catalina buffalo tour

Catalina Island Conservancy Ball April 20, 2024

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Conservation

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.

• Collaborations
• Habitat Restoration
• Restoration Project
• Research Permits
• Wildlife Programs
• Plants & Animals of Catalina
• Internships

The Conservancy provides formal, classroom lessons and non-formal outdoor experiences designed to deliver nature-based engagement and experiential learning.

• Youth & Family Learning
• Adult Learning

As the oldest and largest private land trust in the state of California, the Catalina Island Conservancy opens its wildlands for the public to enjoy in many ways.

• Airport in the Sky
• Wildlands Express
• Nature Center
• Trans-Catalina Trail
• Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden

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

• Strategic Plan
• Annual Reports

Learn more about obtaining required permits, browse through various trail and island maps, and read through our helpful policies and information.

• News & Stories
• Policies & Information

Get Involved

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.

• Ways to Give
• Conservancy Jobs

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.

• About the Restoration Project
• Restoration Project FAQS
• Science, Data, and Methodologies
• What Supporters are Saying

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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Catalina Island Bison Expedition

• Driver/guide
• Live commentary on board
• Catalina Island, Catalina Island, California
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Children must be at least 5 years old to participate
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints, back problems, pregnant women, or those with any serious medical condition
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
• Departures Daily weather permitting
• Please check your email through Viator for your confirmation number and tour information
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Catalina Island See departure details
• 1 Catalina Island Company Stop: 2 hours Head out for an exciting expedition through favorite grazing grounds of Catalina's world famous bison, which are descendants of a small herd that was left on the island by a movie crew in the 1920's. This tour also passes through Middle Ranch and up Cape Canyon to a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• FarAway47865710442 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun & Comforting For my father’s birthday our family decided to go zip lining. Little did we know, Mom was afraid of heights! So if you can imagine, we get all the way to the top and she wants to quit. If it wasn’t for our guides, Ryan and Jadon, she would have. Our guides were so fun and friendly, we had the times of our lives. Mom jumped and everybody had a blast. Thank you so much and we’ll be back!!!! Read more Written April 6, 2024
• eabhag2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience Highly recommend the zip-lining in Catalina! Such amazing views and the instructors, Ryan and Jayden, were very helpful and made the experience very enjoyable. Don’t miss out!! 😊😊 Read more Written March 30, 2024
• MatthewJ566 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thrilling views above Descanso Canyon Four of us did the 9:40 am zipline ecotour. Nicole and Jo were great guides and kept the tour fun and safe. The lines include great views of the water and the canyon. If you like ziplining, definitely check this out while visiting Catalina. Read more Written March 29, 2024
• AtoZ480 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Zip away! Our family had a fantastic time on the zip line tour! This was our first time ziplining and our friendly guides, Ryan and Jamie, put us at ease with their knowledge and skill. We had a great time, the views were beautiful, and we’d love to go again. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• bevb316 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The BEST This is the BEST of the BEST for submarine tours! The guides are wonderful! I specially took a Disney Cruise AGAIN to this destination & reserved this particular Port Adventure tour🚢🐠🐟🐡! You will not believe the fish that come to your windows of the sub…. Garabaldi EVERYTHING!! Terrific narrator… of course the Captain too❤️ Read more Written March 16, 2024
• R6816ASmaryd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Anniversary Came to celebrate our Anniversary. This was a perfect day. I would definitely recommend. We rented a golf cart to be sure to maximize our time. We loved it! Read more Written March 16, 2024
• Keith S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles First visit to Avalon The tour driver was knowledgeable and humorous. Kept your attention and allowed time for pictures of fantastic scenes with the family Read more Written February 18, 2024
• Pioneer13904384559 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience! We have been to the island 3 times previously as part of a cruise and we usually just walk around the shopping area. This time we decided to book the tour to learn more about the island. We had a great time, learned a lot and enjoyed our tour guide. We are so glad we finally took the time to take an official tour and have a better understanding of the island and the history. We also were happy with the 1 hour length, which gave us plenty of time to still shop and eat lunch before needing to board the ship. Read more Written February 9, 2024
• Jesse H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles WOW! What a ride!!! Truly a highlight of such a stunning experience. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. This NOT for the faint of heart, or people with motion sickness., or recent spinal surgery, or small kids, or house cats. Andrew is one of 7 drivers permitted to deliver the outstanding thrill ride. The hummer is well maintained with excellent shock absorption. The views were jaw dropping, the music so engaging. Absolutely must book. Guide gives EVERYONE a very thorough warning, and still you’re surprised when the tour kicks up to a 10. Read more Written January 16, 2024
• Paradise39928115400 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Catalina Island Tour with Cindy Lowe I highly recommend the Catalina Island tour with the Catalina Island Company. Our guide, Cindy Lowe, was both funny and knowledgeable, sharing local secrets and insights that made our experience special. Her passion for the island and eagerness to answer questions really stood out. It’s a must-do for a deeper understanding of Catalina Island. Read more Written January 3, 2024
• Michael N 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable Tour guide Halvey was awesome. Lots of island information and history. Very enjoyable tour. Very comfortable small passenger bus. Read more Written January 1, 2024
• Cee1a 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Hidden Gem Amazing views! Best tour guide ever, I believe his name was Andrew. He was a great guide, singer, storyteller. Highly recommend this ride. The group was even lucky enough to see a buffalo grazing. But caution, this ride isn’t for the feint of heart. Felt safe with the guide, however. Read more Written December 29, 2023
• davidhN7565WO 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Avalon 1 hour tour The 1 hour was the perfect amount of time for the tour. The driver was knowledgeable and fun. Finding the pickup point was a little difficult. It is a plaza in the middle of town. Read more Written December 27, 2023
• rocky0404 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Relaxing Visit to Catalina Island After the hustle and bustle of a few LA days it was an amazingly relaxing hour long boat ride to Catalina Island. The crew of the Catalina Express was warm and friendly. I would recommend the Commodore upgrade for at least one way with its nice viewing vantage point on the upper deck. The town of Avalon was lovely and very walkable. We were going to rent a golf cart, which is the usual mode of transport, to tour around but there was a cruise ship in port which passengers end up renting them all. I would recommend scoping that out and organizing your visit around cruise ship visits if you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere. That said no issues finding choices of restaurants to eat at. Read more Written December 4, 2023
• bevb316 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific This was the most AMAZING sub tour yet. As a Flight Attendant for a major airline I have done quite a few sub tours. This one in Catalina was top notch. The commentary & how they lured in the fish.,,MANY🐟🐠🐟Fish, was incredible!! Loved it! Read more Written November 26, 2023

More to explore in Catalina Island

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Catalina Island Bison Expedition provided by Catalina Island Company

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Bison Expedition at Catalina Island

The bison expedition at Catalina Island is an adventure-filled, bouncy jeep ride through the windy, winding hills of Catalina Island, California. Not many know about the herd of wild bison that roam the hills of Catalina. If you embark on this bison expedition, you’ll be taken to all the right spots and given the best chances to spot some of these notorious and beautiful beasts. Below are some of my experiences from the bison expedition I took on my most recent trip, as well some tips on what to expect and what to bring on tour. 

Why are There Bison on Catalina Island?

In 1924, a small herd of 14 bison were brought to Catalina Island to be part of a movie that was filming at the time. After film production ended, the bison were left on the island to freely roam. Since then, the herd has grown in size, and they have become local icons. The bison are protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy and are a popular tourist attraction.

The Catalina Bison (aka Buffalo) are Local Icons

Much of the Catalina Island merchandise features images of the bison, aka buffalo (the 2 terms are used interchangeably). The gift shops have bison souvenirs ranging from carved statues and jewelry to postcards and calendars. The island even has a signature cocktail called Buffalo Milk. It doesn’t actually contain milk, however. I had to try one, and it turned out to be a delicious mix of vodka, crème de cacao, crème de banana, Kailua, half n’ half, and fresh nutmeg.

What to Expect on the Bison Expedition Tour at Catalina Island

The tour guide.

Our tour guide, Halvey, met our group at the designated meeting point. We were instructed to arrive 20 minutes early, and everyone was there on time. We didn’t need printed tickets, as showing the tour purchase confirmation on or phones was just fine. I had read ahead of time that the guides on the Catalina jeep tours were fantastic, and my expectations were exceeded. Halvey had a great sense of humor and knew tons of incredible facts about the island and its history. He narrated the tour over the speakers in the jeep, and kept us smiling the whole time.

The bison expedition at Catalina Island takes place in an open-air, 12 person jeep. It does have a roof for shade, although the sun will still be coming in from the sides. Our guide drove us up some winding roads that were unpaved and bumpy at times. At no point was the ride uncomfortable, however. There were large storage nets on the backs of the seats, so there is room to securely store items like purses, backpacks, and water bottles.

There is no guarantee that you will get to see a bison, or buffalo, on your tour. They are wild animals who roam the island freely, so there is a chance they may be too far away from the roads during your expedition. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, and decided I would have fun even if the bison expedition only involved a cool jeep tour up into the hills of Catalina Island. Our whole group was on the lookout across the green and brown hills as we drove down the dirt paths. The guide said “if you see a big brown boulder, that’s most likely a bison.”

To my surprise, we turned a corner, and there was a huge lone bison right on the side of the road, grazing on some grass. He stayed in his spot, eating his grass, seemingly unfazed at the jeep full of tourists taking his picture. Our guide stopped the engine for a bit and we just sat there for a while watching the bison. Even though he seemed like a peaceful animal, we stayed in the jeep, as they can be deadly if threatened or provoked. Along the rest of our expedition, we saw multiple other bison as well, roaming in herds across the hills with the ocean view in the background.

What to Bring on the Bison Expedition at Catalina Island

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We took the tour that started at 2pm, and the sun was shining bright into the jeep.
• For those with long hair, bring a hair tie or clip. The wind on that ride was no joke.
• Comfortable shoes or sandals. There wasn’t much walking involved, but we did have to climb a few big steps to get in and out of the jeep.
• Camera. Even if you don’t spot any bison, the scenic view from the Catalina hills provide a ton of great photo opportunities.
• Cash. If you’d like to tip the guide after the tour, come prepared with some cash.

Pin it for Later: Bison Expedition at Catalina Island

Planning a Trip to Catalina Island?

• Read my article on  Spending a Day at Descanso Beach Club , and get insider tips on renting cabanas and chaise lounge chairs. 
• For another fun animal related activity, learn about the Catalina Falconry Experience .
• Check out my  Adventure to Anacapa Island , one of Cailfornia’s other Channel Islands.

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Catalina Island Packages

Start your perfect Catalina Island vacation with Extreme Tours. We offer transfers to and from Catalina Island terminals and a variety of tour packages. Start your Catalina Island getaway and reserve Zip Line Eco Tours, Catalina Casino Tours, Scenic Tours of the Island, and more! Check out all of our Catalina Island tour packages.

Tour Options

Roundtrip shuttle & boat transfers from your hotel, home or office.

PLUS Roundtrip Boat Tickets aboard Catalina Express! One Call Books it ALL!

Adults $121.00 / Children 3 to 11yrs $87.00 / Infants 0 to 2 yrs $30.00

Duration: 10 hours

Tour Time: 8:00am to 6:00p.m.

Shuttle transfers are provided from select areas of Orange County and the greater LA County area to the Catalina Express in Long Beach. Karmel shuttle transfers are available from Hotels, Residence & Businesses!

Your trip to Catalina Island and the beautiful city of Avalon begins with:

• Karmel Shuttle hotel pick-up time: Between 8:00-8:30am.
• Catalina Express departure to Island: 9:50am (Seasonal) Enjoy the smoothest 1 hour boat ride to the island.
• Return boat departs Avalon at 3:45p.m. (Optional boat departure times are available. 6:00pm or 7:30pm. Check out the schedule. Leave us notes on the boat return time you want when checking out.

For additional information on Catalina Island boat schedules, please click this link:

Click Here for Catalina Express boat schedule.

Catalina Island Tours

Avalon scenic tour.

$21.00 Adult / $19 Child (2-11)

Duration: 50 min

Tour Time: 12:00pm, 1:30pm and 2:00pm Year-round

If you have not been to Catalina or if you have and never experienced this tour, it is the BEST introduction to the town of Avalon!

Rediscover the enchantment of Avalon on this delightful journey along the beachfront, up the hillsides, and through the heart of this friendly and historic town. This Catalina tour always receives the highest ratings for customer satisfaction in our visitor surveys. You’ll see picture-perfect views and colorful local attractions as your tour guide shares interesting Catalina Island history and folklore from the comfort of our passenger vehicle. This seven-and-a-half mile journey provides a comprehensive history of Santa Catalina Island’s most dynamic location. Don’t forget your camera.

Reserve the roundtrip hotel transfers, roundtrip boat and Avalon Scenic Tour in one convenient spot. It’s the perfect day in Paradise.

Behind the scenes Catalina Casino Walking Tour

$32 per Adult / $30 per Child (2-11)

Duration: 1 to 1 1/2 hours

Tour Time: 12:30p.m. Year-round

Catalina’s World-Famous Icon

Take a trip down memory lane to the days when bands were big and movies were just beginning to talk. The Catalina Casino tour package epitomizes everything glamorous about Santa Catalina Island. The Casino building is a working theater, ballroom, and concert hall to this day. Focusing on the cultural history of the building, this one-of-a-kind Catalina Island tour brings you unprecedented access to backstage areas that were closed to the public for over 70 years. You’ll see the extraordinary Art Deco murals and a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows movies on its massive screen. You will get to see brand new video showing the history of this iconic building. Then you’ll continue up to the beautiful, world-famous Casino Ballroom, a masterpiece of design and a long-standing venue for the world’s best musical performers and big bands. You’ll soon understand why many call this one of the most romantic places in the world! This Catalina tour package requires uphill walking and stairs.

Skyline Drive & Airport in the Sky Tour

Adults $59 / Children $56 (2-11)

Duration: 2 hr 15 min

Tour Time: 11:45am

Venture Into The Wilderness

This tour package is an Island favorite. A narrated journey along the scenic “Skyline Drive” takes you ten miles into Santa Catalina Island’s protected wilderness area. Along the trip you’ll see spectacular vistas, deep canyons, quiet coves and an endless blue ocean. Keep your eyes open for the island’s largest inhabitant, buffalo, before you visit the Catalina Nature Center at the Airport in the Sky. Bring your camera because picture-perfect scenes fill the entire Catalina Island tour.

Inland Expedition

$90.00 per Adult / $87 per child (2-11)

Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins

The BEST of the island’s interior (Boat return MUST be on the 6:00pm or 7:30pm boat - Times vary based on seasonality.)

This comprehensive Catalina Island tour package takes you 31 miles through the heart of Catalina’s rugged interior. You’ll travel in a comfortable, ‘50’s Flxible Bus™, restored to its original streamlined beauty. This memorable journey follows the 1800’s stagecoach route then you will continue through Middle Ranch, where you will enjoy the Native Plant Nursery and the Catalina Island Fox habitat. Your journey continues onto the beautiful windward backside of the Island for a view of Catalina’s rugged, unspoiled Pacific shoreline for stunning photo opportunities. Then journey through the Airport in the Sky and Conservancy Nature Center.

You will have the opportunity to look for bald eagles, bison, and mule deer on your scenic drive back into the heart of Avalon.

Remember your Catalina Island tours start from Long Beach with transportation from Extreme Tours Shuttle. For additional information on Catalina Express boat times, please click this link:

East End Adventure Tour

Adults $82 / Children $79 (5-11 yrs)

Duration: 2 hours

Tour Time: 2:00 PM

Tours and times subject to change. Must be five years old or older to participate. Get a bird’s eye view of Catalina! (you must return on the 6:00pm or 7:30pm boat)

Climb into our unique, open-air 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. This open-air Extreme Hummer Tour 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 adventure tour winds its way back along the Summit Road in to Avalon. This is an EXTREME Tour package…one you will never forget! It’s a romantic adventure!

Undersea Expedition

Adults $41.50 / Children $39 (2-11)

Duration: 45 minutes

Tour Time: Hourly, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm (3pm tour means you MUST depart on the 6:00pm or later boat)

Another World to Explore

Come face-to-face with Catalina’s abundant marine life by cruising five feet under water in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin. Or come back for the nighttime version and we’ll introduce you to a whole other world that only comes out after dark. As we feed the fish from our semi-submersible vessels, you’ll see a wide array of undersea dwellers: bright orange garibaldi, spotted calico bass, urchins, rockfish and bat rays, just to name a few. This is more than a Catalina Island tour; it’s an undersea adventure.

Catalina Island Tours and times subject to change. Extreme Tours Shuttle’s reservation agent will inform you of any changes in time.

Book Transportation

Skip renting a car. Parking and traffic in Southern California is miserable, and a shuttle bus makes your California vacation so much easier. Operated by our sister company, Karmel Shuttle, we can be your ride around town. From the airport or cruise terminals, to your hotel or Los Angeles tour, and everything in betweeen ... we've got your SoCal transportation covered.

Plan Your Stay

From accommodations to recommended restaurants and weather, we make it EZ to plan your vacation.

Places to Stay

View our list of recommended resorts and hotels in Southern California.

Visitors Guide

From top cafes and bites to eat to 5 star restaurants and weather reports.

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Catalina Island Tours

Here is a list of the Catalina Island tours available for booking through Tour Catalina:

Aerial Adventure

Avalon Scenic Drive

This is a short bus tour just under an hour that will give you a great ride around Avalon.  The over 7 mile journey includes commentary about the history of the area and a touch of folklore to make things even more interesting.  Above all, traveling along trails and hills as well as the city, this tour consistently receives the highest marks from visitor surveys.

Behind the Scenes Casino Tour

Discover the Casino Tour

Learn all about the historic and world famous Catalina Casino.  See everything there is to see in the building including the Casino Ballroom and the classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre.  Another feature is the “Romance Promenade” which offers what many consider the most romantic view in all of Catalina Island.  Included in the tour is a short film which highlights the history of this fascinating building.  Catalina Island tours of the Casino are always interesting and informative.

Cape Canyon Expedition

East End Adventure

Travel 1,500 feet above sea level in the open-air “Green” Hummer on yet another fabulous journey.  This Catalina Island tour will give you a birds-eye view of the area while traveling to the summit overlooking Avalon.  Experience great views of the coastline and canyons on this trip.  You will travel five miles to the interior of the island and return via Summit Road into Avalon.

Electric Bike Rental

Escape Room

This popular 1 hour activity allows you to experience working as a team to escape a series of interactive rooms.  Beat the Pirate to the finish as you use a variety of clues, mysteries, and puzzles.  This is a really fun-filled group experience that has gained extreme popularity everywhere.  This venue will provide you with a great experience and give lasting memories.

Glass Bottom Boat

Ghost Tours

This very cool night walking tour is a legend in Catalina Island.  The Original Ghost Tours of Catalina ™ provide the best in experiencing the ghostly history of the island.  The stories included in the Catalina Island tour are based on true and verified encounters with ghosts.  Don’t be afraid, there is actually nothing to fear on this tour.  It’s just a lot of great fun to experience!

Little Harbor Trip

Inland Expedition

This is a classic inland motor tour which lasts over 3 hours.  This is a comprehensive tour for those who want to see as much as possible of the island.  You will travel along the rugged interior roads and also the Pacific coast areas of the island in this memorable expedition.  Catch a glimpse of the famous bison that roam the island.  Catalina Island tours need to always include a chance to see this amazing animal.

Ridge Route to Avalon

Mini Golfing

This leisurely golf activity is fun for the whole family.  The 18 hole “Golf Gardens” has been a fixture on the island for over 40 years.  Less than a block from the beach, the course meanders through beautiful garden areas.  The classic style and award-winning design is second to none.  Get  your game on with this enjoyable activity.

Ocean Runner

Known as the “Ocean Runner Dolphin Tour”, this tour features a ride in a “Navy Seal” type boat.  This vessel moves a great speeds with 500 horsepower.  The tour gives you a chance to see dolphin and seal in their native habitat.  These fun-loving creatures are a joy to experience up close and personal.  This is a truly exhilarating excursion you won’t forget.

Submarine Tour

Skyline Drive Tour

This is 2 hour tour on a totally refurbished 1950’s Flexible Bus.  It explores the highest reaches of the island by traveling along the scenic “Skyline Drive”.  Be on the lookout for the world famous bison that roam the area on this enchanting drive.  You will enjoy the panoramic views and the tour includes a visit to the Catalina Nature Center and Airport in the Sky.

Zipline Eco Tour

This is one of the most popular of all Catalina Island tours.  Get strapped in for an exciting ride as you traverse from station to station.  This tour definitely gives a a new meaning to “Birds-Eye View”!  Most noteworthy is that there are 5 different zip lines traveling from a starting point 600 feet above sea level.

No matter which tours you choose, you are sure to have a great time.  Catalina Island tours are legendary and give everyone a chance to truly experience all the island has to offer.  Make your stay a memorable one and take part in the wide variety of excursions.  You will make memories that last a lifetime!

Check out all the tours by visiting Tour Catalina today!

SEE ALL TOURS

We Took A Back Country "Buffalo" Eco Tour On Catalina Island

Catalina Island is one of the not so hidden secrets sitting just off the coast of Southern California. Since it was first settled by wealthy industrialists it has been an escape that while only 22 miles from Los Angeles is quite literally a world away. Most visitors here will be content to simply walk around Avalon, grab drinks, and maybe just enjoy a day with their toes in the sand enjoying the crystal clear waters. I've done that ... but what I hadn't done until now was had the opportunity to explore Catalina's back country in search of their iconic buffalo.

How Many Buffalo On Catalina Island?

According to the Catalina Island Conservancy - the organization that maintains Catalina's heard of American bison, the total number of "buffalo" currently sits at about 150. This seems like a pretty significant number but when you consider that Catalina Island is actually 22 miles long and 8 miles across, with the Catalina Island Conservancy managing 42,135 acres deeded to it by Philip Wrigley in 1975, that is a huge amount of land for not many bison.

The result unfortunately is that just like with any tour - there's actually no guarantee that you'll be able to see them. 

The herd of America bison on Catalina Island are truly free-range, wild animals and while there are spots that they like to gather to get fresh water or tasty grasses, there is absolutely no guarantee that you'll actually be able to see one when you take a tour like we did.

This was honestly very disappointing but thankfully the tour itself was a lot of fun and our tour guide, Cindy made teh experience enjoyable too.

Aside From Buffalo What Will You See?

Honestly, I had a lot of fun on this tour even though we didn't get to see any of the buffalo. The Catalina Island Company offers two variations of this tour - Ridgetop Eco Adventure and Bison Expedition. Both tours feature a ride in an open-air biofuel powered H1 Hummer that begins just a couple blocks from the cruise ship tender dock as well as the Catalina Express ferry comes into Avalon.

From there, they head into the back country part of the island to explore mostly well maintained hard packed dirt roads. While this is an "off road" tour, don't expect anything wild or uncomfortable unless you have never experienced driving anywhere that isn't perfectly paved.

On our tour we were treated to fabulous views from the top of the ridges as well as a chance to see some of the meadows located in the interior of the island, a visit to the Middle Ranch, and we even saw one of the elusive Catalina foxes who ran across the road in front of us before we made our final stop at the scenic overlook at the top of Black jack Mountain.

From there we were able to see the Catalina Airport as well as some lands being slowly developed into a new vineyard.

Once we all had a chance to take tons of photos and ask any questions we might have had, it was time to head back down to Avalon.

In total, the tour was about two hours long and the cost is $85 per person. It's worth showing up early and grabbing an early boarding number. Each Hummer offers three rows of seats as well as a one passenger who can sit up front with the guide. Those who may want to have the best views should consider the first row but be prepared to hold on tight since this is an open-air excursion and though the seatbelt felt secure, you will flop around a bit.

To book tickets, please visit the Catalina Island Company website .

• Travel Ideas

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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Biofuel Hummer Tours

Explore catalina island on an off road adventure.

Enjoy spectacular views of the coastline while you spot beautiful wildflowers (seasonal) and search for bison!

Ridgetop Eco Adventure

Climb in to 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 Catalina Island and the ocean beyond. This tour 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 tour winds its way back along the Summit Road into Avalon.

Bison Expedition 

Climb aboard an open-air biofuel Hummer and go in search of American bison on this exciting expedition into Catalina’s rugged interior. Catalina’s American bison, sometimes referred to as buffalo, are descendants of a small herd left on the island by a movie crew in the 1920s. While you keep your eyes peeled for Catalina's American bison grazing on the hillsides, your guide will share interesting facts about Catalina's history, flora and fauna as you journey through historic Middle Ranch and up rugged Cape Canyon to a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain.

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14 bison came to Catalina for a movie. 100 years later, what’s next?

The invasive species was brought to Santa Catalina Island in 1924. Now, conservationists face a complicated decision about bison's impact on the island.

In the winter of 1924, 14 American bison weighing 1,500 pounds arrived in crates at the harbor of Santa Catalina Island, off the coast of Los Angeles, California, where they were set free to roam the hillsides.

Local lore has it that they were brought here to film a movie, though there’s little evidence they made a Hollywood debut. But over the last century, the bison have become the unlikely stars of Catalina’s ecosystem.

It’s unclear how much longer that will last. The herd that once numbered as high as 524 is now stunted at 90 and no longer reproducing. While some argue the bison are integral to the island’s cultural identity, others point to the ecological concerns of allowing this invasive species to remain.  

Now Catalina stands at a crossroads, facing a complicated decision on what’s best for the bison, its critical ecosystem, and its human residents.  

Why are there bison on Catalina?

Bison are not native to the Mediterranean climate of the 75-square-mile island that sits off the coast of Southern California.  

Why the bison were brought to Catalina is still shrouded in uncertainty with several contradictory tales. The most common—which can be recited from memory by most Catalina residents—is that 14 bison were transported to the island for the production of Zane Grey's western film, The Vanishing American.  

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( Bison or buffalo? Possum or opossum? What's the difference? )

“The stickler of it all is there are no bison in that movie,” says Gail Fornasiere, deputy director of external affairs at the Catalina Museum for Art & History. “The story for a long time was [the bison scenes] must have made the cutting room floor. But a good chunk of that movie was filmed in Arizona… so it doesn’t make any sense.”  

Still more theories abound. In 1938, the Catalina Islander recounted the famous stampede scene in another Grey movie, The Thundering Herd , claiming it was captured on Catalina; however, a 1925 New York Times article   says the scene was filmed in Yellowstone National Park. Neither can be confirmed, as the film reels remain missing to this day.  

“It's still a little bit of a mystery,” Fornasiere says, “and probably always will be.”

One of many problematic invasive species

“There’s not too many places on this planet that are better than Catalina Island,” Lauren Dennhardt says, as we approach a vista with sweeping views of a sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Dennhardt is the senior director of conservation at the Catalina Island Conservancy, the nonprofit that manages 88 percent of the island’s 48,000 acres. Catalina, the southernmost of the Channel Islands, is geologically pivotal in preserving biodiversity that exists nowhere else on the planet, including the Catalina Island fox and the Catalina Island mountain-mahogany, the rarest tree in North America.

But the island’s biodiversity has faced a growing threat ever since the 19th-century ranching industry introduced cattle, horses, sheep, and other non-native herbivores to the fragile ecosystem.

( What are invasive species—and how can we control them? )

The most notorious of these newcomers were the mule deer, which arrived in the 1930s. The deer, which are managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), are wildly overpopulated and suffering from dwindling resources—while in turn causing extensive habitat destruction and threatening the island’s unique and endangered species.

The Conservancy initiated a plan in 1990 that eradicated 12,000 feral pigs from the island and 8,000 feral goats by 2004. Recently, the Conservancy proposed a similar plan—still being reviewed by the CDFW—to kill the island’s 1,800 deer as a last resort under a major restoration project .  

But one ungulate remains unaddressed on the island—the bison. And their future is a little more uncertain.

An on-again, off-again relationship

When William Wrigley Jr.—the chewing gum mogul and owner of the Chicago Cubs—purchased Catalina Island in 1919, he invested millions to make it a premium resort destination with a vision for what he referred to as a “ playground for all. ”  

After it was agreed the bison would remain on the island, he acquired 10 more in 1934.

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As the herd grew, so did the enthusiasm from island residents who revered the giant grazers as a symbol of the island. In the 1950s, stores sold gold-painted bison dung referred to as “buffalo chips.” And in the 1970s, bartender Michael Hoffler of Two Harbors is credited with inventing the Buffalo Milk cocktail.  

( How the return of bison connects travelers with Native cultures .)

Eco tours and bison expeditions have also been offered for decades, and the bison can be found in gift shops everywhere as stuffed animals and figurines and plastered on t-shirts, keychains, and books.

“The bison have become this link with the island,” Fornasiere says. “The residents are very protective and proud of their history.”

Their celebrity status has set the bison apart from other invasive ungulates—except for their impact on Catalina's ecosystem.

While the bison do help keep back some of the invasive grasses, Dennhardt explains that they create wallows and cause erosion. Other scientific studies have attributed the impact of bison activity to reducing plant diversity , damaging endemic plants and tree species like oak trees, and spreading non-native plant seeds through their hirsute coats and droppings.

The bison themselves also began to suffer.

“Twenty years ago, the major problem the managers were having was overpopulation, and the bison weren’t doing well,” says James Derr, a professor in the department of veterinary pathobiology at Texas A & M University. “The bison weren't getting enough to eat. They were pretty skinny-looking animals.”

Determining a strategy to control the herd’s population has proven to be particularly challenging.

Controlling the bison population

Early efforts to manage Catalina’s bison dovetailed with a nationwide initiative to restore thundering herds to their ancestral lands in the Great Plains—where only 350,000 bison remain of an estimated 30 million that roamed in the mid-1800s.  

From 2002 to 2004, the Conservancy repatriated Catalina herds to the Lakota Indian reservation ,   Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Lakota Indian reservations , and Rosebud Indian Reservation.  

Unbeknownst at the time, however, the animals were not actually purebred bison. A study from the University of Southern California and Texas A & M University revealed in 2007 that 45 percent of the bison they sampled contained domestic cattle mitochondrial DNA .  

To keep mainland bison as “pure” as possible, it was recommended that the Catalina bison no longer be reintroduced to natural populations. Instead, the Conservancy resorted to a five-year experimental birth control plan in 2009, injecting female bison with the contraceptive porcine zona pellucida.

Now, the bison aren’t reproducing at all.  

With a declining population and an ever-present threat to the island's habitat, multiple different management strategies have been proposed with no clear-cut answer. A 2005 study developed different options for consideration such as managing a “relatively small bison herd” and restricting them to smaller portions of the island.  

In the meantime, the bison—which are significantly smaller than their mainland counterparts—receive supplemental water troughs and hay to help them cope with   ongoing droughts and nutritionally poor conditions.

But not everyone agrees that the herd should remain on the island at all—and some argue the bison are not as essential to the island’s economy as it may seem.

“Less than 10 percent of visitors to the island make their way into the interior,” Calvin Duncan, a former wildlife biologist at the Conservancy told National Geographic in a statement. “A survey conducted on the island found that less than half of new visitors were aware that bison were present on the island, and more than half of all visitors surveyed stated that the presence of bison in the interior would not influence their desire to purchase an interior tour.”  

“If the ecological integrity of the island, human safety, and the welfare of the bison themselves are given the highest priority, a significant reduction and restriction of the Catalina bison population, or its complete removal, should be considered,” writes Duncan.  

Currently, no decisions have been made about the bison’s future management plans, but the issue is reevaluated every year. It’s a decision that Dennhardt says has “moral and ethical considerations” and one that needs to be both “thoughtful and informed.”

So what’s to become of this hundred-year-old island herd? Only time will tell.  

Related Topics

• AMERICAN BISON
• INVASIVE SPECIES
• BIODIVERSITY
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
• BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS

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American bison all have some cattle DNA. Here’s why.

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