Touring the Presidential Suite at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard, I admired the 1,600-square-foot space that includes a spacious master bedroom complete with a king size bed and balcony looking out to the Pacific Ocean. There is an adjoining bathroom with a large, inviting whirlpool soaking tub. The second bedroom features two queen-size beds and a full bathroom with walk-in shower. The grand living room and dining area have another balcony looking out to the picturesque Channel Islands.

Admiring the views, I wanted to learn more about the Channel Islands chain that runs from Santa Barbara County down to Los Angeles County, dotting the Pacific Ocean. While meeting Christian Hellot, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Embassy Suites, I was informed that Island Packers offers boat rides to the islands daily. He also introduced me to the new Executive Chef Jacob Anthony Bernard as we enjoyed a California garden, farm and sea dinner at the onsite Coastal Grill.

Hellot told me that the Island Packers office and dock is less than five minutes from the resort. Their boats cruise to Anacapa Island and the other Northern Channel Islands. Anacapa Island is the closest island to the mainland. Though it’s just 12 miles from the Channel Islands Harbor, it takes about one hour by boat, and is revered for its endemic plants and wildlife. Anacapa is known as the “Galapagos of North America.”

Click here to read more of this review in JustLuxe -http://www.justluxe.com/community/spend-the-day-cruising-californias-captivating-anacapa-islan_a_1966891.php.