VENTURA, CA. – The magnificent Blue Whales have returned to the waters of the Channel Islands National Park. According to Island Packers, Ventura County’s official concessionaire, sightings are averaging from four to ten blue whales per trip on Blue Whale Watch excursions, now offered.

One of the most amazing natural wonders just off the California coast, the giant 90' Blue Whales are being sighted between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands.

Every summer hundreds of Blue and Humpback Whales congregate in and around the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary to feed. Ocean currents and underwater features create nutrient up dwelling, which is the first link in a very productive food chain. During the spring and summer “blooms” of plankton attract birds, fish and mammals to the waters surrounding the Channel Islands. The area has become a destination for researchers and
whale watchers from around the globe to come and experience one of the world’s largest concentrations of Blue Whales. Intensely hunted in the past, the Blue’s population is estimated at only 5,000 to 12,000 world wide; 2,000 of those in the Eastern Pacific. Each year, approximately 200 of these leviathans come to the local waters to feed. The Blues are the largest of the whales, at 33 meters (110ft) and close to 200 tons; they may be bigger than the largest dinosaurs.

Island Packers provides cruises to the waters off Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands to visit with these great creatures. The trip is an all day event, therefore it is recommended for individuals who enjoy being on boats. Naturalist and Researchers from the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary may be onboard as well as a trained crew naturalist.

For a grand finale, the cruise includes a visit into the Painted Cave on Santa Cruz, one of the largest sea caves on any island in the world. Other marine life that might be encountered include: pelagic birds; sharks; ocean sunfish; Seals and Sealions; Humpback, Fin, and Minke Whales; Common, Risso and Bottlenose Dolphin; and much more.

Boats depart from Ventura Harbor on various dates for all day trips at 9 a.m. and return before 4 p.m. It is suggested that passengers pack food for the day or purchase aboard the vessel in the snack bar. It is also recommended for individuals to bring cameras, warm coat and dress in layers. Fare is $63.00 per adult, $57.00 per senior (55+) and $47 per child (age 12 & under).

In addition to the Blue Whale excursions, Island Packers also offers other summer adventures in addition to its regular schedules of day and overnight trips to all five of the Channel Islands.

The summer excursions include an Island Wildlife Cruise consisting of a three to four hour narrated voyage along Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island. Adventure Coastal Sails are also available aboard the 139’ schooner Bill of Rights tall ship, a new addition to Island Packers’ fleet. Three hour sails are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dinner cruises are provided aboard Island Packers 64’ power catamaran on Saturdays consisting of cuisine from Ventura Harbor Village restaurants, live music and no-host beer and wine bar. Advanced reservations are recommended. Rates, schedules and information can be obtained on www.islandpackers.com. Call Island Packers for reservations at 805-642-1393.