Island Packers is an American passenger ferry service that operates scheduled trips between Channel Islands National Park and mainland California. The company began service in 1968.[1]
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1968[1] |
| Headquarters | Ventura, California , United States |
Area served | Channel Islands National Park (Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island) |
Key people | Bill M. Connally, founder |
| Services | Ferry transport |
| Website | islandpackers |
| Footnotes / references [2] | |
In January 2024, Island Packers entered a new 10-year contract with the National Park Service.[1] Additionally, Island Packers offers a variety of tours, including whale watching cruises, wildlife cruises, and bird watching cruises.[3]
Operations
editThe company provides transportation to all five islands within Channel Islands National Park: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Island.[4]
Access to Santa Barbara is suspended during breeding season to protect the California brown pelican.[5]
Ports
editIsland Packers operates two harbors on mainland California:
- Ventura Harbor, Ventura, California, with service to Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island and San Miguel Island.
- Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, California, with service to Anacapa Island
Fleet
editIsland Packers currently operate four vessels:[6]
| Name | Type | Length (Feet) | Passenger Capacity | Top Speed | Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islander | Catamaran | 134 feet (41 m) | 149 | 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) | 2001 | First catamaran operated by Island Packers |
| Island Adventure | Catamaran | 65 feet (20 m) | 149 | 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) | 2004 | |
| Island Explorer | Catamaran | 65 feet (20 m) | 149 | 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) | 2013 | |
| Vanguard | Monohull | 65 feet (20 m) | 81 | 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) | 1991 |
References
edit- ^ a b c "One of Calif.'s best national parks is also its most expensive". Retrieved August 22, 2024.
- ^ "The Story of Island Packers". Retrieved August 22, 2024.
- ^ "Wildlife trips". Retrieved August 23, 2024.
- ^ ""Book Your Trip"". August 2024.
- ^ "Current Conditions - Channel Islands National Park". Retrieved August 22, 2024.
- ^ "Meet the Team". Retrieved August 22, 2024.
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