catalina eco tour reviews

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We preserve and restore the environment on Catalina, promoting and modeling ecologically sustainable communities to create a healthier future for this Island and our Earth.

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Founded in 1972 as a nonprofit organization, the Catalina Island Conservancy is one of the oldest private land trusts in Southern California.

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Support a worthy organization dedicated to restoring and protecting Catalina Island’s wildlands – help save animal species on the verge of extinction and maintain unique habitats for all to enjoy.

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RESTORATION PROJECT

The Catalina Island Restoration Project, undertaken by the Catalina Island Conservancy, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at regenerating and safeguarding the natural ecosystem. The project seeks to protect the Island’s biodiversity, mitigate erosion, prevent wildfires, and create a sustainable, thriving environment for both wildlife and humans.

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Catalina Eco Tour

Wheel into the wildlands with our catalina eco tour.

With access to over 165 miles of paved and unpaved roads, our naturalist-led Catalina Eco Tour allows you to explore parts of Catalina Island no other outfitter can reach. Whether you are hoping to learn more about the Island’s rich history, see some of our unique plants, wildlife and bison, or simply explore parts of Catalina that most people never see, your adventure starts here !

Start your adventure! Book your Catalina Eco Tour online today.

Private and custom tours available, please call (310) 510-2595 x0 to book.

Catalina Eco Tour Seating

The number of seats in a vehicle vary and all seating is assigned by driver at time of tour. Due to vehicle layouts you may be seated away from your party in the same vehicle. Guests may be required to sit 3 across in the back row in the same vehicle to accommodate all parties and any Covid Regulations. Vehicle types include Custom Tundras and Custom Jeeps and vehicle type can change up until tour time. Masks are not currently required in open air vehicles. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Have a wonderful adventure!

Catalina Eco Tour Ride

Catalina Island Conservancy’s Eco Tours travel on unpaved roads and trails where you will experience bumps and jars. Guests with infants and young children, or those with orthopedic, neurological, cardiac or respiratory issues, and pregnant women should consider any risks associated with those conditions should they choose to participate in this tour.

Babies & Young Children

Catalina Eco Tour Babies & Young Children Policy

If bringing babies or young children, please note that we abide by all current California laws with regard to car seat requirements and a separate tour seat must be purchased to accommodate the car seat; babies are not allowed to be seated on laps.

Service Animals

Catalina Eco Tour Service Animals Policy

We also welcome medically necessary service animals. If your dog is over 15 lbs, please notify Guest Services at 310-510-2595 x0 in advance, so we can properly accommodate you and your service animal on the tour by holding a seat for your larger dog and installing a seat cover for that seat.

Cancellation Policy

Catalina Eco Tour Cancellation Policy

Tickets cancelled within 72 hours prior to departure are non-refundable, non-exchangeable. Web convenience fees are never refundable.

Catalina Eco Tour Locker Availability

Please note that we cannot store any personal items or luggage during your Catalina Eco Tour.  There are lockers available at the Catalina Express Boat Terminal and many hotels will hold luggage for their guests.

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Ridgetop Eco Adventure

Quick Details

• Users Ages: Ages 5+
• Clock Duration: 2 hours
• Map Marker Location: Island Tour Plaza
• Bus Terrain: Tour travels on dirt & paved scenic, windy roads throughout the eastern portion of Catalina. Great for guests who like an exhilarating ride and do not have a fear of heights.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Guests must be able to transfer from their chair & navigate several stairs on their own.
• Heart Restrictions: For your safety, you should be in good health & free from other health conditions.

Get the Best Views on a Catalina Hummer Tour

• Travel up and out of Avalon for fantastic views of Catalina Island.
• Get off the beaten path in a modified, open-air H-1 Hummer.
• Keep an eye out for bison, bald eagles, Catalina Island fox & more.
• Travel with your engaging driver & guide while you learn about Catalina’s fascinating past.
• Children must be a minimum of 5 years of age to participate in this Catalina tour for their safety.

*Refunds & exchanges are subject to availability. Click here to read our cancellation policy.

• Chevron down What to Expect

Climb into our unique, open-air, biofuel H1 Hummer for an unforgettable trip to the summit above Avalon. Traveling to 1,500 feet above sea level, you’ll enjoy a birds-eye view of romantic Santa Catalina Island and the ocean beyond. The open-air Ridgetop Eco Adventure travels five miles up rugged interior terrain, where you will experience spectacular views of the coastline and deep canyons below. Lined by beautiful eucalyptus trees, the Catalina Island hummer tour winds its way back along the Summit Road into Avalon. 10% of the proceeds go to support the Catalina Island Conservancy.

See stunning views of uninhabited spaces:  See what Southern California looked like before it was developed. Journey on the edge of cliff-side roads and drive to some of the highest points on Catalina Island. The rugged coastline will stretch out before you as you sit back and enjoy the adventurous ride.

Keep an eye out for Catalina wildlife:  You never know what you will see when you explore outside of Avalon. Keep your eyes open for North American bison, bald eagles, Catalina Island foxes & more.

What to know:  Weather may impact this excursion. Please contact us in the event of inclement weather. Make sure to use the restroom before you board the vehicle, as there are no restroom breaks on the 2-hour tour.

• Chevron down Restrictions

For your safety, you should be in good health & free from high blood pressure, heart, neck, or back problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this exhilarating tour that travels over bumpy, windy, dusty, unpaved and poorly paved roads. Guests who are pregnant cannot ride. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to transfer on their own and navigate several stairs within the vehicle.

• Chevron down Weather

Weather may impact this excursion. Please contact us in the event of inclement weather. Make sure to use the restroom before you board, as there are no restrooms on the vehicle.

• Chevron down What to Bring

The Ridgetop Eco Adventure travels in an open-air vehicle. We recommend using sunscreen before the tour starts. You may want to bring a hat and/or sunglasses as well. While a gratuity is not expected, it is always appreciated. You may also wish to bring your own bottled water with you on tour.

• Chevron down Where to Meet

Ridgetop Eco Adventure Island Tour Plaza Avalon, CA 90704

GET DIRECTIONS

• Chevron down FAQ

Do I need a reservation for the Ridgetop Eco Adventure?

Yes. While reservations are not required, they are recommended. There are limited spaces on the Ridgetop Eco Adventure. To ensure you get the number of spots you want at the time slot you prefer, make sure you reserve your spot.

Are there restrooms available on the Ridgetop Eco Adventure?

There are restrooms available in the Island Tour Plaza – please make sure to use them before you get on your tour, as there are no restrooms available once the tour begins.

How far is the Ridgetop Eco Adventure check-in location from certain areas?

Walking time to common locations:

• Cabrillo Mole Area: 7-10 minutes
• Basketball/Volleyball/Old Ben Park Area: 3-5 minutes
• Green Pleasure Pier/Island Tour Plaza: 1-2 minutes
• Casino Building: 7-10 minutes
• Descanso Beach: 15-20 minutes

Is there food provided on the Ridgetop Eco Adventure? Can I eat and drink while on tour?

Food & beverage are not provided on the Ridgetop Eco Adventure. You may bring bottled water with you on tour. Food is prohibited on the vehicle.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.

Related Activities

• Clock 2 hours
• Users Ages 5+

Bison Expedition

The Catalina bison tour is a thrilling off-road eco-adventure into Catalina Island’s remote and beautiful interior.

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Book Your Trip

• Tickets & Camping

Ridgetop Eco Adventure

A backcountry biofuel hummer adventure.

There’s nothing like an exciting journey through Catalina's pristine wilderness aboard an open-air biofuel Hummer. You’ll get an intimate feel for Catalina’s unique topography as you cruise the ridge around rugged canyons up to 1,500-foot East Peak.

From there, you'll travel along Divide Road, where you'll enjoy spectacular ocean and canyon views of both sides of the island. You might even spot a bison or two on this unforgettable adventure.

Ten percent of proceeds from this tour help support the important work of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

OR CALL 877.778.8322

Seasonal information, max passengers.

Pets are not allowed on any Catalina Island Company activity or tour.

*Please note: Food and beverages are not allowed on Catalina Island Co. Tours & Activities.

This journey travels off-road and may be bumpy, dusty and windy. It is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, with back or neck issues, or with a fear of heights.   Please note: While we often see wildlife on the tour, we can not guarantee sightings .

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Catalina Glamping & Eco Tours

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Catalina Tours

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Review Highlights

“ I highly recommend taking this tour for anyone who want to learn about the history and beauty of Catalina Island ! ” in 11 reviews

“ Cindy Lowe was our tour guide this past weekend with the Bison Expedition tour and we had a blast! ” in 5 reviews

“ Booked a dolphin and sea lion tour during a recent cruise that stopped in Avalon. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Avalon, CA 90704

Serving Avalon Area

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Business Owner

Catalina Island's #1 Activity Booking Web Site We are Catalina Island's best online activity booking specialists. Our award winning customer service team is here to make your vacation experience full of fun. We know Catalina Island better than any other activity booking site. Ocean Tours, Land Tours, Day Packages and Overnight packages are just a click away. Custom Catalina Island Packages. No matter how long your visit is to our island, Catalina Tours is your one stop answer to everything fun on Catalina Island. Be sure to check back often for chances to save on the newest popular activities, hotels and Catalina Express ferry deals. Catalina Tours is a member of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. …

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Overall rating

129 reviews

We took the Bison Expedition this weekend with Joy and it was incredible! Joy was an amazing tour guide, and she taught us so much about the island's history and environment. Incredible panoramic views of the island and the sea from the hilltops--would highly recommend!

Did the Bison expedition on eco-hummer. Rob was our guide and was super engaging with our 2 kiddos. Ride was fun, a little bumpy (which is expected). We sat on the back (bumpiest) and wasn't bad at all. Wife has had previous back injuries and she said she was fine with no issue. There is no guarantee of wildlife but we were able to see 2 Bison (or same Bison twice?) but super close!

We did the Jeep Eco-Tour with Mark Phelps and had an awesome time. We highly recommend you take this tour if you are curious about the interior of Catalina and its history. Just be sure to request Mark. He was perfect! Being a Catalina native Mark had insights that few would have. His commentary was very informative and humorous. The vehicle was comfortable and Mark's driving felt safe and secure. Thanks

Steve gave us an awesome and great tour around the town. We also went on the 3 hour tour and the wise man was very informative. We had a chance to see some beautiful beach sites and bison . He gave outstanding service.

This is a review about the Buffalo Tour and the Flying fish tour. The Bison tour was a bit disappointment, I would not do it again. The tour guide rambled about herself a lot and talked so much that it took away from the beautiful views along the way. We never saw any Bison, we saw one mule deer and a fox that was the extent of the wildlife. The ride is bumpy especially in the back so be prepared. If you have back or neck issues I would not advise this. The flying fish tour I was much better, that I would rate a 3-4. The tour guide was knowledgable, but a bit loud. We did see flying fish and sea lions eating the flying fish. It was beautiful seeing Avalon all lit up at night from the water. Be prepared it gets cooler at night. I would recommend this tour.

We had a great time on the bison tour. We were lucky enough to see four bison as well as two Catalina foxes. We learned a ton and our driver, Halvey was AWESOME! Thanks Halvey for a really great experience!

5 star exceptional review for the Bison Expedition, and the Aerial Adventure. Bison - amazing adventure with the best guide Ron. You get up close to Bison and learn a wealth of fascinating historical information about Catalina while you climb to the top of the mountain in a Hummer Aerial Adventure - thrilling physical experience with guides Aaron and Trent. You test your body in new and exciting ways with the utmost safety. Their training and encouragement made the experience wonderful.

Review for Ridgetop tour: 5/5 Halvy is the best guide you can get. Really- he's an engaging and funny guy with an interesting persona. The tour itself is about 2hrs long and consists of a ride in an open air, modified Hummer. There are beautiful scenic displays at the top of the island, and you'll stop at a few prime spots for pictures. It's a nice, relaxing jaunt up through the hills of Catalina, and Halvy kept us pretty entertained with the history of the area. We had a bit of extra time, so we went looking for a bison and actually found one. It was nice of our guide to offer as opposed to just taking us back early, or driving slowly down the ridge. Great, great experience. Review for glass bottom boat: 2/5 If you need something to fill some time, sure, go for it, but really, this isn't all that interesting. Little kids might enjoy it, but otherwise, some of the adults in our group use it to relax and get in a nap. They take you out to a small cove where you see lots and lots of the same fish (they feed them). It gets old very quickly, and the tour guide isn't really very informative. There's lots of silence. *** The kiosk to pick up tickets takes FOREVER, even if you've pr-bought tickets online. Go early.

Halve was our tour guide during our bison eco expedition. He was such a great guide. We got to see plenty of bison just laying around chilling. I definitely recommend it and he's also a historian of the Island. I learned a lot today. Thanks again for the experience.

We did the Ridge Eco tour with Cindy Lowe, it was a great tour though the middle of the island. Cindy was fun and knowledgeable on tour. Her theme music for certain areas of the tour was spot on. I would highly suggest this tour and if you can request Cindy she made the tour even more better.

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