OXNARD, Calif.—Channel Islands Harbor celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale with the 13th Annual Celebration of the Whales. Pacific Gray Whales offer plenty of opportunities for sightseers as they migrate through the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel on their way to the lagoons of Mexico. Whale watching excursions begin Dec. 26 and run through Apr. 15, 2009.
“It’s a magnificent sight to see these majestic creatures travel through our waters,” said Lyn Krieger, director, Channel Islands Harbor. “As part of our celebration, visitors have the unique opportunity to see these animals up close by participating in one of our whale watching excursions.”
Whale watching excursions to the Channel Islands National Park are offered daily. Businesses at Channel Islands Harbor offering these sight-seeing excursions include Captain Hook’s Sportfishing, (805) 382-6233; Channel Islands Sportfishing, (805) 382-1612; and Island Packers, (805) 382-1779.
For more information, call the Channel Islands Harbor Visitor's Center at (805) 985-4852.

Channel Islands Harbor serves as a center of recreation, boating, shopping and water sports activities. The harbor is home to three yacht clubs and nine full-service marinas that provide berths for 2,150 boats. It also hosts the Ventura County Maritime Museum. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the museum is a cultural center dedicated to the interpretation of maritime history through interactive exhibits and educational outreach.