channel islands maritime museum

I spend over two hours looking at the original paintings and models of old ships. The docent was very informative and his stories brought history to life. What amazed me was the amazing detail in the art work - i have included some photos of the actual ships and then zoomed in to see the detail. In addition to original paintings (see photos) and models, there were ships from China and Korea as well as the actual uniform that an explorer ship captain wore - the buckle shoes reminded me of the pilgrims. I highly recommend this to all visitors. The museum has been there for 25 years and is staffed entirely by volunteers. I even purchased some moments in the gift shop.

I was really stunned at the quality of the collection. We went on a Sunday so there was a great docent, Peter on duty. Former Royal Navy and so passionate and helpful in historical sailing. Wow, I spent a lot more time there than expected and my 13 year old son loved it as well. A sleepy little museum I expected but what I got was a world class nautical experience.

Worth a 30 minute to 1 hour family visit with the kids. Plenty of shops nearby for added interest. Good local history spot.

Very interesting with many models, local artists' crafts/paintings, historical information. Docent was very informative with tales of items displayed. Located on marina; walk to beach (lovely sand) is very close.

I live locally. Had a Groupon and was off work due to broken foot. The Teen grandkids 15 16 were off and parent working from home. I was board to death an saw this. I had gone to their old location in1999. At that time they had a shuttle to Port Hueneme to see Capt Cooks Endeavor replica full sized ship and tour. Enjoyed the docents this time , retired gentlemen and ladies, and surprising art of ships and ports from Dutch painters That weren't replicas but from late 1500 s and 1600 s . Totally worth seeing just for that. Ala" The Girl with Pearl Earing". I ve been to Paris and Louvre and this is very educational adults and kids and art majors. There are a lot do detailed ship models and ships bottles. The view from 2nd floor is great . There is sailing center you can watch kids sailing small boats. There is Whales Tale next door for fair food but great views . Worth it even if your not board with broken foot! Hours 1100 am 5pm. They close Christmas Thanksgiving NewYears . Allow about 40 to 60 min. Any age kids if their quiet and supervised. There are a few hands on things and a cannon and bell out front to ring and engine room controls.

Worth the time to drive over; be sure to see both floors. The artwork is staggering. History comes alive, and the ship models are quite simply astonishing. Helpful, VERY nice staff, too -- guided tour will teach you a lot, or you can wander at your own pace. Lots of places to sit and ponder what's there, or to look out at the marina. So glad we stopped by!!

Nice place to visit and read and hear of the historical old ships. Situated right on the water at the Marina you get to learn about boats and also watch them go by in the beautiful Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

A wealth of information, pictures and models of the maritime industry, ships, logs, trunks of treasure and colorful characters in boating through the years. Tour the Museum with experts in the field who will give you a rare glance at the history of ships.

This place is great. Check it out when in Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, totally remolded and more additions.Check it out

Nothing off the wall, my wife and eye came here because of a groupon special they had, they have a few older people working the front and they did not want to accept it at first but it later worked itself out. It has some great views of the marina and a lot of ship miniature models as well as some great paintings. If you enjoy those you will be happy. I would not recommend it for kids. We came here after having a heavy brunch and were happy to walk it off looking at some cool history and fun facts.

Nice little maritime museum by the channel islands harbor. Volunteers running the place are a hoot. Lots of model ships with good outlines of their history. Upstairs the kids can ring the bell, sound the horn and turn the wheel. Small but fun. Lots of free parking.

The museum offers free parking and is located in a quiet, scenic setting overlooking the water. Even though a maritime museum may not be on the top of a person's to-do list, it is educational and shows the craftsmanship of the model ship builders.

Just came from the museum. Families were there enjoying the docents answering questions and pointing out the great art and ship models. What a fun place to spend quality time.

This museum had so many great things for kids to actually put their hands on and see how they worked. The docents were so friendly and so full of information about all the exhibits. This is a must see for sure.

I have been to a number of small Maritime Museums - this one is definitely one of the better ones. Well worth a couple of hours of your time, and the marina location is convenient with lots of free parking.