2 hours
Guided in English
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket

Highlights

Head out for an exciting expedition through favorite grazing grounds of Catalina’s American Bison, which are descendants of a small herd that was left on the island by a movie crew in the 1920s. This tour also passes through Middle Ranch and up Cape Canyon to a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of rugged canyons and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Inclusions

What's included

Driver/guide
Live commentary on board

What's not

Gratuities

Itinerary

Head out for an exciting expedition through favorite grazing grounds of Catalina's world famous bison, which are descendants of a small herd that was left on the island by a movie crew in the 1920's. This tour also passes through Middle Ranch and up Cape Canyon to a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain.
2 h

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.8

5241
413
37
25
15

Ratings come from 271 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

5Best back country adventure ever!
Best Bison Expedition, yet. We’ve done three and each one gets better. Rob was awesome 👏 Hw gave us more than just a tour. It was a journey through time, and an adventure in nature. Thank you Rob. 🌟😎🙌
deborahsJ1907ZBOctober 2026via Tripadvisor
5It is a great trip and...
It is a great trip and beautiful way to see a big part of the island, and the buffaloes and other wildlife are a bonus!!
Bob_SOctober 2026via Viator
4Great afternoon
Our tour guide Joy was simply amazing!!! She has lived on the island for 31 years and her vast knowledge is testament to that! Even though we only saw one bison in the distance, we did have a close up view of the native little red fox, numerous ravens and hawks as well as incredible scenery at every turn!
Leslie_AOctober 2026via Viator
5Fun tour of the island
This is a fun tour that takes you to some areas of the island that visitors usually cannot access. Do not take this tour expecting to see tons of bison or other wildlife. it is a wonderful and fun time and the guide we had was excellent, very knowledgeable about the island and its activities. The ride is a bit bumpy and dusty but it's all part of the great fun to be had in this tour!
ANA_VOctober 2026via Viator
5A Hidden Gem
This was such a memorable experience and I would recommend it to anyone. We met our tour guide within walking distance of the main street in Avalon. From there, he took us all around the island in search of bison herds. Our driver, Michael, was an excellent guide, sharing a lot about the history of the island. He went above and beyond to make sure that we saw bison. We even saw some foxes and a deer. Overall a fantastic experience.
caseyb2023October 2026via Tripadvisor
5A must do!
Bison. Foxes. Deer and amazing views. Our guide Bruce was excellent
xtian666October 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

Meeting point: Check in at the Plaza Booth located in the middle of the parking lot.
Pickup: Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size: Up to 13 travellers
Operated by: Santa Catalina Island Company

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Children must be at least 5 years old to participate
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

How it compares in Catalina Island

Its from-price is 87% above the median of the 57 experiences we list in Catalina Island.
It is longer than most of them.
By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 57.

About Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a mountainous island off Southern California, with a harbour town, wild bison, a protected interior and clear kelp-filled water.

Catalina, or Santa Catalina Island, lies about 35 kilometres off the coast of Southern California, a rugged island of hills and canyons with a mild Mediterranean climate. The harbour town of Avalon fills a small bay, with brightly painted houses, golf carts instead of most cars, and the round white Casino building from 1929, which holds a ballroom and a cinema. The island was home to the Tongva people before the Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed in 1542.

Top-ranked sights in Catalina Island: Catalina Express.

See all 57 experiences in Catalina Island