On our first full day aboard National Geographic Venture in the Channel Islands off California, we began our day off the beautiful island of Anacapa. This broken set of three islands with spectacular geology provides the background for one of the best nesting sites for brown pelicans. After enjoying Zodiac cruises there, we headed off to Santa Cruz Island to enjoy further Zodiac cruises off this island as well.
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.