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Base Camp Channel Islands (NG Quest)

Base Camp Channel Islands (NG Quest)

From AUD $4,080

Description

Welcome to a new kind of getaway
We’ve teamed up with exhale to create a 5-day Wildness + Wellness adventure in the remote and remarkable Channel Islands. Board your floating base camp in Los Angeles, and 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 exhale’s award-winning wellbeing programs.

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. Our ship 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, exhale fitness instructors, and even a Lindblad/National Geographic photo instructor to help you up your photo game and capture all the unbelievable ops.

Expect the unexpected
Our 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 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.

Trip Name
Base Camp Channel Islands (NG Quest)
Days
5
Overview
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.

Itinerary



Day 1 - 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 the NG Quest. 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—for a short exhale presentation on mindfulness, cocktails and a sunset cruise (aka golden hour for photographers!) (D)
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 fitness instructor on the sundeck for morning yoga, before heeding the call of the breakfast buffet. After breakfast, join naturalists aboard our 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. Soak in the views from Inspiration Point or, for a more relaxing option, explore Arch Rock via zodiac.
Day 3 - DAY 3: Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park
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 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. Soak in the views from Inspiration Point or, for a more relaxing option, explore Arch Rock via zodiac. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Santa Cruz island: 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 and explore the impressive sea caves. Head back to the ship to refresh for cocktail hour and Recap before dinner. (B,L,D)
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. 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, we 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, or opt for another dive if you’re certified.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. Return to the ship for sunset yoga on deck, a farewell dinner, and a last evening at sea. (B,L,D)
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.) 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.
Day 6 - Please note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-04-202223-04-2022AUD $4,080Category 1
19-04-202223-04-2022AUD $4,970Category 2
19-04-202223-04-2022AUD $5,630Category 3
19-04-202223-04-2022AUD $6,100Category 1 Single
19-04-202223-04-2022AUD $6,370Category 4
19-04-202223-04-2022AUD $7,130Category 5
19-04-202223-04-2022AUD $7,470Category 2 Single
23-04-202227-04-2022AUD $6,100Category 1 Single
23-04-202227-04-2022AUD $6,370Category 4
23-04-202227-04-2022AUD $7,130Category 5
23-04-202227-04-2022AUD $7,470Category 2 Single
23-04-202227-04-2022AUD $4,080Category 1
23-04-202227-04-2022AUD $4,970Category 2
23-04-202227-04-2022AUD $5,630Category 3
28-04-202202-05-2022AUD $4,080Category 1
28-04-202202-05-2022AUD $4,970Category 2
28-04-202202-05-2022AUD $5,630Category 3
28-04-202202-05-2022AUD $6,100Category 1 Single
28-04-202202-05-2022AUD $6,370Category 4
28-04-202202-05-2022AUD $7,130Category 5
28-04-202202-05-2022AUD $7,470Category 2 Single
24-04-202328-04-2023AUD $4,080Category 1
24-04-202328-04-2023AUD $4,970Category 2
24-04-202328-04-2023AUD $5,630Category 3
24-04-202328-04-2023AUD $6,100Category 1 Single
24-04-202328-04-2023AUD $6,370Category 4
24-04-202328-04-2023AUD $7,130Category 5
24-04-202328-04-2023AUD $7,470Category 2 Single

Inclusions

    • Exult in the pristine beauty of the islands and roam free in wide-open spaces
    • Take a leisurely trail walk with a naturalist, looking out for the astonishing number of endemic flora & fauna
    • Explore fascinating sea caves by kayak or paddleboard
    • Find your center with daily guided exhale meditation sessions
    • Challenge body and mind with exhale fitness classes including Core Fusion Bootcamp, Barre + Cardio, & restorative Chill Yoga
    • Stroll white-sand beaches or spend time exploring bustling tide pools
    • Take in panoramic views & spectacular landscapes on exhale mindfulness hikes + post-hike assisted stretching sessions
    • Enjoy a sunset cocktail party on deck, then end the day with stargazing

Map