Most Recognizable Boats in Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor

Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard is expansive, picturesque and horse shoe-shaped, containing 166 acres of water, split into nine distinct marinas. It offers waterfront recreation and dining opportunities as well as overnight accommodations at Hampton Inn Channel Islands. It is the fifth largest harbor in California for small-craft recreation. It also has some phenomenally recognizable vessels traversing its waters.

1) H₂0 Bus/Boat

Last year, a 1996 Duffy Cat 16 electric boat was modified to resemble a turquoise 1967 Volkswagen 19-window Kombi Van replete with a smoke machine to replicate exhaust and a license plate that reads "H20 BUS." The H₂0 bus/boat, owned by Frank Laza of Central Coast Electric Boats, can be seen cruising around in the waters of the Channel Islands Harbor, in addition to a few other hard-to-miss float craft.

2) Gondola Paradiso

Gondola Paradiso is a harbor favorite for paramours looking for an hour of romance. The gondola, authentically crafted in Venice, launches from Seabridge Marina by appointment only. Competitive gondolier Mark Schooling takes you on a tour of the harbor – Italian style! Be sure to request a song when passing beneath Seabridge Marina's bridges, where it's almost a requirement that lovers share a kiss.

3) Tiki Bar Boat

Local real estate professionals Arlene & Keith Beckwith can be spotted putting around the harbor in their Tiki Bar Boat, an 8-bar stool tiki bar built atop a motorized floating platform. Although solely for private use, this boat is a fun addition to Oxnard's dockside neighborhoods.

4) Scarlett Belle

Looking to host an unforgettable event? The Scarlett Belle, a double-decker paddlewheel river boat similar in appearance to Disneyland's Mark Twain, can be booked for private events for up to 150 guests. With two fully stocked bars, a dance floor and a booming sound system, it's the perfect venue for private parties.

5) Muggs

The oldest vessel in the harbor, Muggs is a 38-foot wooden powerboat built in 1931, named for the original owner's wife. The boat, owned by June and Graham Wilson, is an annual star at Oxnard’s annual Classics by the Sea: Father’s Day Wooden Boat Show in Channel Islands Harbor. Muggs is a member of the prestigious Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club and is moored in Seabridge Marina.

6) Mystic Whaler

This tall ship from New London, Connecticut can now be spotted on the Harbor outside Oxnard's Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Welcoming visitors aboard for deck tours. With adventure sails and natural history the Mystic Whaler is partnering with Central Coast Ocean Adventures for educational opportunities for youth. During Oxnard's Tall Ships Festival, come check out the ship, meet her crew, join in a sea shanty, and enjoy beautiful sailing as its been done for hundreds of years.

Conclusion

There are so many unique cruisers, catamarans, schooners, hoppers and more in Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor; consequently, we may have missed one. Do you know of any that aren't mentioned? Send us a message! We might just add it to the list.