Catalina Summit and Bison Safari: 2-hour guided interior tour

Venture ten miles inland to see the island most visitors never reach

A two-hour guided safari tour of Catalina Island's interior on a custom vehicle with a naturalist guide who shares wildlife and historic details. You travel ten miles into the rugged, protected side of the island to view bison, deer, bald eagles, and endemic plants, stopping at the Airport-in-the-Sky and a Native American gathering site. Ferry transportation to Catalina Island is not included and must be arranged separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Catalina Island's rugged interior

• Depart from The Cabrillo Mole
• Venture ten miles into rugged interior
• View protected side of Catalina Island
• Encounter wildlife like bison and deer
• Climb to Airport-in-the-Sky
• Visit Nature Center and Native American site

The experience

The tour departs from The Cabrillo Mole and climbs into terrain most island visitors never see. A naturalist onboard enriches the experience with knowledge of the wildlife and landscape as you venture ten miles into the rugged interior, where you have the chance to encounter bison, deer, bald eagles, ravens, or the Catalina Island fox. The custom-built safari vehicle is designed for viewing in comfort as you navigate the canyons and protected countryside.

Two key stops break up the route. At the Airport-in-the-Sky, you visit the Nature Center and look down at one of Catalina's original Native American gathering sites: a vantage point that frames the island's human history. Photo opportunities appear around every turn as the vehicle climbs, and the fee paid to the Catalina Island Conservancy directly supports preservation of the animals, endangered species, and endemic plants on the island.

You must arrange your own ferry transportation to Catalina Island before booking this tour. Catalina Express and Newport Flyer are the main operators, and sailings sell out quickly. Allow enough time from your ferry arrival to reach The Cabrillo Mole, as tours leave promptly and cannot wait for late arrivals. Children under 5 need a car seat, which you must provide. The tour cannot store wheelchairs, strollers, or luggage.

What’s included

• Tour on a custom-built safari vehicle designed for comfortable viewing.
• onboard naturalist guide providing wildlife and historic details throughout the two-hour route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:20, the last at 18:35

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 21

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Catalina Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this shared tour if you want a naturalist explaining the island's ecology and wildlife while riding in a custom safari vehicle. Book a private charter instead if you need flexible departure times or prefer traveling without other guests.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the Catalina interior tour?

Bison, deer, bald eagles, ravens, and the Catalina Island fox live in the protected interior you'll travel through. The naturalist guide points out endemic plants and explains the ecosystem as you venture ten miles into the rugged canyons.

How do I get to Catalina Island for this tour?

Ferry transportation to the island is not included and must be booked separately. Catalina Express and Newport Flyer operate regular service. Book early as sailings sell out quickly. You'll need to allow time to reach The Cabrillo Mole departure point after you arrive on the island.

What happens at the Airport-in-the-Sky stop?

You visit the Nature Center and look down at one of Catalina's original Native American gathering sites from this high vantage point. The stop offers photo opportunities and the naturalist guide shares the cultural and natural history of the location.