Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
- From the bow of the state-of-the-art National Geographic Venture, experience spectacular sunset sails beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and passing by Big Sur.
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and hear about how National Geographic has supported conservation projects based here.
- Walk amid more than 10,000 fluttering monarchs at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, and see the sea lions of Point Lobos State Marine Reserve up close.
- Explore the rugged backcountry of Santa Catalina Island on foot, then see the glitzy side of the isle during a private cocktail reception at the art deco Catalina Casino.
Itinerary
Itinerary
See a different side of the California coast, traveling by sea from San Francisco to Los Angeles on this special inaugural voyage of the National Geographic Venture. Go ashore on Angel and Santa Catalina Islands—two isles with storied pasts—and explore hard-to-reach landscapes like Catalina’s rugged backcountry and the rocky shores of Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. Along the way, get a new perspective on California icons, sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, going behind the scenes at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and taking in a panoramic view of picturesque Big Sur from the sea.
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Arrive this afternoon and embark the National Geographic Venture in time for a sunset cruise across San Francisco Bay.
Greet the day with an optional sunrise yoga session on deck. After breakfast, we’ll go ashore at Angel Island State Park, which offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. The isle has played host to Miwok (Native Americans), cattle ranchers, and Civil War soldiers, and served as a quarantine station for Asian immigrants to the U.S. in the early 20th century. Explore the island’s network of hiking trails before continuing to Sausalito for an afternoon at leisure. Stroll the streets of this quaint bayside city, and stop in at a boutique winery for a tasting. This evening we embark on a spectacular sunset sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
Our day begins with a special behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where we’ll hear about how National Geographic grantees have collaborated with researchers to protect the marine world. Later, take a guided history walk along Cannery Row, immortalized by John Steinbeck in his novel of the same name. After lunch on board, cruise to picturesque Point Lobos State Marine Reserve to encounter marine mammals such as sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters, and see expansive kelp forests. As the sun sets this evening, we’ll sail past the soaring cliffs and iconic Bixby Bridge of Big Sur.
This morning we drop anchor near the Port San Luis Pier. Travelers interested in a physical challenge will have the option of an early morning hike to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Or you can choose to spend your morning at a more leisurely pace, kayaking in the San Luis Obispo Bay before taking a trolley to the lighthouse. Those who select this option will also have the opportunity to visit the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, which harbors thousands of monarchs. Return to the ship for lunch on board, then watch on deck for whales as we cruise toward the Channel Islands.
In the 1920s, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. developed Santa Catalina Island as a glitzy tourist destination; half a century later, his family established the Catalina Island Conservancy and set aside nearly 90 percent of the island for conservation purposes. We’ll go ashore here this morning for a hike across the island’s rugged backcountry. There are also options to explore the surrounding waters by kayak or Zodiac. Enjoy lunch on board, then explore the port town of Avalon at your leisure. Tonight, we’ll gather for a private cocktail reception and behind-the-scenes tour of the famed Catalina Casino, an art deco gem commissioned by William Wrigley, Jr. in 1929.
After breakfast, disembark in Long Beach and transfer to the Los Angeles airport for your flight home.