We booked several items through the conservancy. First I will let you know that we are members, and it has some nice benefits. One day we went to the botanical gardens and the Wrigley Memorial. With the level of membership we have, we saved ourselves the entrance fee to the botanical gardens and memorial and our shuttle up to the gardens was complimentary. If you aren't a member the fees are nominal and it helps the conservancy. John was our driver and he gave some great information and history of the island on our way up and back. We didn't know what to expect from the botanical gardens and we loved it. We walked up to the memorial which was really interesting. There are plaques that explain the history of the memorial to Wrigley. As we walked back down we took all the various trails throughout the garden and some some interesting plants, insects and ended at the little amphitheater where we watched a couple of the films they have on the island and the gardens. I have read that others found the gardens to be boring and they only spent a short time. Everyone is different, and the time you spend is dependent on your interests. We took the 10:15 am shuttle and came back at 11:45 am. We found that to be plenty of time, but not too much time, it worked out well for us. It was fun! We also booked our shuttle up to the Airport in the Sky for a hike and lunch through the conservancy. It was great. Our driver was so friendly and explained so much about Catalina's backcountry. read more

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We went to Catalina to do a bike packing trip accross the island. I was naively thinking we would get information in addition to the bike permits at the conservancy. But no, this is mostly just another overpriced gift shop. They don't really have much information, no informative displays, maps or handouts. there are some flimsy flyers for $11.95 plus tax each and a subpar map for $5 or 6. The employees are not knowledgeable or helpful. They just want you to do everything online. Which is a joke given that many people won't have cell coverage in most parts of the island and even if you had coverage eventually on a multi-day camping trip the phone's battery will fail. And if we do everything online then what's the point of this physical location? Or of the employees? Also, I contacted the conservancy before my trip and never got a response. This island is so amazing, what a shame the conservancy can't do a better job sharing information. read more

This is not your average Catalina island tour. No beach towels. No smoothies. No shade. Just you, a modified safari truck, a super-knowledgeable guide named Shaun, and a whole lot of dirt road adventure. First, the ride: imagine being gently tossed in a truck bed with seven strangers as you ascend winding cliffside trails. The views? Stunning! The seats? Ouch. Choose wisely. Back row = best views and best chance of getting your spine realigned by nature or developing a new recurrent nightmare of falling off a cliff. If you have back issues or a fear of heights, maybe grab a middle spot or a seat in the first row. There's one glorious stop at the Airport in the Sky about an hour in--hit the restroom, grab a cookie, and breathe in that elevated island air before hopping back in for more bumpy bliss. Shaun was fantastic--equal parts historian and naturalist. (100% safe driver, fortunately.) We got thisclose to a herd of bison 20 deep, a curious little Catalina fox, and a red tail hawk performing like it was on the Conservancy's payroll. If you like your island tours with a side of adventure, some involuntary core workouts, and jaw-dropping views, this one's for you. 10/10 would recommend! read more

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Christian was an amazing tour guide! We had a great time exploring the island and learned an incredible amount about the local flora and fauna. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Catalina Island...and ask for Christian! read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

We had a great tour with Shaun. It was super informative and we got a great overview of the island and its history. 10/10 recommend. read more

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We took a tour of the island with our tour guide Shaun and had an amazing time! Very informational, fun, and the views are stunning! It was only my boyfriend and I in the truck, so it felt like a very personable experience! Thank you Shaun, (Not Sean! lol) I would also like to say to the Conservancy, please get that stagecoach camp fixed up, that would be such an amazing place for visitors to get out, stretch our legs, and look at a piece of history! It's such a shame to see it falling apart. read more

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We were just there on October 12th, Lindsey was awesome explaining the history of the island. I loved how much passion she has over the island even tho she's been there only couple of years. I'll definitely come back for another tour next time I visit the island again. read more

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Our tour guide was fantastic--informative, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. My family loved the two-hour tour. She timed everything perfectly, even making a few detours so we could witness a herd of bison migrating. We were incredibly fortunate to see multiple bison up close--it was a truly unforgettable experience. I would absolutely take this tour again! read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Bison - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

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My husband and I had the most amazing tour this morning. We stopped at multiple scenic views, got great pics, we enjoyed the stop at the airport (get the chocolate chip cookie), saw a buffalo, deer and enjoyed every second of our time. The vehicle was comfortable, clean, easy to get in and out of, and we loved that Andrew was so passionate, and knowledgeable about the island. His love and respect for nature, the ocean, other cultures, previous ancestors/natives/tribes was evident and really added depth to this tour and made it so special and enjoyable. We are looking forward to another tour on our next visit and cannot recommend it enough. read more

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I'm grateful for this new, bigger location. This had just opened the last time we visited and is a massive step up from the previous, smaller location a few blocks inland. ( ...which is still nice and worth a visit, especially if you intend to hike. ) For tourists like me, I prefer this larger venue with it's multi-vehicle pickup areas, etc. If you're lucky, you'll see a wild deer run through downtown right in front of the conservancy. Also, if you're UNlucky you'll see a wild deer run through downtown and right in front of the conservancy. Those things are all over the town now. Good luck not getting kicked in the head because you turned a corner too quick and startled one. ( Not kidding, it happened to me behind the Pavilion. ) Anyhow, this conservancy has a large gift shop, lots of info, restrooms upstairs and a pretty nice view of Avalon. read more

We had a group of eight people enjoyed a four hour tour of the back island with a lunch stop at the airport. Tom, our tour guide, was amazing source of historical, biological, and local lore as we took in amazing vistas, wild life, and the efforts to return the island to its native state. We highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about Catalina. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

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It isn't what it used to be like in 2014. It's a pain trying to book the Catalina express from Dana Pt. Small shuttles and not so many. So you're stuck with having to go to Long Beach. Plan for three hours if you're coming from San Diego due to the absolutely horrible traffic. If you take the toll rd, expect to not pay the ticket on time and having it turn into a $100 fine rather quickly. They take a pick of your car license on the toll rd, so if you're driving a rental, it will be a while before you get it and I had a friend that had to pay a $1000. ticket!That said, I was so taken aback, from how lovely it used to be in 2014. The ocean in front of the beach right off the dock where you come in was kept clear and boats had to tie up over by the casino. Now, they just just fill up the bay. There's about 30feet of beach and then about fifty feet of water before it is blocked off by buoys and they just rental boats from a private company there off the dock and just packed thick with boats, not many sail boats, they probably are going into Two Harbors. That little ocean space is filled by kids, so forget a restful beach visit where you can swim, it isn't like that anymore. I imagine the pcb's in that area are immense. The epa should be taking tests, maybe it isn't even safe for kids. Maybe right there is just filled with kid urine and there's bacteria because there isn't a free flow of ocean. The most flow they get is from the boat shuttles. I do plan to call the epa and ask them to test the water. All these private homes have been turned into hotels and airbnb's. The Catalina Hotel was a dump. None of the windows locked, and they were at ground level and large. Our screen on one of the windows was half off. The three windows...anyone could have come in and our belongings were not safe. It also smelled like human urine. The Chinese restaurant we were going to in 2014? It was great and closed two years ago. Gone. People were on the harbor, catching a fish and just cutting the line on the hooks. Some conservation. The cabs to lug your luggage up a hill - better plan for an hour after you reserve it. There's one company that has the monopoly, I think it's illegal to do this. It's $18 to go much less than a quarter of a mile. Handicap access is zero. Cabs won't even pick you up just to bring you down. I have sent a note to the ADA folks. I have sent an email to the state attorney general about such a monopoly. And this company has huge white vans everywhere - and forget it if you need to catch the shuttle, they will mill around and try and get more business after you called for the cab. We waited while our cab dropped someone off, carried up their luggage and waved across the street to us and said they'd be right back because they had to take them back to the shuttle. So another cab came for us after that, the guy took off when my daughter's door was still open- He tried twice to get more people to ride and we had to catch the express. So we called. They said five minutes. And it took 30 minutes to nearly miss our shuttle. I wonder if the Wrigley's only gave this one company permits to bring the vehicles over. As there didn't used to be vehicles in eye shot - lots of golf carts but not nearly as many as there are now. Line upon line for food, and I don't know if it is just that there are no health regulations, or what, but it was crazy - the things you'd see the waiters do - clean the floor, the chair and the table with the same towel. I plan to see what health dept regulates them, if any. Maybe it's up to the Wrigley's and they just don't care. It was a sorry excuse for the Wrigley's preservation of the island (they now have a university teaching preservation on the main land). Golf carts now spew gas fumes-there are so many now-and they rent out only 4 seaters. So all these vehicles are clogging the roads and they have a Von's. There is no elegance any longer. It has come a long way from the no car policy to pollution in the streets and nowhere to swim. This conservancy was supposed to protect the island in the name of the Wrigley's family and the nature on the island and the ocean around it. Where is the sewage water going? What has gone wrong? There is no beauty on this side of the island. Just commerce. It should be renamed to Commerce Island. Such a sad tragedy :( read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

The island tour is the best ever. You get to see Bison and foxes and the famous iron wood trees and the most dangerous airport in the world.

Usually nature preservation organizations are helpful.  Not this one.  It felt like a for profit organization.  The space felt more like a store than a conservancy.   I went in for some bike route information, and all the woman would do was try to get me to buy a $35 trail access pass.  I kept telling her I was there only for a day, but she continued to press the sales pitch.  The least she could have done was to highlight the local area and where there are "public" roads. My general feeling for the island is the same.  It is a tourist trap. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Not the welcome I was expecting - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

AMAZING ! Truly the best life experience. We did the 2 hours tour and we saw allot of buffalo up close and fox as well. We learned all about them and the island. We went up to the very top of the mountain all the way to the airport. We learned all about the conservancy and the island. We learned about Wrigley and how the island was founded and all about others who lived there and visited. We saw where Zane Grey painted and lived. Many details of the island living..I would highly recommend even if you can't stay to take the boat ride over do the tour right as you get off the boat eat at Antonio's pizza and get and ice cream at Scoops and head back. You will have the BEST DAY EVER!!!! read more

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I came on 9/4/24 at 11: am with my family of 4 , for a tour adventure for two hours drive I purchased 4 tickets for four person total was $471 We asked the girl before we purchase the tickets , in Spanish and English so there's no confusion, on the counter if there was enough room for all of us & we ask her if we can pick our seating. She said it will be fine & also will be enough room . So we waiting until the driver came , I we had the worst experience with Sean made me and my family very uncomfortable , Sean the driver is (( races ) tours Hispanics he made me feel very uncomfortable with his bad attitude. I was there with my family waiting for an hour , when no one was there as soon. As it was 12 noon other people was coming , he pick his race before us, he said he don't pick the seating , which we knew he was lying !! 1# I was very upset 2# he made me and my family fill very comfortable because he choose his race before us #3 he lied about he doesn't choose the seating when i went inside to complain to the customer service that I purchased the tickets too , she said she was going to talk to him , he told her he does pick the seating , when he told me he don't so you see he is racist.and a liar as well !! So i requested my refund !!! I will never come back to this company that hires people with a worse attitude even the manager was not compromising, but Sean thank you I will never go back. I will let my family and friends know not to come to your company. Worst experience.ever I'll give you no stars but in order for me to do this review I have to put one. May I add my advice, to Denise Morris please train your coworkers to respect customers it doesn't matter what their ethnicity , if we purchased our tickets we all should get the same. Respect ‼ read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - My advice to Dennis Morris please train your coworkers to respect customers ‼ - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

My family and I, a group of 6, went on the Eco Tour yesterday. I am extremely scared of heights, but our driver Lindsay was absolutely AMAZING and made me feel extremely comfortable and constantly checked on me to make sure that I was ok which I really appreciated. If you ever have a chance to go on this tour, I recommend that you ask for Lindsay. She's awesome. Thanks Lindsay. read more

This is the second time our family of five took the island tour with the Conversancy, but this time we did the three hour tour so we could see more of the back country and beaches. Luis was once again our guide and, as before, he made sure we had a fantastic time from beginning to end. We enjoyed view after view of pristine valleys, virtually untouched beaches, and incredible wildlife, including lumbering bison, deer, and even a group of foxes just off he road. Catalina is absolutely beautiful and there is so much to see - and so much history to hear about. The Conversancy really does an excellent of preserving and maintaining the island, and their tours are a perfect extension of their mission. I really don't know of a better way to get to know Catalina - and have a great tie doing it! Thanks again Luis! read more

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A group of 7 women took a 2 hr Eco Tour with Beth in a safari style Toyota which actually is a Toyota vehicle. Beth was very knowledgeable about the plants and trees we saw on the trip and the history of the island. A three hour trip would have included a trip to the area where bison can be seen. The island was quite year from heavy rains and wildflowers were blooming. The road to the airport was paved the entire way. The views were stunning across the Catalina Channel to mountains with snow. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - March 28 eco-tour with Beth, taken at Airport-in-the-Sky, Catalina Island - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

We (a group of adults and teens who came to Catalina to go birding) took a 3 hour tour on a Saturday. We had 18 people, divided in two trucks. Our guides were Laura and Shane and they were wonderful. Because we wanted to look for birds, we asked for frequent stops to get out of the truck. Being a birder herself, she was endlessly patient with us and jumped right out of the truck with us to find those birds! Shane and Laura both shared lots of information about the island in a way that was fun and interesting. We all really enjoyed the tour. This was my second time on the Catalina Island Conservancy tour (the first time I went with Tom for a two hour tour and he was also fantastic). Everyone at Catalina Island Conservancy was just so nice and helpful. We'd definitely take a tour with them. read more

Our tour guide Shaun was amazing. He has lived his whole life in the island so he knows everything there is to know about the island. Very kind recommended great food places after as well. read more

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Went to Catalina for my wife's birthday for a day trip. Our "submarine" excursion was canceled at the last minute so we scrambled to replace it. Ended up going with the two hour Jeep tour from CIC. The trip was fun and informative, giving us a lot of background on the island that we didn't know before. Shaun, being a third-generation native, was super knowledgeable and made the trip fun. Would definitely recommend! read more

The Conservancy is planning on killing off all the Mule deer on the island and have given 0 thought to the needs and wants of the local residents. They have mismanaged the herd and made hunting unsustainable to keep the herd at a reasonable number. They have refused to connect to residents to engage in any alternate options. read more

Lindsey was our tour driver and she did an amazing job . She's very informative and nice .

Wow. I men's thought Catalina would be this beautiful! Stayed here for 3 days and got to bike around the first day. The second day we went on a 14 mile hike. Shout out to Daniel from the pavilion front desk who told us how to get there. We ended up walking up the road that all the zip lining tour trucks were taking. I posted a screen shot of the map where we entered the actual trail. You get a bird's eye view of avalon. We ended up taking an out and back trail, again to Daniel's suggestion, named lone tree trail. It was definitely worth it. The water was unbelievably blue and there were clouds of butterflies flying around. So very magical. I will never forget it. We didn't see bison or fox unfortunately but we did see a bald eagle being chased by crows! read more

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Took the Jeep tour and it was great! I recommend for anyone interested in nature. Our guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. Pointed out a lot of interesting wildlife and plants. Great views from the top of the island! read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - View from the Jeep tour - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

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Had another terrific experience with the 3 hour Jeep tour of the Conservancy parts of the island. Our guide, Beth, seemed to know everything about the island's history, flora and fauna. She was also an expert driver. And she found us wonderful views of the animals (Bison, of course). And we were treated to fabulous sunset views as we came down the mountain into town at the end of the tour. And she topped it off with a great restaurant suggestion (Steve's Steakhouse). read more

My partner and I went on this tour on Valentine's Day, our tour guide was Laura -she was amazing, she even added an phenomenal sound track to the already incredible journey with breathtaking views which made the tour epic. Laura had a wide breadth of knowledge about the Catalina interior which made the tour exceptionally informative and fun. We went through Middle Ranch, the Little Harbor overlook, past Rancho Escondido, to the Airport, and then back to Avalon through the eastern road. We saw plenty of wildlife up close from bison to the native fox. This is a "must do" activity and only the Conservancy has access to the most remote and beautiful lands. If you go, ask for Laura. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Close encounters with Bison. Zoom was not used. - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

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We wanted to see the island of Catalina a little bit better on this trip so we made reservations thru the Catalina Conservancy for a two hour tour. Beth was our tour guide and she was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and took the time to teach us about the native plants and animals, Native Americans, bison, etc. she knew where to find the bison which was the highlight of the tour. We have been to Catalina many times and are thankful we decided to take this tour. Request Beth...you won't regret it. Also they have a great store with a great selection of souvenirs at reasonable prices. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Up close with the bison - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

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Our tour was amazing. Luis was our guide, he was very knowledgeable, with a good sense of humor. We were able to see bison, fox, and beautiful views of the island. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

Tom, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable and fun! He made our experience of the island so great and we loved his recommendations. His appreciation for the island and its natural beauty and the locals really showed and inspired us. We were very fortunate to do this tour with the Catalina Conservancy and proud that some of the proceeds went to nature conservation. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Bison - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

We were very lucky to get the last seats for the Tour- because this was the highlight of our trip. Joy was our driver and she was the best tour guide you could ask for. Her knowledge and passion for everything on the island was what made this tour. It was a 3 hour drive around the island. She knew so much information and would even pick different plants for us to smell. She was funny and even took into consideration that we needed to get to the boat by 4 to board. She went out of her way to show us Bison and we were lucky to see a large group. Joy could spot them out all over the mountains. She provided a ton of information on the different hiking trails and camp sites that we can't wait to come back. It was just honestly an amazing experience to see the island with someone that you could tell truly loves it so much and has really taken the time to learn about it. I would 100% recommend taking this tour to learn about the wildlife, site see, and understand the history. Her humor was much appreciated. As far as steps for Covid she sanitized the entire Jeep before we boarded and wore her mask the entire ride. I felt very safe and her driving is impeccable on those narrow roads. Thank you so much Joy for making our trip and showing us Catalina. read more

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Very good service in store. Just not as top-notch as a 5-star rating.

Took the eco tour and we had a nice time. We saw a few bisons. Our tour guide Shaun is a local so he is very knowledgeable about the island. Dont miss this activity if you are in Santa Catalina. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Eco Tour - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

The Conservancy is once again advocating for aerial shooting of wildlife. This barbaric practice is being suggested because there are too many wildlife for the invasive humans that occupy the Island. They say the mule deer now, much like the goats, pigs and bison that were brought to the Island via humans must now be killed or significantly reduced becuase they are in the way. We know there are claims that they are starving but no evidence has beend provided to the public to support that claim. However we did find the whining about the wildlife eating landscaping and golf courses. Humans must stop killing wildlife because they are inconveniently in the way. And stop calling an animal invasive to try and justify your narrative. These mule deer have been on the Island for over 100 years. Perhaps if there were predator species they would keep them in check. And...why not simply relocate to a state in the US that is complaining about mule deer population declines? Seems that would be much more humane. read more

If you are visiting the island, the eco tours are where it's at. We signed up for the 2 hour Jeep tour that seated 6 and took up around the harder to get to places on the island. We saw some bison, foxes, and giant squirrels but what I loved the most was the view of the island. Our guide Tom was just terrific with sharing fun facts and made it a delight. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - 2 hour Jeep tour up and down the island mountain - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

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We had a great 2 hour tour with Luis on Valentine's day! We saw terrific views of Avalon and the Santa Catalina coast, all kinds of wildlife including the famed bison! Luis is a born and raised islander and was extremely knowledgeable. He answered all our questions and gave us terrific advice for our time on the island! read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California

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This place is awesome. I come from an environmental sciences background and volunteered with the conservancy for a week through a college volunteering program. It was definitely a highlight of my college career. The conservancy controls a majority (88%) of Catalina Island and all of their area is maintained by staff and volunteers. This work includes invasive species removal, beach and trail clean-up, wildlife population (eg bison) control, and native planting programs. The result is one of the most successful examples of ecosystem management in the United States and one that is definitely worthy of appreciation. They have kept healthy populations of the Catalina Island Fox, bison, and bald eagles which you may be able to spot on a hike around the island. Groups can volunteer with the conservancy and (potentially) stay in their volunteer camp which is located on a picturesque mountainside overlooking Long Beach. If you have a church group, Boy Scout pack, or any sort of group that is interested in volunteering and is not afraid to get their hands dirty, then I highly suggest contacting the conservancy and trying to make an arrangement. The views are amazing. From the two beaches at Shark Harbor, to the Catalina Airport, the rolling hills and steep cliffs, the gnarled hardwood trees, soft grey sand beaches, I could go on and on. This place is well worth the visit. I've added some pictures of things that you might see on a visit. But definitely, absolutely, positively go into conservancy territory. Avalon is cute, but the rest of the island is breathtaking. read more

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On a recent visit to Catalina Island, we took a nice leisurely walk up to the Wrigley Memorial Garden. On the way back down to the city center, we stopped in at the Catalina Island Conservancy. This small building is packed with useful and informative information about the island. Very educational with some exhibits. Someone is also there to answer your questions. Nice spot to check out, and it is free. They accept donations! read more

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Catalina HQ This is the headquarters of Catalina. If you want to hike, you will need a permit, free at the conservancy. Definitely buy a map ($0.50) and get advice on which trail suits you the best. The folks who run the conservancy are knowledgeable and can tell you how much time your route would take, but I would allot more time per mile because some of the trails are strenuous and can get pretty steep. There's no flat land on the island! Tips: For the geeky, they host a museum documenting the history, wildlife, and plants of the island. read more

Catalina Island Conservancy - Catalina Island Conservancy - Parks Near Me - Avalon, California