At a glance
- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Start/End:
- Rountrip Los Angeles
- From:
- $3,276
- Time of Year:
- April-May; October-November
On this 5-day Wild California Escape to Channel Islands National Park, 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.
Almost every national park in the U.S. is easy to get to, but the Channel Islands are separated from the mainland by miles of ocean. What we offer you is unique and effortless access—to wild beauty and pristine nature— for 5 days/4 nights, using our ship as a base camp.
And you can freely roam. These ships are akin to a safari camp in Africa—comfortable, in the heart of things, yet mobile. Everything you want is aboard—paddleboards, kayaks, and expedition landing craft; a welcoming crew; smart naturalists; a wellness specialist; fitness instructors; and even a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor to help you up your photo game and capture all the unbelievable opportunities.
Expect the unexpected
This itinerary is a plan, but flexibility and spontaneity are a big part of it. Our ace spotters are always ‘on it,’ and if they sight a blue whale, they’ll let you know—so you won’t miss a thing nature has to offer. If conditions cancel one option, a landing for example, our nimble team will have another. They might surprise you with a BBQ on deck or a dance party under stars. Your getaway might be compact, but it’s a genuine expedition, so there’s always room for magic. And choice—enjoy your getaway your way.
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
Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park Details
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 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 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 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
| Dates | Ships | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2024 | NG Quest | $3,470 | $4,260 | $4,920 | $5,450 | $6,110 |
| Apr 27, 2024 | NG Quest | $3,470 | $4,260 | $4,920 | $5,450 | $6,110 |
| Oct 26, 2024 | NG Venture | $3,470 | $4,260 | $4,920 | $5,450 | $6,110 |
| Oct 30, 2024 | NG Venture | $3,470 | $4,260 | $4,920 | $5,450 | $6,110 |
| Nov 3, 2024 | NG Venture | $3,470 | $4,260 | $4,920 | $5,450 | $6,110 |
Dates and rates are effective the date the information was updated on this site. Dates and rates may have changed by the cruise line prior to an update here. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises for the latest dates & rates.
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
Prices subject to change
Included
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
- Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages.
- Your bar tab and WiFi** are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyages.
- Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
- 24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand (soda not included on Lord of the Glens)
- Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
- Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
- Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
- The guidance and company of our expedition staff
- The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations
- Sightseeing & entrance fees
- Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
- Transfers to and from group flights
- The expertise of the expedition staff
- All excursions
- Zodiac & kayak explorations
- Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
- Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge
*Alcoholic beverages are included on the National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, Sea Cloud, and Lord of the Glens; certain super-premium brands are not included.
** Travel aboard any National Geographic Islander or National Geographic Endeavour II voyage and we will cover your bar tab; certain premium brands not included. Free WiFi, up to one hour a day per person aboard any National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II departure.
Not Included
- International and internal airfare
- Additional hotel nights
- Private transfers
- Travel Protection Plan
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Expedition extensions
- Pre- and post-expedition Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages (except aboard Sea Cloud, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II); certain super-premium brands not included
- Spa treatments
- Aboard ship Gratuities (except aboard Sea Cloud, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance & National Geographic Explorer)
- Scuba diving
- Laundry
- Internet and phone
- Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
- Cappuccinos and lattes are not available on the Delfin II
National Geographic Quest
The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest is the perfect ship to explore the same remote locations Lindblad Expeditions has sought out for decades while setting a new standard in comfort and style.
National Geographic Venture
The 100-passenger National Geographic Venture is the perfect ship to explore the same remote locations Lindblad Expeditions has sought out for decades while setting a new standard in comfort and style.
