Catalina Island Bison Expedition
Catalina Island, United States

Catalina Island Bison Expedition

Outty Ranking 74 4.8 · 276 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $110
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 276 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Catalina Island Bison Expedition worth booking?

Catalina Island Bison Expedition is a 2-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $110 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 276 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (276)
Duration
2 hours
From
$110 per person

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.

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Driver/guide
    • Live commentary on board

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Catalina Island

    Check in at the Plaza Booth located in the middle of the parking lot.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Check in at the Plaza Booth located in the middle of the parking lot.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Santa Catalina Island Company

    Know before you go

    • 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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Children must be at least 5 years old to participate
    • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints, back problems, pregnant women, or those with any serious medical condition
    • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
    • Departures Daily weather permitting
    • Please check your email through Viator for your confirmation number and tour information

    Photos

    Catalina Island Bison Expedition, photo 2Catalina Island Bison Expedition, photo 3Catalina Island Bison Expedition, photo 4Catalina Island Bison Expedition, photo 5

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 270 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    270 verified traveler reviews for Catalina Island Bison Expedition. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    240
    4 star
    13
    3 star
    7
    2 star
    5
    1 star
    5
    Sort
    Bob_S · October 2026

    It 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!!

    via Viator

    Leslie_A · October 2026

    Great 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!

    via Viator

    ANA_V · October 2026

    Fun 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!

    via Viator

    caseyb2023 · October 2026

    A 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.

    via Tripadvisor

    xtian666 · October 2026

    A must do!

    Bison. Foxes. Deer and amazing views. Our guide Bruce was excellent

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $110 to $125
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    97
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Santa Catalina Island Company, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.9.

    See everything Santa Catalina Island Company runs

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)87
    Booking momentum (14% weight)85
    Value for money (12% weight)65
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)71
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Catalina Island Bison Expedition: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.

    How much does Catalina Island Bison Expedition cost?

    +

    Prices start at $110 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Catalina Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Catalina Island Bison Expedition take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Catalina Island is not rushed.

    Is Catalina Island Bison Expedition worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 276 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Catalina Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Catalina Island Bison Expedition?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Catalina Island Bison Expedition suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Catalina Island Bison Expedition?

    +

    Around 97 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Catalina Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Catalina Island and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Catalina Island Bison Expedition start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Catalina Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Catalina Island?

    +

    Catalina Island packages ferry transfers with glass-bottom boats, submarine and snorkel tours in Lover's Cove, zip lining, Avalon golf-cart tours and inland bison safaris. On Outty we rank every Catalina Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Catalina Food Tour, Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Catalina Island?

    +

    May to October, with the calmest crossings in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Catalina Island?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Catalina Island Bison Expedition?

    +

    Included: Driver/guide; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Lunch; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Catalina Island Bison Expedition?

    +

    Check in at the Plaza Booth located in the middle of the parking lot. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Catalina Island Bison Expedition offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Catalina Island Bison Expedition?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Catalina Island Bison Expedition wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Not recommended for participants with heart complaints, back problems, pregnant women, or. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Catalina Island Bison Expedition if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Catalina Island Bison Expedition?

    +

    Across 276 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Catalina Island Bison Expedition.

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