North America, West Coast (USA)
Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park
Embark on an unprecedented five-day expedition into wildness and wellness in the remote and remarkable Channel Islands. Step aboard in Los Angeles and sail to three of the five wildlife-rich islands that make up Channel Islands National Park, plus Catalina Island. Dayboats can take you to a single island to hike or camp, but a true in-depth exploration of the Channel Islands on our nimble ships (with comfy staterooms) is a unique offering and the only way to take in the full natural splendor of this extraordinary national park. It is akin to a safari camp in Africa—comfortable, in the heart of things, yet mobile. Everything you want is aboard—paddleboards, kayaks, and Zodiacs; a welcoming crew; smart naturalists; a wellness specialist; and a certified photo instructor. You’ll actively explore unmarred landscapes, revel in pure nature, and rejuvenate mind, body, and soul with our well-being programs.
• Explore the islands by walking miles of trails, paddling crystal-clear waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, exploring by Zodiac, or photographing breathtaking landscapes and bird colonies
• 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 iconic animals such as the American bison, bald eagles, and the Channel Island fox
• Visit the famous community of Avalon, a haven for movie stars in Hollywood’s golden era
Highlights
• Explore the islands by walking miles of trails, paddling crystal-clear waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, exploring by Zodiac, or photographing breathtaking landscapes and bird colonies
• 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 iconic animals such as the American bison, bald eagles, and the Channel Island fox
• Visit the famous community of Avalon, a haven for movie stars in Hollywood’s golden era
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.
Familiarize yourself with the ship, stow your stuff,
and take in the sights on the ship’s deck. We’ll
embark in the early evening—where you'll meet
the team and settle in for the days ahead! (D)
Wake to the ship at anchor off the rocky
outcropping of East Anacapa Island. Join your
fitness instructor on the sundeck for morning yoga
before heeding the call of 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.
(B,L,D)
Kick-start your morning with a 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. (B,L,D)
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 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. (B,L,D)
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. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change
| 24 April, 2023 to 28 April, 2023 | Book now |
Category 1
$4,200 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
$5,120 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
$5,920 AUD pp
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1 Single
$6,290 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
$6,550 AUD pp
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5
$7,340 AUD pp
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) 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, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2 Single
$7,690 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
| 28 April, 2023 to 02 May, 2023 | Book now |
Category 1
$4,200 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2
$5,120 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 3
$5,920 AUD pp
Cat 3 #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and a large view window. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 1 Single
$6,290 AUD pp
Cat 1 #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 4
$6,550 AUD pp
Cat 4 #207-229 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door and small, private balcony. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 5
$7,340 AUD pp
Observation Deck #101-108 (Suite) 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, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
Category 2 Single
$7,690 AUD pp
Cat 2 #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. Each cabin has individual climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking. Botanically-inspired shampoo, shower gel, and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit. Hair dryers are also available in each cabin.
National Geographic Quest
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 72 metres
Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins)
Built: 2017
Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go.
PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation.
MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare.
CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies.
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable).
SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist.
WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Small Ship Cruise
5 Days from
$4,200 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
