Discovering Channel Islands National Park: A 5-Day Voyage
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
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
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Wild Pacific Coast
From
$3,680
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
Wild Pacific Coast
From
$3,680
/ per person
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochure for more details
Wild Pacific Coast
Itinerary
Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atLos Angeles, CaliforniaEnds 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 ShipArrive 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 ParkWake 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 ParkStart 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 IslandSpend 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 / DisembarkAwake 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
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.
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.
Special Offers
SPECIAL SAVINGS
Take advantage of our additional offers
SUITE EXCLUSIVES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
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Wild Pacific Coast