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Kayaking!

Base Camp Channel Islands

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Quest
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Head for three of the five wildlife-rich islands which make up Channel Islands National Park, plus Catalina Island. Here, you'll actively explore unmarred landscapes, revel in pure nature, and rejuvenate mind, body, and soul with award-winning wellbeing programs. Your itinerary is a plan, but flexibility and spontaneity are a big part of it. Your 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. You might be surprised with a BBQ on deck or a dance party under the stars. Your Base Camp getaway might be compact, but it's a genuine expedition, so there's always room for magic. And choice—enjoy your getaway your way.
Enjoy delicious cocktailsyogaKayakingA young woman explores via Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)Kayaking!
Highlights
  • Enjoy strolling through the landscape of Anacapa
  • Head out on mindfulness hikes with instructors, and benefit from post-hike stretch lab session
  • Explore plant and bird species on the largest California island, Santa Cruz.
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Los Angeles, CA | Embark

Arrive in Los Angeles, or toss your bag in your car if you live there, and head to the Port of Los Angeles in the afternoon to be welcomed aboard National Geographic Quest. Familiarize yourself with the ship, stow your stuff, and take in the sights on the ship’s deck. You’ll embark in the early evening—for a short presentation on mindfulness, cocktails and a sunset cruise (aka golden hour for photographers!) 

Day 2: Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, Channel Islands National Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake to the gentle motion of the ship at anchor off the rocky outcropping of East Anacapa Island. Join your instructor on the sundeck for morning yoga, before heeding the call of the breakfast buffet. After breakfast, join naturalists aboard your expedition landing craft to go ashore on East Anacapa. The goal is the Anacapa Lighthouse, built in 1912, the last major light station to be built on the west coast. Enjoy strolling through the landscape, or head out on mindfulness hikes with instructors, and benefit from a post-hike stretch lab session. And get ready to really geek out on Santa Cruz when you head there after lunch for hiking and exploring. 

At over 96 square miles in size, it’s the largest island in California, with more than 600 plant species, 140 birds, including large colonies of nesting seabirds, and 11 land mammal species, including pinnipeds. Isolation has led to adaptation—there are 60 endemic species found nowhere else in the world. So, test your skills by trying to spot the Santa Cruz Island fox, one of the smallest in the world.  Spend the day your way: there are many trails covering the eastern end of the island offering the opportunity for leisurely walking, birding, or working with your certified photo instructor to capture the natural beauty. Or opt for a strenuous hike and make your Fitbit proud. Grab a kayak or a paddleboard to explore the shoreline. Go beachcombing. Head back to the ship to refresh for cocktail hour and Recap, a presentation or two, a pre-dinner neck and shoulder massage on deck (first come, first serve), and dinner. 

Day 3: Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Chances are you slept like a baby, sustained fresh air and signature duvets will do that! So when the landing craft load to go ashore for a Beach Boot Camp class, you’ll likely want to be on it. After yoga, head back to the ship for breakfast, then another shore landing for the day’s possibilities. Weather permitting, spend the day tide-pooling, kayaking, or hike one of the many trails. Join your naturalists for a more strenuous hike out to the base of the Torrey Pines, considered one of the world’s rarest pines, and one of only two naturally occurring groves in the world.  The day ends with a pre-dinner Chill Yoga session on deck, followed by a cocktail party as you cruise around San Miguel Island at sunset to see the spectacle: over 30,000 pinnipeds, and up to five different species, haul out on the beaches at various times of the year. 

Day 4: Catalina Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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. After a morning workout on deck followed by breakfast, meet with a member of the Conservancy for a guided walk along the coastline and into the backcountry. With luck, you may catch a glimpse—or a photo—of the elusive fox species endemic to the island. Head for the water to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. After lunch, the ship drops anchor in Avalon Harbor, where you’ll have time to explore on your own. Ride a bike through Avalon, a town of less than 5,000, or hike up to Avalon Canyon for spectacular views and  a visit to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden- featuring Ada Wrigley's original desert exotica collection as well as a collection of Channel Island endemic plants--plus the spectacular tile and rockwork all from Catalina Island. Or step into an architectural gem: the art deco Catalina Casino, built by William Wrigley, Jr. in 1929. Scuba-certified? Your team will arrange diving and gear rental for you with a top local operator. Return to the ship for sunset yoga on deck, a farewell dinner, and the last evening at sea. 
 

Day 5: Los Angeles | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Awake dockside in the bustling Port of Los Angeles. (Early risers can catch the action in one of the world’s largest ports.) Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking and either transferring to the airport or heading to your car or Uber—refreshed by your getaway—to the clang and clamor of contemporary life.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Quest

National Geographic Quest
Lounge aboard National Geographic Quest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
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Category 1
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Select a Date
Category 2
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
National Geographic Quest Cabin
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Category 3
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and a large view window. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Select a Date
Category 4
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door, and small, private balcony. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
National Geographic Quest Cabin
Select a Date
Category 5
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability. 



Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
  • Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
  • Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
  • Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Phone and Internet Service
  • Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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