Aayan Hebert
Catalina Island has been a popular tourist destination for over a century, with bus tours being a long-standing favourite for visitors. The Journey to the Sky Tour (formerly the Skyline Drive Tour) is one of the most popular bus tours on the island. This tour takes visitors through the city of Avalon and offers spectacular views. Visitors can also opt for a four-wheel-drive option, such as a Jeep Eco Tour or the Bison Expedition. The Catalina Island Company offers a range of outdoor activities, including the Skyline Drive Tour, which takes place in a classic 1950s Flxible Bus. The tour lasts for approximately 2 hours and includes informative commentary about the island's wildlife and history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Catalina Island Company |
| Tour Name | Skyline Drive Tour (now known as Journey to the Sky Tour) |
| Tour Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) |
| Tour Price | $31.00 per adult |
| Tour Guide | Rhett |
| Vehicle | 1950s Flexible Bus |
| Roads | Windy, narrow, dusty |
| Windows | Open |
| Temperature Control | Fans |
| Wildlife | 3 wild buffalo |
| Refreshments | Killer cookies |
What You'll Learn
The Journey to the Sky Tour
What to Expect
At the airport, you can indulge in delicious "killer cookies" and explore the unique gift shop, small historical photo museum, native plant garden, and natural history display. The tour then continues back towards Avalon, offering views of the Catalina Zip Line course.
Wildlife Spotting
Keep your eyes peeled for an array of wildlife on this tour! You have a great chance of spotting bison, the Catalina Island fox, and other local animals like the Catalina ground squirrel. As the tour bus travels along the same paths as the bison, you're likely to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
Practical Information
The tour travels along steep, narrow, winding, bumpy, and dusty mountain roads, so it's important to consider any back or neck issues before booking. Comfortable clothing and shoes are advised, and layers may be appropriate depending on the season.
Customer Reviews
Past travellers have praised the Journey to the Sky Tour for its informative and entertaining guides, as well as the stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities. The tour is considered a great way to experience the island, especially for those with limited time.
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The Skyline Drive Tour
The tour takes you ten miles into the protected wilderness of Catalina Island along the scenic Skyline Drive. You'll travel in a classic 1950s Flxible Bus, although some reviewers mention that they were transported in a Hummer Jeep or an electric bus. The bus does not have air conditioning, but windows are open and fans are running inside. The roads can be very windy, narrow, and bumpy, and the tour involves some dust, so it is not suitable for pregnant travellers or those with back or neck issues.
You'll enjoy sweeping views of the canyons, coves, and ocean, and you may even spot the island's resident herd of American buffalo. The tour stops at the Airport in the Sky, located at 1,600 feet (488 meters) above sea level, where you'll have time to visit the Catalina Island Conservancy's Nature Center and the native plant garden. You can also purchase food items such as the famous "killer cookies" and buffalo jerky.
The tour includes informative commentary about Catalina Island's wildlife and history. You'll learn about the island's dramatic terrain and fascinating past, including how stagecoaches used to travel along Stagecoach Road in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as bison, the Catalina Island fox, and the Catalina ground squirrel.
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The Garibaldi Bus
The bus offers transportation to various destinations across the island, including the Airport in the Sky, which is located 1,600 feet (488 meters) above sea level. The airport is known for its famous "killer cookies" and offers beautiful views of the island's interior and ocean.
In addition to the Garibaldi Bus, there are several other transportation options available on Catalina Island. Catalina Taxi and Tours offer a van-based shuttle service to destinations such as the Airport in the Sky, Little Harbor, and Two Harbors. The Catalina Island Conservancy operates the Wildlands Express Shuttle, providing access to the interior of the island.
Whether you choose to explore by bus, shuttle, or another mode of transportation, Catalina Island's dramatic terrain and rich history are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Catalina Taxi and Tours
The shuttle service operates with a fleet of vans, ensuring comfortable and reliable travel for passengers. The vans are well-maintained and spacious, accommodating a good number of passengers for the journey. The company prioritizes safety and punctuality, ensuring that passengers can reach their destinations on time and with peace of mind.
In addition to the convenience of transportation, Catalina Taxi and Tours also offers informative and engaging tours of the island. The drivers are knowledgeable about the area and are experienced in navigating the winding roads of Catalina. As you travel, you'll hear fascinating insights and stories about the island's history and wildlife, enhancing your overall experience.
One of the highlights of the shuttle service is the ability to explore Catalina's diverse landscapes. The journey to the Airport in the Sky takes you through the island's rugged interior, following the historic stagecoach route from the 1800s. Along the way, you'll pass through Middle Ranch and catch glimpses of Catalina's wild Pacific shoreline, offering ample photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for the island's famous bison and the Catalina fox!
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, Catalina Taxi and Tours provides a seamless and enjoyable way to navigate Catalina Island. With their shuttle service and informative tours, you can sit back, relax, and take in the very best that this picturesque island has to offer.
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The Wildlands Express Shuttle
Catalina Island is a popular destination for tourists, with its dramatic terrain and fascinating history. One of the best ways to explore the island is by taking a bus tour. The Wildlands Express Shuttle, operated by the Catalina Island Conservancy, is a convenient and inexpensive shuttle service that takes you to and from the Airport in the Sky and offers a glimpse of Catalina Island's wildlands.
The shuttle also stops at Black Jack Junction and Little Harbor, catering to hikers and campers. The Wildlands Express is the perfect option for those who want to explore Catalina Island's interior and enjoy its natural beauty. With this shuttle, you might even spot a Catalina Island fox, a bald eagle, or bison along the hills.
Reservations are required for the Wildlands Express Shuttle, and it is recommended to book in advance if you want to visit Little Harbor. Space is limited, and there is no baggage area, so passengers are allowed one large backpack per person. For those with extra or large items, a gear haul service is recommended. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the shuttle due to California state law.
The Catalina Island Conservancy, which operates the Wildlands Express Shuttle, is a nonprofit organisation and the oldest and largest private land trust in California. The conservancy is dedicated to restoring and protecting Catalina Island's wildlands, aiming to save animal species from extinction and maintain unique habitats.
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Frequently asked questions
The duration of the Catalina Skyline Tour, also known as the Journey to the Sky Tour, is around three hours.
The Catalina Skyline Tour includes stops at the Airport in the Sky, the Catalina Nature Center, and the DC-3 Gifts & Grill.
The Catalina Skyline Tour involves travelling on steep, narrow, winding, bumpy, and dusty mountain roads. It is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant or have back or neck issues.
The Catalina Skyline Tour offers sweeping views of canyons, coves, and the ocean. It also provides opportunities to spot wildlife, including bison and the Catalina Island fox.
