Whale Watching with Island Packers at Ventura Harbor: 10 questions from a 10 year old

Through April gray whales migrate 4000-5000 miles to their favorite Baja lagoons and return to Alaska. The American Cetacean Society reported 181 gray whale sightings since the beginning of whale watching season, 12/1/09.

One of my favorite places to whale watch in California remains Ventura and Oxnard; my favorite tour guides are Island Packers. Since 1968 Island Packers has guided guests through the waters of the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. Members of Island Packers, such as Dave Corey, bring a wealth of experience and complete enthusiasm.

Ten-year-old Devon Crabtree interviewed Captain Dave Corey while cruising aboard the Island Adventure.

10 Questions From a 10 year old

1. How long have you been a ship’s captain? 15 Years
2. How long have you worked with Island Packers? 10 Years
3. Where did you first work on boats? “I first started working on boats when I was 11 years old. My uncle invited me to work on his boat in Alaska. He paid me $500 to work June through September. I worked every summer with him for the next 10 years.”
4. Where else have you worked on boats? As a first mate in Hawaii and also worked in Puget Sound.
5. Do you go to school to be a captain? There is no formal school to learn to drive a boat.
6. How do you get a captain’s license? The state requires you to pass a test to get a license. Also, you need to spend 720 hours working aboard a boat that weighs 100 gross tons. … and you need references.
7. What is your favorite part of being a captain? Being outside, seeing the whales and dolphins.
8. What is your least favorite part of being a captain? “I feel bad when passengers get sick or don’t enjoy themselves.”
9. Is this job seasonal? Yes the job is seasonal. During the slow months we maintain and repair the boats.
10. What are your hobbies? Surfing, golfing, snowboarding. Any hobbies that involve being outdoors.

Trips that set out to view the migrating gray whales depart from both Island Packers’ locations; the main dock at 3600 S. Harbor Blvd Suite 105B Ventura, CA 93001 and additional departures leave from the Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. Whale watching tours last 3 to 3.5 hours long, morning departures are often scheduled for 9:30 and 10:00, and afternoon departures are at 1:30. Reservations are recommended for these popular trips.

Guests returning to Ventura Harbor Village may enjoy lunch or dinner at a variety of restaurants such as The Greek at the Harbor or Margarita Villa. Both offer patio seating as well as inside dining.

In addition to whale watching Island Packers offers services for island hiking, camping, kayaking, whale watching, school field trips, sightseeing and harbor cruises. As an authorized concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park they travel to all five islands in the park.