Discovering Channel Islands National Park: A 5-Day Voyage

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

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

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

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

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

Itineraries are subject to change

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 72 metres

Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins)

Built: 2017

Built in 2017, National Geographic Quest is a modern expedition vessel purpose-designed for the narrow channels and shallow coves of Pan-American waters. With insights drawn from nearly four decades of exploration in Alaska, Baja California, Costa Rica and beyond, she is perfectly equipped for immersive coastal voyages. Clean-lined and contemporary in design, her expansive glass windows ensure guests are constantly connected to the surrounding landscapes, whether spotting whales in a lagoon or cruising past rainforest-covered shores.

Accommodating 100 guests in 50 comfortable cabins across four decks, Quest features twin Zodiac boarding platforms for swift disembarkation, a shallow draught for close-to-shore navigation, and wide-ranging public areas. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with sustainable, locally inspired cuisine, unwind on the sundeck, or visit the lounge, gym, or Global Gallery. Open access to the Bridge invites a deeper engagement with navigation and wildlife spotting alongside the Captain and crew. Every detail is crafted to maximise discovery, comfort, and a shared sense of adventure.

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.