Eco-Tours Catalina Island Conservancy — Attraction in Avalon

Review of Catalina Conservancy Tour – Explore Catalina Island

We were genuinely impressed by the Catalina Conservancy tour—an experience that far exceeded our expectations. Our guide and driver, Shane, was an absolute standout. His deep knowledge of the island’s ecology, history, and quirks infused the tour with energy and authenticity. From the moment we boarded the vehicle, it was clear he loved what he did, and that enthusiasm was contagious.

One of the most memorable moments came when Shane surprised me with a birthday shout-out. He cued up the Beatles’ “You Say It’s Your Birthday,” and soon everyone in the tour vehicle was singing along. It was a thoughtful, lighthearted gesture that added a personal touch to the day.

The drive itself winds through some of Catalina’s more remote and scenic areas. We had a rare and thrilling encounter with a buffalo that wandered extremely close to the jeep—an exciting moment that gave us an unexpected glimpse of the island’s unique wildlife. Shane shared stories about the buffalo population, their history on the island, and how the Conservancy works to maintain balance in the ecosystem.

Throughout the tour, we learned fascinating facts, including the sobering history of Avalon’s complete destruction by fire in its early days and another near-miss fire a few years ago that came close to repeating that tragedy—only diverted by a lucky shift in the wind.

The tour concludes at the Catalina Airport in the Sky, which was a fun and fitting finale. The airport café serves oatmeal cookies with raisins that were, without exaggeration, the best we’ve ever had—soft, rich, and perfectly spiced. While off duty, Shane even took time to explain the infographics on the walls, sharing deeper insights and personal thoughts that gave the displays new meaning. It was a small but generous act that showed how deeply he cares about his role and the island itself.

All in all, the tour was informative, engaging, and heartfelt. Thanks to Shane’s passion and humor, we came away with a deeper appreciation for Catalina Island’s heritage, natural beauty, and resilience. Highly recommended to anyone looking for more than just a sightseeing ride—this tour tells the story...

Did the ridgetop eco tour while spending a day on Catalina from my cruise.

The only reason I have 5 starts is because I didn't want to unfairly sully their reputation.

The workers and the tour guide were lovely. If you are an adventure seeker or looking for an adrenaline rush then this tour is for you. You will love it so it's 5 stars for you.

Before purchasing a ticket I was briefed that this tour is not for pregnant women or those with back or joint pain (and this is true so adhere to this caution). Our driver was really nice, knowledgeable, and skilled.

But what I didn't realize was the level of elevation the tour takes up the mountain. There are some very scary parts where you are making hair pin turns near the edge of a cliff. And some parts where you are literally driving on top of the mountain like driving on top of the peak. We were in a military grade type of hummer but the level of terror that ran through my body is something I've never experienced.

Also for context I consider myself an adventure traveler. I've ridden through some amazing hills and mountains in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the USA but this almost took me out. I thought I was going to the "upper room." Maybe it's me getting older and my nerves are getting worse.

Halfway through we stopped to take pictures and I could do nothing but cry. I wanted it to be over so fast but the tour lasted 2 hours with the last 30 minutes or so being the portion of descent.

Just giving a heads up in case anyone is like me. Just stay on the ground and enjoy a day in the Avalon or Descanos beach. When it finally ended all I could do was laugh and ask "what da fuq did I just do?" Thank you...

From the moment we boarded the jeep, we knew we were in for a memorable experience. Being outdoors, cruising along the rugged terrain of Catalina Island was an adventure in itself. Our guide, with his witty humor and charming personality, added an extra layer of enjoyment to the tour. His knowledge about the island's history, wildlife, plant life and conservation efforts kept us engaged throughout the journey.

Funny though, one of our favorite highlights of the tour was the visit to the airport. Not only were we treated to breathtaking views of the island from the top, but our guide also recommended trying the airport's famous cookies. Trust us when we say, those cookies are worth every calorie! It was a delightful pit stop that added a sweet touch to our exploration. The planes landing overhead as we descended the mountain were thrilling!

For first-time visitors like us, the Conservancy Tour and our great tour guide provided an ideal introduction to Catalina Island. It offered a comprehensive overview of the island's conservancy efforts, wildlife, camping and hiking opportunities for future visits, its natural beauty as well as its many unique features, leaving us eager to explore more.

We all agreed that Catalina was like a mini–Italian Cinque Terre right here in America! Who knew?! This tour exceeded all our expectations. If you're planning a trip- don't miss this beautiful island and this tour, it is an...