Santa Cruz Island, Channel Island National Park,  in Santa Barbara County, California, USA
Santa Cruz Island, Channel Island National Park,  in Santa Barbara County, California, USA
ExpeditionsDiscovering Channel Islands National Park: A 5-Day Voyage

Discovering Channel Islands National Park: A 5-Day Voyage

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Discover a hidden wild side of a well-known region. Just off the coast of California, one of the lesser-known U.S. national parks beckons, with dramatic sea cliffs, grassy headlands, and rocky islets. Dayboats can take you to individual islands to hike or camp, but our small ships provide a mobile base camp from which to actively explore the full natural splendor of this unique archipelago.

Highlights

Anacapa Island off the coast of California. A marine sanctuary and part of the Channel Island National Park, USA
  • Discover the islands by walking miles of trails, paddling crystal-clear waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or exploring by Zodiac

  • Hike in a Torrey pine grove, one of only two on Earth, and enjoy a picnic lunch with sweeping views of the natural harbor

  • See endemic species found only in the islands, such as the Channel Island fox, island scrub jay and coastal sage scrub

  • Take in the colorful history and architecture of Avalon, a haven for movie stars in Hollywood’s golden era

  • Explore by Zodiac among vast kelp forests, or take an optional scuba dive (if certified)

From

$3,680

/ per person

Does not include any flights

duration
5 Days
starts at
Los Angeles, California
ends at
Los Angeles, California
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Wild Pacific Coast

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$3,680

/ per person

duration
5 Days
starts at
Los Angeles, California
ends at
Los Angeles, California

View our brochure for more details

Wild Pacific Coast

From

$3,680

/ per person

duration
5 Days
starts at
Los Angeles, California
ends at
Los Angeles, California
See all offers

View our brochure for more details

Wild Pacific Coast

Itinerary


Starts atLos Angeles, California
Ends atLos Angeles, California

Day 1

Los Angeles, California / Embark Ship

Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel in San Pedro before embarking the ship. Enjoy a cocktail on the deck and meet the expedition team as you set sail in early evening.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Los Angeles, CA

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1

Los Angeles, California / Embark Ship

Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel in San Pedro before embarking the ship. Enjoy a cocktail on the deck and meet the expedition team as you set sail in early evening.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 2:30 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Los Angeles, CA

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, Channel Islands National Park

Wake to the ship at anchor off the rocky outcropping of East Anacapa Island. Join your wellness specialist on the sundeck for morning yoga and then enjoy the breakfast buffet. After breakfast, join naturalists aboard Zodiacs to go ashore on East Anacapa. The goal is the Anacapa Lighthouse, built in 1932, the last major light station to be built on the West Coast. Soak in amazing views from the island alongside a naturalist or choose to explore stunning Arch Rock via Zodiac. This afternoon, set sail for Santa Cruz Island for activities ashore as you search for endemic flora and fauna.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, Channel Islands National Park

Wake to the ship at anchor off the rocky outcropping of East Anacapa Island. Join your wellness specialist on the sundeck for morning yoga and then enjoy the breakfast buffet. After breakfast, join naturalists aboard Zodiacs to go ashore on East Anacapa. The goal is the Anacapa Lighthouse, built in 1932, the last major light station to be built on the West Coast. Soak in amazing views from the island alongside a naturalist or choose to explore stunning Arch Rock via Zodiac. This afternoon, set sail for Santa Cruz Island for activities ashore as you search for endemic flora and fauna.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Start your morning with an optional stretch class before breakfast. Weather permitting, go kayaking, hike one of the many trails or simply relax ashore. With luck, you may catch a glimpse—or photo—of the elusive fox species endemic to the island. Join the naturalists for a more strenuous hike out to the base of the Torrey pines grove, which contains what is considered one of the world’s rarest pines and is one of only two naturally occurring groves in the world. End the day with a sunset cocktail party.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park

Start your morning with an optional stretch class before breakfast. Weather permitting, go kayaking, hike one of the many trails or simply relax ashore. With luck, you may catch a glimpse—or photo—of the elusive fox species endemic to the island. Join the naturalists for a more strenuous hike out to the base of the Torrey pines grove, which contains what is considered one of the world’s rarest pines and is one of only two naturally occurring groves in the world. End the day with a sunset cocktail party.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Catalina Island

Spend the day discovering the colorful history and natural wonders of Catalina Island. Once a haunt of smugglers and gold diggers, the island was transformed into a resort destination by chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley, Jr. in the 1920s. Some 50 years later, William’s heirs, Philip K. Wrigley and Dorothy Wrigley Offield, established the Catalina Island Conservancy, protecting nearly 90 percent of the island. Meet a conservancy member to learn about their work on the island before heading out on the trail for spectacular views of the coastline and the Catalina backcountry. With luck, catch a glimpse of the elusive bison herd that have resided on Catalina Island since 1924. Head for the water to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Return to the ship for a farewell dinner and a last evening at sea under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Catalina Island

Spend the day discovering the colorful history and natural wonders of Catalina Island. Once a haunt of smugglers and gold diggers, the island was transformed into a resort destination by chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley, Jr. in the 1920s. Some 50 years later, William’s heirs, Philip K. Wrigley and Dorothy Wrigley Offield, established the Catalina Island Conservancy, protecting nearly 90 percent of the island. Meet a conservancy member to learn about their work on the island before heading out on the trail for spectacular views of the coastline and the Catalina backcountry. With luck, catch a glimpse of the elusive bison herd that have resided on Catalina Island since 1924. Head for the water to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Return to the ship for a farewell dinner and a last evening at sea under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Los Angeles / Disembark

Awake dockside in the bustling Port of Los Angeles (early risers can catch the action in one of the world’s largest ports). Disembark after breakfast for transfers to the airport.

Departure Time: After 12:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Los Angeles, CA

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5

Los Angeles / Disembark

Awake dockside in the bustling Port of Los Angeles (early risers can catch the action in one of the world’s largest ports). Disembark after breakfast for transfers to the airport.

Departure Time: After 12:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Los Angeles, CA

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ships

Ship National Geographic Venture

National Geographic Venture

GUESTS 100

CABINS 50

DECKS 4

American-flagged, she is ideal for discovering domestic waters. Her design innovations were informed by 50+ years of expedition expertise to ensure extraordinary discoveries.

VIEW SHIP

Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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