The most beautiful day of the trip broke just opposite Catalina Island and cast a gorgeous glow onto the town of Avalon. We went ashore into the bustling harbor and made our way into town. Some chose to find their own way through the streets amid the golf carts, while others took a walk up to the botanical gardens or the historic casino. Afterwards we returned to National Geographic Venture and set sail to the other side of Catalina Island for some more wild activities. We landed at Little Harbor and set up a beach party. Some opted for guided kayaking, some sprung for a long hike. Still others enjoyed their own meanderings on the beach or margaritas served onshore by the bar team. The sun set in a glorious Southern California fashion and closed out a beautiful trip.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands
The first day of adventure around the Channel Islands National Park found National Geographic Quest exploring Anacapa Island. Inhabited and named by the Chumash people, Anyapax (or Anacapa in English) means mirage or illusion and refers to the atmospheric phenomena that occasionally distorts the appearance of the island when viewed from the mainland. Known as the Galapagos of North America, guests were able to experience Anacapa Island both by foot and by Zodiac cruising during the morning operations. Taking in sights such as endemic plants, blooming coreopsis, and California sea lions. The afternoon had us transiting over to Santa Cruz Island where some guests were able to get ashore while others enjoyed a lecture by naturalist Jim Coyer. Drinks and yummy hors d’oeuvres were plentiful during cocktail hour and recap, and the evening wrapped up with another lecture on island ecology by naturalist Kelly Morgan. It was a wonderful start to our Channel Islands adventure.