At a glance
- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Start/End:
- Rountrip Los Angeles
- From:
- $3,609
- Time of Year:
- April-May; October-November
Step aboard the 100-passenger National Geographic Venture for a 5-day journey that reveals the wild, untamed heart of Channel Islands National Park, a little-known jewel just off the California coast. Here, where the Pacific meets rugged isolation, you’ll find sheer sea cliffs sculpted by wind and waves, rolling headlands carpeted in wildflowers, and rocky islets alive with seabirds.
While dayboats may whisk visitors to a single island, our nimble expedition ship becomes your roaming base camp, giving you access to the full breadth of this rare archipelago. Wake each morning to a new horizon, ready to kayak through hidden coves, hike windswept trails, and encounter wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
For more than five decades, Lindblad Expeditions has set the gold standard for exploration—thanks to our remarkable expedition staff. From seasoned expedition leaders to expert naturalists, many hold advanced degrees and are renowned authorities in their fields. Some return year after year to study these very islands, bringing fresh insights from time spent deep in the field. Others lead journeys across the globe, inspiring a loyal following of guests who say, “Where you’re going, we’re going.”
Discovering 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
Discovering Channel Islands National Park Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles, California / Embark
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 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 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
