California Coast
33° 23′ N 118° 24′ W
Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park
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
Watch for iconic animals such as the American bison, bald eagles, and the Channel Island fox
Delve into the natural wonders and curious history of Catalina Island, including a visit to Avalon—a haven for movie stars in Hollywood's golden era
Day by Day
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Day 1
Los Angeles, California / Embark
Arrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon and head to the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel in San Pedro for a transfer to the ship. Take in the sights on the deck and meet the team as we embark in early evening.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Los Angeles, California / EmbarkArrive in Los Angeles by early afternoon and head to the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel in San Pedro for a transfer to the ship. Take in the sights on the deck and meet the team as we embark in early evening.
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 our 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 the views from Inspiration Point or, for a more relaxing option, explore Arch Rock via Zodiac.
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 our 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 the views from Inspiration Point or, for a more relaxing option, explore Arch Rock via Zodiac.
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, we 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 State Natural Reserve, 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, we 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 State Natural Reserve, 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.
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates & Rates
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Ships
National Geographic Quest
Guests
100
Cabins
50
National Geographic Quest: Designed for Adventure
Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is ideal for the fast-moving channels and shallow coves of the Pan-American waters. Her design and engineering were informed by our nearly 40 years of experience in the narrow straits of Alaska, the coast of Costa Rica, and into the gray whale nursery lagoons of Baja.
Examples of features unique to Lindblad Expeditions include twin boarding platforms that enable our team to load two Zodiacs at once, so our guests can get off the ship quickly to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. She also features a shallow draft, allowing her Captain to navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.
Modern, clean-lined, with large expanses of glass to take in the extraordinary views, National Geographic Quest enables guests to see, do, and experience the best of her geographies.
National Geographic Venture
Guests
100
Cabins
50
American-flagged, she and her sister National Geographic Quest are ideal for discovering domestic waters
Following the build of National Geographic Quest at Nichols Brothers shipyard, her sister ship, the 100-guest National Geographic Venture, floated into the bay on Whidbey Island, becoming the fourth ship in the Lindblad fleet built at this storied Pacific Northwest shipyard. Like her sister ship National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture has dual boarding platforms, enabling our team to load two Zodiacs at once means guests get off ship quickly, to take advantage of wildlife sightings and maximize exploring time. Modern, cleaned-lined, with large expanses of glass to keep you connected to the extraordinary views, National Geographic Venture enables you to see, do and experience the best of her geographies.
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Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
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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.
From
$3,360
/ per person
Does not include flight
$350 AIR CREDIT ON SELECT DATES
View our brochure for more details
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$3,360
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
From
$3,360
/ per person
$350 AIR CREDIT ON SELECT DATES
View our brochure for more details