Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced Basecamp Channel Islands, a five-day “wildness and wellness adventure” in partnership with exhale Spa that will explore the rarely seen Channel Islands National Park. Part safari, part adult camp, the voyage will be set aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion and will explore the remote area.
In keeping with Lindblad’s wellbeing programming launched in December 2017 in Baja, the adventure is designed to blend exploration, transformation, and restoration in revitalizing places. Guests can enjoy acres of trails to walk or hike, sea caves to explore by kayak or paddleboard, undersea areas to enter, and landscapes and bird colonies to observe, all at Channel Islands National Park.
Miles of ocean separate the park from the Southern California mainland, and half of it sits underwater. Of the 2,000 species of plants and animals within the National Park, 145 exist nowhere else in the world. Marine life ranges from microscopic plankton to the blue whale, and many naturalists call the islands the "Galápagos" of North America.
Basecamp Channel Islands will depart from the Port of Los Angeles and explore East Anacapa Island, home to Anacapa Lighthouse, the last major light station to be built on the west coast in 1912. Explore Santa Cruz, 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 – and more than 60 endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
Visit Rosa Island with Torrey Pines, considered one of the world’s rarest pines, and one of only two naturally occurring groves in the world; and San Miguel Island with over 30,000 pinnipeds and up to five different species. On Santa Catalina Island, guests may spot the Santa Cruz Island Fox found only on Catalina, or the island’s largest mammals—bison, with a free ranching afternoon to grab a bike and explore downtown Avalon, the island’s only incorporated city.
Additionally, wellbeing experiences will be had throughout the Basecamp Channel Islands adventure. Guests can enjoy healthy activities led by an exhale fitness teacher, spa therapist or an exhale-trained Lindblad Wellness specialist including exhale Barre + Cardio, Beach Boot Camp, and Power Yoga classes on deck, as well as stand up paddleboard yoga, mindfulness hikes, and assisted stretching. Neck and shoulder massages will be offered prior to evening cocktails, and Chill Yoga classes offered in the evening, alongside group guided meditation.
There are many trails covering the islands offering the opportunity for walking, birding, or working with a certified photo instructor to capture the natural beauty, or for a strenuous hike for a real workout. Guests can grab a kayak to explore the shoreline, participate in talks, wildlife sightings, drawing or plein-air painting, mindful silences, star-gazing, tide-pooling, foodie pleasures, cocktails, mocktails and more.
Guests will also benefit from exhale’s nutritional snacks, juices, and menu options, and from Lindblad Expedition’s commitment to locally and sustainably-caught seafood, locally-sourced produce—and food that rewards.
Rates begin at $2,490 per person based on double occupancy in a category one cabin for the 4-night voyages. Departures are October 17 & 24, 2018.
For more information, visit www.expeditions.com.
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