Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced the inaugural voyages for the newest addition to the company’s fleet, National Geographic Venture, a sibling vessel to National Geographic Quest. Slated for delivery in October, the 50-cabin coastal vessel is the second new build for the line.
Following a series of launch celebrations in San Francisco, National Geographic Venture will depart on two inaugural itineraries that explore the Pacific coast before beginning seasons in Baja, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
The first inaugural voyage, Coastal California by Sea, explores the highlights of California’s coast and islands—joined by Sven Lindblad, CEO and founder of Lindblad Expeditions. Departing San Francisco on December 2, 2018, the five-night itinerary connects Northern and Southern CA, from the Golden Gate to Santa Catalina Island. Rates begin at $3,800 per person based on double occupancy.
Highlights include:
- Views of San Francisco from National Geographic Venture’s deck as guests embark the city for a sunset cocktail cruise around the harbor
- Behind-the-scenes access to Northern CA’s Monterey Bay Aquarium and Southern CA’s Catalina Casino
- Famous California wildlife
- Key coastal sites and islands including Angel Island, Sausalito, Monterey and Point Lobos, Avila Beach and Catalina Island.
The second inaugural voyage, From Southern California to Baja: Sailing the Pacific Coast, will depart December 7, 2018. Guests will experience the diversity of the Pacific coast as the Venture travels from Los Angeles to La Paz, Mexico, on the 12-night cruise. Guests can discover the region’s food and wine, including a private lunch at a boutique vineyard in the Valle de Guadalupe, as well as snorkel in the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. There will also be an opportunity to meet the residents of Isla Natividad, a coop within the Vizcaino Biosphere, and learn the story of their sustainable fishing practices, as well as to accompany naturalists as they scour the horizon for migrating whales and nesting birds. Rates begin at $9,120 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
Highlights include:
- Snorkel in Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, the only hard coral reef in North America, with over 220 species of fish
- Learn about the region’s culture with exclusive visits to the world’s largest salt mine in Guerrero Negro and tour the small fish processing plant of Isla Natividad’s fishing coop
- Explore the sand dunes of Isla Magdalena and count the 40 species of birds inhabit this area
- Visit the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe
- Watch the sunrise illuminate El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
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