Channel Islands Harbor
Channel Islands Harbor is a small craft harbor and shore-protection project in Oxnard, California at the southern end of the Santa Barbara Channel. It is the fifth largest harbor for small-craft recreation in the state of California and is a waterfront resort, recreation, and dining marketplace. Recreational activities include diving, boat charters, sea kayaking, sportfishing, and whale watching (gray whales January through early April; blue and humpback whales July to September).
| Channel Islands Harbor | |
|---|---|
Scene from commercial fishing boat unloading pier facing southeast with hotel in background | |
Click on the map for a fullscreen view | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Location | Oxnard, California |
| Coordinates | 34°10′12″N 119°13′30″W |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1960 |
| Owned by | County of Ventura |
| Type of harbour | Artificial |
| Size of harbour | 166 acres (67 ha) |
| Land area | 126 acres (51 ha) |
| No. of berths | 2,150 |
| Statistics | |
| Website channelislandsharbor | |
The horseshoe shaped harbor contains 166 acres (0.67 km2) of water surrounded by 126 acres (0.51 km2) of land and supports more than 2,500 vessels, four yacht clubs, and nine full-service marinas. The five Channel Islands are a popular destination, the closest of which is Anacapa Island. The Ventura County Maritime Museum has a regularly rotating exhibit, maritime-themed art, and model ships. Water taxis are available to drop diners and shoppers at various docks within the harbor. Every three years the harbor is host to the Channel Islands Tall Ships Festival which includes between two and five large sailing vessels and draws thousands of visitors.