Channel Islands National Park
Spectre Boat Dive
Spectre Boat Dive
Port Hueneme Beach
Arrive at ~6:30 am for your scuba trip with Spectre Dive Boat (book in advance).
Enjoy the boat ride out to the islands — expect wildlife spotting (dolphins, maybe whales).
Dive is unguided (you’ll dive on your own with a dive-line returning to the anchored boat). Depths ~10–50 feet. Snorkelers can join too.
Dive inside a kelp forest — bright fish, urchins, starfish. Water is cold; wetsuits provided.
One dive happens in a sea-lion habitat (very fun and interactive).
Anacapa Island - Inspiration Point
Islands Packers Ferry
Santa Cruz Island - Pelican Bay Trail
Santa Cruz Island - Pelican Bay Trail
Island Packers Wildlife Cruise
Beach & Sunset
Head to Port Hueneme Beach to enjoy swimming and the sunset before heading back to your accommodation (3 nights). (It appears this accommodation is not active. Find a place to stay near the beach in Port Hueneme.)
Day 2: Anacapa Island & Malibu Beach
Anacapa Island
Book ferry tickets ahead via Island Packers.
Take the earliest ferry available; enjoy dolphin sightings and arch rock.
On the island – expect lots of birds, hike to Inspiration Point for a picturesque scene of the island chain jutting out into the ocean
Bring swimsuit/snorkel/mask — shore-snorkeling possible at East End Landing.
Malibu Beach
Return ferry early afternoon (~noon).
After the ferry returns, drive the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) south to Malibu Beach.
Stop at smaller coves along the way for private beach time.
Day 3: Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island Adventure
Book in advance the morning ferry (earliest) and late return via Island Packers.
Bring food and drinks (no facilities on island).
Ferry ride (~2 hrs) — sightings of endangered blue whales, dolphins, and sea lions possible.
Watch out for yellow-jackets in fall (fewer at higher elevations).
Hike Pelican Bay Trail (~4 miles total, out and back, strenuous, limited shade).
Wildlife: endemic island fox, Island Scrub Jays.
When you reach the end, you will see a rocky beach area that you can hang out at and enjoy.
If you keep going a bit further, following the old river bed, you will get to the rocky alcove of Pelican Bay for some alcove swimming. Follow the same trail back.
Relax at Prisoners Harbor beach if time before return ferry.
Have dinner at accommodation or at a restaurant nearby.
Day 4: Wildlife Cruise & Santa Monica
Wildlife Cruise
Book in advance a morning wildlife cruise via Island Packers.
Expect to see dolphins, whales, sea lions, and more.
Santa Monica Pier
Drive back along the PCH to the airport; visit Santa Monica Pier if time allows.
Enjoy food, rides, shops, and people-watching; optional fishing with a license.
Return rental car and take shuttle to airport.
