Catalina Island Eco Tours Provide Natural Fun
Eco tours on Catalina Island are guided tours across areas that are known to be pristine or fragile. The method of transport is low impact and focuses on education instead of short-term entertainment. The proceeds from these tours usually go towards local conservation. Catalina Island is controlled by the Catalina Island Conservancy organization. The Conservancy is responsible for planning a few eco tours that will appeal to nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Popular Eco Tours
The Jeep Eco Tour is a program departing from the Catalina Island Conservancy House. It takes visitors into the “rugged” parts of the island. This refers to the interior sections of the island as well as the seaward side. Your Jeep adventure can travel for two of three hours. Because of their rough nature, many travelers think of these Jeep excursions as mini-safaris.
The “Cape Canyon Expedition” and the “East End Adventure” are eco tours offered through Tour Catalina. These feature riding in a unique open-air “Green” Hummer. This vehicle actually runs on recycled vegetable oil from local restaurants. Above all, the tours are fascinating journeys and both offer an opportunity to encounter the island’s world famous bison.
Catalina Island Eco Tours are fun for the entire family
Journey Catalina Tours are another option with three different tours offered. The most popular is the 2 and half hour “Bison Jeep Eco Tour”. The trip features a stop at the Airport in the Sky and a visit to the Nature Center. Visitors will also enjoy the drive through Rancho Escondido with views of the Rusack Vineyard.
The tour continues to the backside of the island with views of Little Harbor and Shark Harbor. There is even an Eagle Sanctuary along the way to add to the journey. And don’t forget, as with all of the inland Catalina Island Eco Tours, there is the chance to see the world-famous bison!
The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour is an example of a popular eco tour. Your adventure begins as you travel through Descanso Canyon from 5 zip line stations. You eventually make your way to Descanso Beach. The tour lasts about two hours and will be one of your most treasured Catalina Island eco tour adventure memories. You will have fun on Eco tours because you get to experience the rough terrain. Most noteworthy, your hosts give presentations on historical and cultural facts about the island.
Summer Naturalist Program
The Summer Naturalist Program is based in Avalon. This program offers nature walks, hiking, campfire and some interactive learning. This is a free educational program. The Conservancy invests in the education of children. In the past, they have organized events to help inner city kids travel on a boat ride and learn about island care. The Conservancy also has support groups for boating enthusiasts and scuba divers.
If you are traveling to Catalina Island, why not arrange to take an eco tour before you head back home? An eco tour provides more than just scenery. It is an adventure in learning and one that will benefit you as well as the beautiful island of Catalina.
For more information on Catalina Island tours, see our “Tours” page.
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