fbpx

Discovering Channel Islands National Park: A 5-Day Voyage

Discovering Channel Islands National Park: A 5-Day Voyage

From AUD $3,114

Description

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.

Trip Name
Discovering Channel Islands National Park: A 5-Day Voyage
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 100 Built: 2017 National Geographic Venture is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to follow the seasons and uncover the wild beauty of North America’s west coast and Baja California. A sister ship to National Geographic Quest, she was constructed at the renowned Nichols Brothers shipyard in the Pacific Northwest, continuing a legacy of shipbuilding excellence that began with Sea Bird and Sea Lion in the 1970s. Carrying 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins, Venture offers the perfect balance of modern amenities and expedition-ready design, with a shallow draught that allows for access to hidden coves, narrow inlets, and wildlife-rich waters. On board, guests enjoy spacious public areas including a lounge with bar and presentation space, a dining room with open seating, a Global Gallery, fitness centre, and a furnished sundeck. A mudroom with lockers keeps expedition gear handy, while the open Bridge invites guests to learn from the Captain and crew. With twin Zodiac platforms for efficient embarkation, Venture is ideally suited for spontaneous wildlife encounters and exploration by paddleboard or kayak. Her design, informed by over 50 years of expedition expertise, ensures an immersive, flexible, and unforgettable experience at sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Los Angeles, CA / 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, CAMeals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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, CAMeals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-10-202604-11-2026AUD $3,219Category 01
31-10-202604-11-2026AUD $4,513Category 02
31-10-202604-11-2026AUD $5,544Category 03
31-10-202604-11-2026AUD $6,377Category 04
31-10-202604-11-2026AUD $7,404Category 05
04-11-202608-11-2026AUD $3,377Category 01
04-11-202608-11-2026AUD $4,704Category 02
04-11-202608-11-2026AUD $5,763Category 03
04-11-202608-11-2026AUD $6,626Category 04
04-11-202608-11-2026AUD $7,679Category 05
08-11-202612-11-2026AUD $3,114Category 01
08-11-202612-11-2026AUD $4,379Category 02
08-11-202612-11-2026AUD $5,387Category 03
08-11-202612-11-2026AUD $6,209Category 04
08-11-202612-11-2026AUD $7,211Category 05

Inclusions

    • 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)

Map