The Channel Islands National Park (CINP) has five islands that make up the park. Anacapa & Santa Cruz comprise the "local" islands while Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands make up the "outer" islands. Island Packers travels to all five islands.

We land at East Anacapa Island throughout the year at the Landing Cove and during certain days of the year in winter and early spring when the tides are very low, Frenchy's Cove can be visited for tide pool exploration.

Santa Cruz Island has two destinations, Scorpion Ranch and Prisoners Harbor and we visit these locations year round.

Seasonal trips to the more remote outer islands, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel are scheduled late spring through early fall. Trips to Santa Barbara Island operate from April through October, landings at San Miguel Island from May to October, and Santa Rosa Island from April to November.

There are no services on the islands, so please pack in what you will need for the day, including food and water, and pack out all trash. Dress in layers for outdoor activity, and wear sturdy shoes for safety and comfort.

Certain sea conditions can prohibit landing at any time of the year. Our experienced captains will make these decisions with your safety in mind.

About Anacapa Island

Anacapa is the closest island to the mainland, just 12 miles from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Most of Island Packers departures to East Anacapa Island are from our location in the Channel Islands Harbor.

Anacapa is comprised of three small islets; East, Middle, and West. Exploration is permitted on the east islet, accessed via the Landing Cove, and a small beach on the west islet called Frenchys Cove.

About Santa Cruz Island

The eastern 24% of the island is National Park Service (NPS) property. The western 76% is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). On the eastern end we offer trips to Scorpion Anchorage. At mid Santa Cruz we offer trips to Prisoners Harbor where the border of the NPS property and TNC property is located.

About Island Packers

Island Packers was founded by Bill M. Connally, who wanted to provide a means for people to venture out to the Channel Islands. His wife, Lillian Mae, sons Mark, Kirk, and Brad, and daughter, Cherryl, worked hard helping him fulfill his dream.

For Bill, the islands were a special place; he fell in love with the clear waters and rich marine life and kelp beds surrounding the islands, and he yearned to share that passion with the public. He was intrigued by the fact that a person could board a boat in a busy port such as Ventura and in a few hours set foot on an island where there were no hotels, restaurants, autos, or other features of metropolitan life, a place where nature remained dominant.

Over 40 years have passed since the christening of the Island Packer. Many boats have come and gone over the years. Island Packers has grown and it's vessels have become larger, faster and more comfortable than in those early years.

A family run company with a family feel, Island Packers strives to provide a great work environment for its employees. They know happy employees make for happy customers.

Still actively run by two of Bill's children and their mother, the company has won the contract for the next ten years of service for the Channel Islands National Park. 2011-2021

Our fleet will continue to grow with a new boat on the drafting table that will allow us to carry larger cargo loads while still providing the same quick one hour ride to the local islands.

We hope you come join us as we provide exploration, education, recreation and research for those who are interested in all the things the Channel Islands have to offer.