Marina guide
Channel Islands Harbor Guest Slips
Oxnard, Ventura County, CA
Overview
Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard faces the Channel Islands across the Santa Barbara Channel, and the Ventura County Harbor Department runs its guest slips for visiting boats. They're a common overnight stop for boats heading out to the islands or cruising between Santa Barbara and Southern California.
How it works
Guest dock space is first-come, first-served, and no reservations are taken. Visiting vessels report to the Harbormaster at the Harbor Department offices, 3900 Pelican Way, for a slip assignment. The daily rate is $1.90 per foot with a $47 minimum, all fees are due in advance, and every guest gets a keycard for a $25 non-refundable fee. Checkout is at noon.
Stay limits
The maximum stay is 10 days. Longer stays need the Harbormaster's approval, a written request and insurance naming the County of Ventura as additionally insured (at least $100,000 liability), and are charged at $2.20 per foot.
Getting in
The entrance runs between two jetties behind an offshore breakwater. The area southeast of the entrance shoals quickly and unpredictably, so take care approaching from the south, especially at night. The whole harbor is 5 mph.
Getting there & access
Entering from sea
The entrance lies between two jetties protected by an offshore breakwater, with lights at each end of the breakwater and at both ends of each jetty. The area southeast of the entrance is subject to rapid, uncertain shoaling, so approach from the south with care, especially at night.
Checking in
Report to the Harbormaster at the Harbor Department offices, 3900 Pelican Way, for a slip assignment. Harbor Patrol monitors VHF 12 (non-emergency) and 16 (emergency) around the clock and can be reached at (805) 973-5959. Bring your vessel's valid number certificate, and pay all fees in advance.
Extended stays
Stays beyond 10 days need a letter to the Harbormaster requesting the extra time, plus insurance naming the County of Ventura as additionally insured with at least $100,000 in liability coverage. Extended stays are billed at $2.20 per foot.
By road
The Harbor Department offices are at 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035. Trailer boats can use the public launch ramp at 3001 Victoria Ave.
Amenities
- Guest docks — Harbor Patrol, East Bank (near Fisherman's Wharf) and Peninsula Park guest docks
- Pump-outs — East Bank Guest Dock and Seabridge Marina operational as of May 2026; Harbor Patrol dock out for construction
- Fuel dock — East side near the Harbor Department, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, gas and diesel; (805) 984-1081
- Launch ramp — 3001 Victoria Ave., with boat and trailer wash
- Harbor Patrol — 24-hour VHF 12 and 16
Rules & official resources
- No reservations; all fees due in advance; checkout at noon
- Maximum stay 10 days; more only with Harbormaster approval, a written request and insurance naming the County of Ventura
- Fenders must be used at all times, pets must be leashed, and vessels must be seaworthy with a valid vessel number certificate
- 5 mph speed limit in the harbor and entrance channel
- Visiting vessels report to the Harbormaster for slip assignments
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Diver hull cleaning
Cruisers who stop here between island trips often book a diver to clean the hull and check zincs in coastal salt water before the next leg.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Engine checks
A guest-slip stop is a good time for impeller, filter and cooling checks before crossing to the islands. Mobile mechanics who come to the dock are useful when you're away from home port.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Washdown
Salt spray from channel crossings builds up quickly, so a freshwater wash and detail is common for visiting boats.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Electronics
Radar, chartplotter and VHF problems are worth fixing before running across to the islands in fog, which makes electronics calls common for transient boats.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026