Explore Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands
Board a charter vessel for a three-hour voyage across the Santa Barbara Channel to the dramatic coastlines of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. This small-group experience includes wildlife spotting, iconic landmarks like Arch Rock and Anacapa Lighthouse, and scenic cruising near Smugglers Cove and Yellow Banks. Dolphins, whales, seals, and seabirds often appear, making this a memorable introduction to Channel Islands National Park.
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$296 USD
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All Ages
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3 Hours
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Channel Islands, California
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Oxnard
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- Wildlife Sightings Guaranteed
- Scenic Anacapa Views
- Arch Rock & Lighthouse
- Smugglers Cove Exploration
- Santa Cruz Yellow Banks
- Olive Orchard Coastline
- Small Group Comfort
- Optional Swim Stop
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Three-hour narrated boat tour, USCG-licensed captain, cooler with ice for guest snacks and beverages.
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Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, layered clothing, non-slip shoes, camera, snacks, water.
3-Hour Tour • Circle Islands, Dolphins, Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands Features
Wildlife Encounters
Watch for dolphins, whales, seals, and sea birds during the crossing.
Anacapa Highlights
View the famous Arch Rock and Lighthouse up close from the water.
Santa Cruz Coastline
See Smugglers Cove, Yellow Banks, and historic olive orchards.
3-Hour Tour • Circle Islands, Dolphins, Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Dolphins & Whales
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Arch Rock & Lighthouse
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Seabird Colonies
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Seals & Sea Lions
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Santa Cruz Coastline
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Smugglers Cove
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Yellow Banks
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Olive Orchard Views
Description
Guests depart Channel Islands Harbor for a 50-minute crossing across the Santa Barbara Channel. Guides keep watch for pods of dolphins, migrating whales, seals, and seabirds en route. At Anacapa Island, the boat slows to allow close-up views of Arch Rock and the historic lighthouse. The journey continues across to Santa Cruz Island with a pass along Smugglers Cove and Yellow Banks, where guests can spot dramatic cliffs and remnants of olive orchards. Conditions permitting, guests may swim from the boat before the return cruise to Oxnard. Each trip is narrated, highlighting wildlife behavior, history, and geology of the islands.
Itinerary
11:15 AM – Check in at Channel Islands Harbor
11:30 AM – Depart Oxnard, safety briefing and begin crossing
12:15 PM – Watch for dolphins, whales, seals, and seabirds in the Santa Barbara Channel
12:30 PM – Arrive Anacapa Island, circle Arch Rock and view the lighthouse
1:00 PM – Cross to Santa Cruz Island, pass Smugglers Cove and Yellow Banks
1:30 PM – Optional swim stop; scenic cruising near olive orchards
2:15 PM – Begin return crossing with wildlife viewing
2:30 PM – Arrive back at Channel Islands Harbor
Price & Availability
$295.74 per person public, $1,482.94 for private charter up to 6. Minimum of 4 passengers required for public tours.
Food & Drink
No meals included. Guests may bring their own snacks and drinks.
Instructions
Check in 15 minutes before departure at Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. Restrooms available dockside.
Restrictions
All ages welcome. Children under 4 not recommended. Passenger weight limit 300 lbs. Not wheelchair accessible.
Transportation
Transportation not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Experience Channel Islands Today!
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2-Hour Tour • Anacapa Island, Dolphins, Arch Rock & Lighthouse
Two-hour small-group cruise to Anacapa Island with wildlife... More
- 2 Hours • Oxnard, CA
- Family-friendly boat tour
- See dolphins, whales & seabirds
- Includes narration & cooler with ice
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Full Day Private Charter – Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands
Full-day private charter to Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands.... More
- 8 Hours • Oxnard, CA
- Private group charter
- Wildlife, landmarks & coves
- Bring your own food & drinks
CONTACT US
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National Park Tours
700 Rochelle Cir
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
