Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing for K- 12 th grades.

Main Office:
Ventura Harbor
1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B
Ventura, Ca 93001

Satellite Office:
Channel Islands Harbor
3550 Harbor Boulevard
Oxnard, CA 93035 (No Mail)

805-642-1393
805-642-6573 Fax

Info@IslandPackers.com

Office Hours
Main Office
9:AM to 5:00 PM
& One Hour Before Boat Departure
Seven Days a Week

Satellite Office:
Open One Hour Before Boat Departure

What is the physical exertion involved?
The cruises last from 3 - 3½ hours. Participants should be prepared for the temperature over the water to be 10 - 15 degrees colder than the forecast for the coast. You should also be prepared for the motion of the boat, and consider seasickness precautions if necessary.

What makes this trip unique?
This is a non-landing excursion that focuses on the natural history of this unique marine region, and the various types of wildlife that depend on a healthy ocean. Within the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, over 35 species of marine mammals have been identified. Throughout the year it is possible to see Common Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin, Minke Whales, Bottlenose Dolphin, Pacific White Sided Dolphin, Dall's Porpoise, Humpback Whales, and an occasional pod of Orcas. Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions are also common around the harbor breakwaters and Anacapa Island. The islands and surrounding waters are also habitat for at least 60 species of seabirds. Some of the more common sightings of seabirds include Western Gulls, California Brown Pelicans, and several species of comorants and shearwaters.

What will my students experience?
Students will have an opportunity to "get their sealegs" while learning various wildlife identification techniques, local oceanographic phenomenon, unique geographic features of the region, commercial resources present, the natural history of the islands and any wildlife encountered, and the diverse efforts being undertaken to protect and maintain this important region. All trips can be tailored to meet your curriculum goals and objectives.

Once on the brink of extinction, the Pacific Gray Whale has made a remarkable recovery and can be watched and admired while traveling along the coast during its annual migration from the feeding grounds of Alaska to their breeding grounds in the lagoons of Baja California. From January through March our main focus turns to these magnificent leviathans, while still leaving time for sightings of any other wildlife present.