

After a brief stop at Santa Cruz Island to drop off passengers, we’ll journey south past the Northern Channel Islands, navigating deep waters known for attracting diverse seabirds like shearwaters, alcids, and storm-petrels.

Our ultimate destination is Santa Barbara Island, home to a thriving colony of Cocos booby and even occasional sightings of Blue-footed Boobies.

On our return, we’ll retrace our route, stopping again at Santa Cruz Island to pick up National Park visitors before heading back through the Santa Barbara Channel to our home port in Ventura.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience

Fares:

• $164 per person
• Ages 13+
• Duration: 9.5 Hours

Join us for an unforgettable pelagic birding excursion as we venture beyond the Channel Islands to explore deep waters and warm currents in search of seasonal avian treasures. This trip offers a rare opportunity to spot the newly named Townsend’s Storm-Petrel, a species with a limited range. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to encounter an array of tube-noses, including Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Leach’s Storm-Petrel, and a variety of shearwaters such as Pink-footed, Sooty, Buller’s, and the elusive Flesh-footed Shearwater.

• Fare: $230 per person
• Ages: 13 and up
• Duration: 12 hours
• Type: Non-landing trip

Whether you’re an avid birder or simply looking to experience the unique thrill of pelagic birdwatching, this journey promises stunning views, fascinating species, and the excitement of exploring uncharted waters. Don’t miss your chance to witness these incredible seabirds in their natural habitat

Join us for a special 10-hour pelagic birding trip departing from Ventura Harbor and traveling through some of the most productive seabird habitat in the Santa Barbara Channel and surrounding offshore waters.

After a brief stop at Santa Cruz Island to drop off passengers, we’ll continue south past the Northern Channel Islands and into deeper pelagic waters known for attracting a wide variety of seabirds. These offshore areas can offer excellent opportunities to observe species that are rarely seen from land, making this trip a favorite for birders hoping to experience the diversity of marine bird life found beyond the islands.

Depending on ocean conditions, possible sightings may include Sooty, Pink-footed, and Buller’s Shearwaters, Ashy and Black Storm-Petrels, Townsend’s Storm-Petrel, and Scripps’s or Craveri’s Murrelets, along with other alcids, jaegers, gulls, terns, and offshore seabirds.

On our return, we’ll retrace our route with another brief stop at Santa Cruz Island to pick up National Park visitors before cruising back through the Santa Barbara Channel to our home port in Ventura.

There will be volunteer Bird Docents onboard to help with sightings.

• Fare: $155
• Ages: 13 and up
• Duration: 10hrs
• Type: Non-landing Trip

Winter Whale Watching (December – Mid-April)

Experience the awe-inspiring migration of Pacific Gray Whales as they travel 6,000 to 10,000 miles between their breeding lagoons in Mexico and feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. Witness these majestic creatures as they pass through the Santa Barbara Channel on a scenic 3-3.5-hour cruise.