ISLAND PACKERS CRUISES

CAMPER/OVERNIGHT TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Our total weight and cooler size guidelines have changed. Please take the time to read the information below.

Whether you are camping within the National Park or visiting The Nature Conservancy property, UCSB or CSUCI field stations, or Navy site our guidelines apply to you.

CHECK-IN

• Please arrive one hour before departure time to check in and preload gear and cargo.
• Please have an emergency contact phone number and campsite confirmation ready when you check in.
• Parking is limited. Cars must be parked in "Long Term" parking and display a green parking permit in the window to avoid ticketing.  Carpooling is recommended.

GENERAL GEAR GUIDELINES

Boat Space is limited and strict U.S. Coast Guard regulations apply to weight of gear.

• 60 lbs. of gear maximum per person, not including water. Passengers staying for more than 2 nights are allowed an additional 10 lbs. per night.  Gear weight overage will incur additional charges
• No single item over 45 lbs.
• Ice Chest may not exceed 60 quarts and may not weight more than 45 lbs.
• Fuel and water must be removed from gear going below deck.  Fuel will be carried in a special container. Water containers are not included in the weight totals. Containers may not exceed 3 gallons and will be stored on the back deck of the vessel. Do not pack water in your gear.
• Transport of cargo (other than basic 60 lbs.camping gear) must be approved prior to your departure date.

TIPS FOR PACKING

• Pack efficiently, we have limited space for gear and specific weight restrictions.
• Straps should be snapped together and fastened.
• Please no canteens, shoes, water bottles or loose items tied to exterior of backpacks.
• Walking sticks strapped to the outside of packs may get damaged.
• Bungee cords should be avoided as they can get snagged and become dangerous.
• Gear should be tagged with your name and phone number.
• When the boat has multiple stops your bags will get tagged with color coded stickers.
• If your destination includes a skiff landing, pack items that you want dry (clothes, electronics, and sleeping bag) in plastic bags, then put the plastic wrapped items in your pack/back pack.

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED

• Carts and dollies: due to limited space on board only those that can fold flat to 4" are allowed.
• See link for dollies style permitted: http://islandpackers.com/faqs/  Scroll down to photo of cart.
• Outboard motors, rubber rafts, windsurfers or paddle boards.
• Several items are not allowed on the islands to protect the fragile island environment. Those include single use plastic bags, used cardboard boxes, and unfinished wood walking sticks. For the complete list of specific items that are not allowed, please visit the Channel Islands National Park website. https://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm

KAYAK TRANSPORTATION

We are able to bring a limited number of kayaks on our vessels. Because of different kayak types, arraignments for transport must be made by calling Island Packers at 805-642-1393. All kayaks must have a 6-8 foot bowline with a clip or carabineer on the free end. They must be empty, all gear and paddles will be stowed in the cargo holds.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• You must cancel or lower your passenger count at least 72 hours prior to your departure time to receive a refund.  Please see our website for full cancellation policies.
• Cancellations must be made by calling Island Packers at 805-642-1393.
• Camper transportation reservations for holiday time periods must be cancelled 14 days prior to the departure date to receive a refund.

WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY

• In case of unfavorable weather or sea conditions, Island Packers may cancel or modify departure times at 5:30 AM on the day of your trip.
• On the morning of your departure, after 5:30 AM, please call 805-642-1393, select option (4) and listen to the recorded message for the status of your trip. Island Packers will not call you if weather prevents us from going.
• Pick up times at the island can change due to weather and sea conditions.  On your island departure day, please check with the ranger or at the bulletin board before hiking out for the day to verify your pick up time.

CAMPGROUND INFORMATION

You must have a camping permit to stay overnight. To obtain a permit/reservation, call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov. All gear must be carried to the campsite. Picnic tables with a protective food box are at each campsite to secure your food from animals and birds.  All trash must be packed off the island. Absolutely no fires are allowed. Camp stoves are permitted.  On the day of your departure from the island, please be ready to board you gear a 1/2 hour before your departure time, at Scorpion Cove one hour before your departure time.

SAFETY ABOARD THE VESSEL

Weather in the Santa Barbara Channel is unpredictable, and can be rough.  The vessel you will be going on is Coast Guard inspected and is operated by an experienced captain and crew.  If you come properly prepared you should have an enjoyable trip and one you will long remember.  Please dress as indicated, and bring only those items you need.  Even if you are experienced on boats, please hold onto hand rails when moving about or standing, and watch how and where you step. Island Packers cannot guarantee landing; at times weather and sea conditions prevent it.

DAY AND NON-LANDING TRIP INFORMATION

CHECK-IN

• Please arrive 45 minutes before your departure time to check in.
• Please have emergency contact phone ready when you reach the check-in counter.
• Day visitors will carry all items onto the boat.  Please no items over 45 lbs, this includes ice chests.
• Parking is limited. Please carpool whenever possible.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

KAYAK TRANSPORT (Island Landing Trips Only)

A limited number of kayaks can be transported on our vessels.  Because of certain kayak types, size and material construction restrictions, space for kayak transport must be made by calling Island Packers at 805-642-1393.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• For reservations of 1-19 you must cancel or reduce your passenger count at least 72 hours prior to you departure time to receive a refund. 
• Cancellations must be made by calling Island Packers at 805-642-1393.
• For reservations of 20 or more please review your service agreement for full policy details.

WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY

In case of unfavorable weather or sea conditions, Island Packers will cancel at 5:30 AM on the day of your trip.  On the morning of your departure, after 5:30 AM, please call 805-642-1393, select option 4 and listen to the recorded message for the status of your trip. Island Packers will not call you if weather prevents us from going.

SAFETY ABOARD THE VESSEL

Weather in the Santa Barbara Channel is unpredictable, and can be rough.  The vessel you will be going on is Coast Guard inspected and is operated by an experienced captain and crew.  If you come properly prepared you should have an enjoyable trip and one you will long remember.  Please dress as indicated, and bring only those items you need.  Even if you are experienced on boats, please hold onto hand rails when moving about or standing, and watch how and where you step. Island Packers cannot guarantee landing at times when weather and sea conditions prevent it.

HARBOR CRUISE TRIP INFORMATION

CHECK-IN

• Arrive 30-45 minutes before your departure time.
• All passengers must have a boarding pass to board the boat.
• During peak season parking may be limited due to high demand and other restrictions. Carpooling is strongly recommended.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

CANCELLATION POLICY

• For reservations of 1-19 you must cancel or reduce your passenger count at least 72 hours prior to your departure time to receive a refund.
• Cancellations must be made by calling Island Packers at 805-642-1393.

WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY

In case of unfavorable weather or sea conditions, Island Packers will cancel at 2:00 PM on the day of your trip.  On the afternoon of your departure, after 2:00 PM, please call 805-642-1393, select option 4 and listed to the recorded message for the status of your trip.

SAFETY ABOARD THE VESSEL

The vessel you will be going on is Coast Guard inspected and is operated by an experienced captain and crew.  If you come properly prepared you should have an enjoyable trip and one you will long remember.  Please dress as indicated, and bring only those items you need.  Every boat has a different motion (pitch and roll).  Even if you are experienced on boats, please hold onto hand rails when moving about or standing, and watch how and where you step.