When you cruise to Catalina Island by boat, you arrive in the lovely seaside town of Avalon. From the boat dock, you can almost see the whole town. However, the entire island has an area of about 75 square miles. While Avalon has many shops, restaurants, beaches, attractions, and amenities, the wild side of the island is worth exploring as well. A large portion of Santa Catalina Island—88% of it—is protected in a land trust that includes roads, trails, coastlines, and beaches. There are beautiful sites all over the island’s interior. On the island’s west end, Two Harbors offers plenty of island fun and adventure too. When you’re considering all of the Catalina attractions to check out, don’t forget to explore more than just Avalon. Read on to learn 9 things you should know about Catalina’s wild side.
1.) Yup, there are buffalo. Legend has it that the herd of American bison on Catalina arrived with the intention of using them as part of an old Western film in the 1920s. The herd was allowed to stay, and since then, it’s grown to about 150 bison. Bison are frequently spotted on tours to the island’s interior. You can get a chance to see them by hopping on a tour with Catalina Taxi and Tours.
2.) There are also many other amazing creatures. Catalina is also home to the island fox, a smaller version of the gray fox that is found on the mainland. This little canid is the only carnivore unique to California. It is possible to see these adorable foxes during the day because, unlike other species, these island natives have no natural predators. In addition to the island fox, there are also about 200 species of birds on the island including bald eagles, hummingbirds, and the Catalina Island quail. Keep an eye out for deer around the island as well.
3.) The plant life is amazing. There are many endemic plant species on Catalina. They include many different types of ferns, wildflowers, grasses, and trees. The Catalina manzanita, lemonade-berry, coastal sage, and Toyon are especially abundant around the island.
4.) There is so much history. Taking a tour of Catalina’s wilder side means that you can get a glimpse of what the island was like in its early days. The native people who first inhabited Catalina lived off the rich plant and animal life that the island provided. Years later, tours would berun by stagecoach through the island’s interior. Today, you can take a custom Catalina Taxi and Tours excursion to see some of the most interesting landmarks all over the island.
5.) You can enjoy the simple life. One special spot on the island, known as Haypress, is a beautiful spot for a picnic. It features a play scape, barbecue grills, and it has close proximity to hiking trails. You can also book a special picnic tour or toast Catalina tour if you’d like to schedule a special experience with Catalina Taxi and Tours. Unplug, and enjoy what nature has to offer on Catalina.
6.) Adventures abound on the West End. Take a tour to Two Harbors, and explore the two different sides of the island—just a short walk apart at the isthmus. While there, you can swim, snorkel, boat, kayak, hike, fish, and explore. Catalina Taxi and Tours can get you to this favorite one of Catalina’s attractions.
7.) The most majestic views await. See the Summit of Catalina. Take a Catalina Taxi and Tours ride up to get a glimpse of gorgeous coastline, ocean, and island scenery. After a 15-minute ride up and a bit of exploration, you can take a leisurely walk back down into the town of Avalon.
8.) Hiking is a great way to see the island’s interior. Hiking the Trans Catalina Trail is a wonderful way to see the real wild side of Catalina. Catalina Taxi and Tours can transport you to a desired destination to start your hike. If you’re not ready for a huge hike, you can head to Little Harbor with a ride from Catalina Taxi and Tours. There, you can enjoy a beach getaway in addition to some beautiful hiking. Another idea: Find a hiking spot you’d like to experience; take a shuttle into the interior, and hike your way back into the town of Avalon. Take note: All hikers on the island need to get a free hiking permit from the Catalina Conservancy before hitting the trails.
9.) Camping is a fun way to experience Catalina’s wild side. Head to Blackjack, a popular campground located in the middle of the island. Be sure to reserve your campground spot ahead of time. Catalina Taxi and Tours can drive you to this mountain spot to start your adventure.
Are you ready to discover Catalina’s wilder side? Reserve a private tour with Catalina Taxi and Tours so that you can explore the real adventures that the island has to offer. On a private tour, a personal guide will pick you and your party up in a 6-passenger Jeep, a 4-Runner, or a Toyota Sequoia. Guides will share some island facts and history with you along the way. These tours run daily, and you can customize tours according to your preferences.
Book a tour today! Get off the beaten path to see more of Catalina’s attractions. Call the Catalina Taxi and Tours main office at 310-510-0342 for details and availability or click here for more information.
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