Channel Islands from Ventura

Take a boat to a wild island with tiny foxes, sea caves and clear water. You may see dolphins on the way.

6 hrs drive · 3 days · Best for little kids to teens · Jun–Nov

Day 1: Drive to Ventura

Island Packers tickets are booked one way at a time, so book both directions. Rough seas cancel trips. One family made five attempts before a boat went out, so keep a backup day. Big Brave Nomad
In medium seas almost everyone on one Santa Cruz crossing got sick. Sit outside at the back of the boat, where it's calmest, and stay away from the galley and the small bathroom. Crackers, a fizzy drink or a ginger chew from the crew can help. sbadventureco.com
Walk the 2-mile Cavern Point loop clockwise to avoid the steep climb. There are benches at the point for snacks. The Historic Ranch walk, about half a mile from the dock, is fine for toddlers. Foxes often walk through the Scorpion campground. Big Brave Nomad
Sea cave kayak tours take kids 5 and up, in doubles with one parent and one child. The water is cold. One parent wished she had taken the full-length wetsuit instead of the sleeveless one. Go World Travel

Island Packers says Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island is the best choice for small kids. It has shade, water at the campground and easy beach access. Anacapa has 157 stairs, almost no shade and no water.
Day-trip fares from Oxnard to Scorpion are $33 for adults and $23.50 for kids 3–12 each way, and under 3 is free. You must book both legs and pick the right ticket type (day or camper).
There is no food for sale and no medical care on the islands. Pack everything, and remember there are no lifeguards.
October and November usually bring calmer seas. March to May is often windy, and trips get canceled more.
Scorpion Anchorage is the family pick. Anacapa has 154 steps up from the dock, no shade, no water and cliff-edge trails. Whale-watch trips can involve long stretches of searching, which makes little kids restless.
There is nothing to buy on the island and no medical help. Bring lunch, lots of water (insulated bottles keep it cold) and any meds you might need, and pack out all trash. The ride home gets cold, and families often huddle in the cabin.