Catalina Island’s Avalon offers an exhilarating 2-hour adventure that immerses visitors in the island’s stunning natural beauty. Led by knowledgeable naturalist guides, this custom-built safari tour traverses canyons and coastlines, providing the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like bison and bald eagles. Departing from the Cabrillo Mole ferry plaza, the tour makes stops at the Airport-in-the-Sky and the Nature Center, showcasing the island’s diverse ecosystems. Priced at €77.58, this immersive experience promises to captivate nature enthusiasts, leaving them eager to discover more about Catalina’s hidden gems.
Key Points
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A 2-hour immersive tour exploring the natural wonders of Catalina Island, including opportunities to spot diverse wildlife like bison, deer, and Catalina Island fox.
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Departs from the Cabrillo Mole ferry plaza, offering scenic canyon views and coastline during the tour in an open-air safari vehicle.
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Guided by knowledgeable naturalist guides who share interesting historical facts and facilitate wildlife interactions.
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Includes a stop at the Airport-in-the-Sky to explore the Nature Center and Native American sites.
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Binoculars available for rent to enhance the wildlife viewing experience, though not required for the tour.
Tour Overview
The Avalon, Catalina Island Tour provides visitors with a 2-hour immersive experience to explore the natural wonders of this picturesque island.
Priced at €77.58 per person, the tour includes a naturalist guide, a custom-built safari vehicle with open-air seating, and opportunities to spot an array of wildlife like bison, deer, bald eagles, and the Catalina Island fox.
Departing from the Cabrillo Mole ferry plaza, the tour offers spectacular canyon views, a scenic coastline, and a stop at the Airport-in-the-Sky with a Nature Center and Native American gathering sites.
While transportation to the island isn’t included, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available for a full refund.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Avalon.
Wildlife and Scenic Highlights
Visitors on the Avalon, Catalina Island Tour can look forward to encountering an array of wildlife during their journey. The tour offers opportunities to spot bison, deer, bald eagles, ravens, and the endemic Catalina Island fox.
Along With the diverse animal life, the tour showcases the island’s stunning natural scenery. Passengers will be treated to spectacular canyon views, a scenic coastline, and the unspoiled countryside.
The highlight of the tour is a stop at the Airport-in-the-Sky, where they can explore the Nature Center and view Native American gathering sites.
To enhance the experience, binoculars are available for a small rental fee, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at the island’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.
Customer Experiences and Reviews
According to the reviews, customers have provided an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars for the Avalon, Catalina Island Tour based on 64 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who share interesting historical facts and facilitate fun interactions during wildlife sightings. Reviewers also note the comfort of the open-air vehicle, despite some comments that it wasn’t as expected.
The tour’s highlights include:
- Sightings of diverse wildlife, such as bison, deer, bald eagles, ravens, and the endemic Catalina Island fox.
- Spectacular canyon views, scenic coastlines, and unspoiled countryside.
- The stop at the Airport-in-the-Sky with a Nature Center and views of Native American gathering sites.
Important Information
Not all travelers may be suitable for this tour. The tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users or individuals prone to altitude sickness.
Participants must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to boarding. While snacks are available at a café during the tour, lunch isn’t included.
Visitors should also be aware of important rules, such as no littering, feeding animals, or wearing bare feet. Binoculars can be rented for an additional $6 fee.
The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to check availability and book in advance. The meeting point is at the Catalina Adventure Tours check-in, a short distance from the ferry terminal.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBooking and Availability
When looking to book this tour, travelers should note that it’s likely to sell out quickly.
Checking availability to see starting times is recommended. The tour offers flexible booking, allowing visitors to reserve now and pay later.
To ensure a smooth experience, the meeting point is at the last window at Catalina Adventure Tours, just a short distance from the ferry terminal.
Key details for booking include:
- Likely to sell out, so check availability for tour times.
- Flexible booking option to reserve now and pay later.
- Meeting point is at Catalina Adventure Tours, near the ferry terminal.
Getting to the Tour
Reaching the tour’s departure point at the Cabrillo Mole ferry plaza is straightforward for visitors. The meeting point is just a short distance from the ferry terminal, allowing easy access. Travelers should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour’s scheduled departure time to ensure they’re ready for boarding.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disembark from the ferry at the Catalina Island terminal |
| 2 | Follow signs or ask for directions to the Cabrillo Mole ferry plaza |
| 3 | Check in at the last window of the Catalina Adventure Tours booth |
| 4 | Board the custom-built safari vehicle for the start of the 2-hour tour |
| 5 | Enjoy the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Avalon, Catalina Island adventure |
What to Expect
The Avalon, Catalina Island Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the island’s natural wonders.
The 2-hour tour, led by knowledgeable naturalist guides, takes guests on a custom-built safari vehicle with open-air seating, allowing for unobstructed views of the stunning scenery.
Some highlights include:
- Spotting local wildlife like bison, deer, bald eagles, ravens, and the elusive Catalina Island fox.
- Taking in the breathtaking canyon views, scenic coastline, and unspoiled countryside.
- Visiting the Airport-in-the-Sky with its Nature Center and views of Native American gathering sites.
Binoculars are available for a small rental fee, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.
Visitors should note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness.
Additional Details
Arrival at the check-in location is required at least 15 minutes prior to the tour’s scheduled departure.
Visitors should be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with altitude sickness.
Binoculars are available for rent at a fee of $6, allowing for better wildlife viewing.
While lunch isn’t included, snacks can be purchased at a café during the tour.
Certain rules must be followed, such as no littering, feeding animals, or walking barefoot.
Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour is likely to sell out.
The meeting point is at the last window of Catalina Adventure Tours, located near the ferry terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour company’s policy does not permit bringing pets, as they could disturb the wildlife and environment. Only service animals are permitted to accompany guests on the Catalina Island adventure tour.
Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?
Yes, photography is permitted during the tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the stunning scenic views, wildlife sightings, and unique experiences throughout the journey. However, they should refrain from disturbing the animals or interfering with the tour.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it may not be suitable for young children due to the open-air vehicle and potential for altitude sickness. Guests of all ages are welcome, but parental discretion is advised.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour, but lunch is not included. There is a cafe on-site where guests can purchase food and drinks during the tour stop at the Airport-in-the-Sky.
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is primarily conducted in English, though the company may offer translations or audio guides in other languages upon request. Guests are encouraged to inquire about language options when booking their tour.
Recap
The Avalon, Catalina Island: 2-Hour Inside Adventure Tour offers a captivating exploration of the island’s natural wonders. Guests can expect to spot diverse wildlife, including bison and bald eagles, while enjoying stunning canyon and coastline views. With knowledgeable guides and custom-built safari vehicles, this immersive experience is a must-try for nature enthusiasts looking to discover Catalina Island’s hidden gems.
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