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]

Island Packers
Company typePrivate
IndustryTransportation
Founded1968; 56 years ago (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
ServicesFerry transport
Websiteislandpackers.com
Footnotes / references
[2]

In January 2024, Island Packers entered a new 10-year contract with the National Park Service.[1] Additionally, Island Packers a variety of tours, including whale watching cruises, wildlife cruises, and bird watching cruises.[3]

Operations

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The 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

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Island Packers operates two harbors on mainland California:

Fleet

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Island 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

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  1. ^ a b c "One of Calif.'s best national parks is also its most expensive". Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  2. ^ "The Story of Island Packers". Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  3. ^ "Wildlife trips". Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  4. ^ ""Book Your Trip"". August 2024.
  5. ^ "Current Conditions - Channel Islands National Park". Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  6. ^ "Meet the Team". Retrieved August 22, 2024.