What is the speed limit in Channel Islands Harbor?

The speed limit in the harbor and entrance channel is 5 mph. Harbor Patrol monitors VHF 12 and 16 around the clock and can be reached at (805) 973-5959.

Does Channel Islands Harbor have shoaling?

Yes. The harbor's guide says the area southeast of the entrance is subject to rapid and uncertain shoaling, so use caution approaching from the south, especially at night. The Corps dredges regularly, with work planned for November 2026 through February 2027.

How do I get a guest slip at Channel Islands Harbor?

Guest slips are first come, first served and cannot be reserved. Report to the Harbormaster Dock in a seaworthy vessel. The county lists $1.90 per foot per day with a $47 minimum and a 10-day limit; confirm current rates with the Harbormaster.

Where can I get fuel in Channel Islands Harbor?

The fuel dock is open 7 AM to 5 PM daily; call (805) 984-1081. Local sailing guides report gasoline and diesel.

Is there a public launch ramp at Channel Islands Harbor?

Yes. The public ramp is at Curlew Way and Victoria Avenue on the harbor's east side. Parking is paid and there is a credit-card kiosk. Hobie Beach is for hand-launched craft only.

Where are the pump-out stations?

A boater directory lists the Harbor Department at both ends of the guest docks, plus Channel Islands Harbor Marina, Peninsula Yacht Marina and Vintage Marina. Ask the Harbormaster to confirm current service.

Can I anchor in Channel Islands Harbor?

There is no anchorage inside the harbor. Visitors use guest slips from the Harbormaster Dock.

Channel Islands Harbor Boating Guide: Entrance, Guest Slips, Fuel & Rules

Overview

Channel Islands Harbor is a county-owned recreational harbor in Oxnard, about one mile northwest of Port Hueneme and 5.8 miles southeast of Ventura Harbor. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1960 by excavating sand dunes and wetlands, and the County of Ventura now owns and runs it. It has roughly 2,150 slips, several marinas, two full-service boatyards on the east side, Fisherman's Wharf, and a sportfishing and Island Packers presence at Marine Emporium Landing. Hollywood Beach and Kiddie Beach sit beside the harbor.

The marinas

Channel Islands Harbor Marina at 3850 Harbor Blvd has more than 400 slips from 24 to 60 feet, with end-ties up to 100 feet. Other marinas include Seabridge Marina, Peninsula Yacht Marina, Vintage Marina and Anacapa Isle Marina. A county Harbormaster dock handles guest slips.

The entrance and shoaling

The entrance lies between two jetties protected by an offshore breakwater. Lights mark each jetty end and the breakwater ends, and a fog signal is at the south jetty. The harbor's own navigation guide warns that the area southeast of the entrance is subject to rapid and uncertain shoaling, so use caution when approaching from the south, especially at night. Sailors report that the southeast entrance is a bit easier for visitors and advise avoiding a first entry in the dark. The Corps dredges the harbor regularly and places the sand on Hueneme Beach. Dredging runs 24 hours a day from November 2026 through February 2027, the third consecutive year, with equipment arriving in October.

Boating here

The speed limit in the harbor and entrance channel is 5 mph. Harbor Patrol monitors VHF 12 (non-emergency) and 16, 24 hours a day. The harbor has no anchorage, so visitors use guest slips, and the Coast Guard station is on Victoria Avenue. Oil platforms and summer fog affect the approach.

Getting there & access

Entering from sea

The entrance is between two jetties protected by an offshore breakwater; each jetty end and the breakwater ends are lit, and a fog signal sits at the south jetty. The area southeast of the entrance is subject to rapid and uncertain shoaling, so be careful approaching from the south, especially at night. Staying off the jetties by around 50 feet is advised by local sailing guides. Regulatory buoys mark shoaling areas, and interior lighting is limited.

Dredging 2026 to 2027

Routine Army Corps maintenance dredging is planned from November 2026 through February 2027, working 24 hours a day with Manson Construction. Equipment arrives in October, and sand goes about a mile south to Hueneme Beach. Expect extra activity in and around the harbor, with possible holiday shutdowns.

Guest slips

Guest slips are first come, first served and cannot be reserved. Report to the Harbormaster Dock, or arrive on a trailer, in seaworthy condition to be assigned a slip. The county's page lists $1.90 per foot per day with a $47 minimum, a 10-day limit and a $25 key-card fee; fees are due in advance and check-out is noon.

Trailer boats

The public launch ramp is at Curlew Way and Victoria Avenue on the east side of the harbor. Parking is paid and there is a credit-card kiosk. Hobie Beach is for hand-launched craft only, and motorized vessels are prohibited there.

By land

The harbor is in Oxnard. Victoria Avenue runs along the east side past the launch ramp and the Coast Guard station, and Channel Islands Harbor Marina is on Harbor Boulevard.

Amenities

Guest slips — Harbormaster Dock; $1.90 per foot per day, $47 minimum, 10-day limit, first come first served
Fuel dock — Open 7 AM to 5 PM daily, (805) 984-1081; local guides report gasoline and diesel at four fueling positions
Public launch ramp — Curlew Way and Victoria Ave, with paid parking, restrooms and a coin-operated boat wash
Pump-outs — Listed at the Harbor Department at both ends of the guest docks, and at Channel Islands Harbor Marina, Peninsula Yacht Marina and Vintage Marina
Channel Islands Harbor Marina — 3850 Harbor Blvd, more than 400 slips from 24 to 60 ft, end-ties up to 100 ft, (805) 984-7780
Seabridge Marina — 1601 S. Victoria Ave, (805) 985-8228
Boatyards — Two full-service boat yards on the harbor's east side
Island Packers — Based at Marine Emporium Landing; trips to Channel Islands National Park
Fisherman's Wharf — Sportfishing and seafood dining on the east side
Coast Guard station — 4201 Victoria Ave, (805) 985-9822

Rules & official resources

Common boat service needs here

Bottom cleaning and antifouling

With around 2,150 slips in warm, sheltered water, growth builds fast. Regular diver cleaning and periodic bottom paint at the east-side boatyards are routine.

Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →

Engine and mechanical service

Owners run the Santa Barbara Channel and make island trips. Annual engine service, impellers and cooling work are common, and mobile mechanics visit the slips.

Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →