A Perfect Group Adventure on Catalina Island: Exploring Hidden Gems with Catalina Backcountry
If you're planning a group trip to Catalina Island and want to experience the true beauty of the island beyond Avalon, I can't recommend our recent adventure enough! Last week, I had the opportunity to explore Catalina with eight friends, two trucks, and a fully customized day tour that highlighted some of the most stunning and remote parts of the island.
Our Day: Ben Weston Beach, Bunkers, and Buffalo Sightings
We kicked off our adventure around 9:00 AM, ready for a day full of exploration. Our first stop was Ben Weston Beach, a secluded spot on the backside of Catalina. If you're looking for a beach that feels untouched, this is it. The waves were crashing, and the serenity of the location made it feel like a hidden paradise. We also checked out the Ben Weston Bunkers, remnants from World War II that gave the beach an added layer of intrigue.
Airport in the Sky: A Lunch with a View
Next up was a visit to the Catalina Airport (Airport in the Sky) for lunch. The view from this elevated location is unbeatable, and grabbing a bite here while looking out over the island is a must-do. It was the perfect halfway point on our journey before heading back into the wild.
Exploring Vineyards, Cattle Gates, and Middle Ranch
Our tour continued with stops at the island's vineyards and the historic cattle handling gates at Middle Ranch. This part of the tour gave us a real glimpse into Catalina’s rural side, a stark contrast to the coastal beauty of Avalon. Middle Ranch, with its rustic charm and working ranch atmosphere, made us feel like we had stepped back in time.
Buffalo Sightings
One of the most exciting parts of the trip was seeing buffalo roaming the island. These majestic creatures are such an iconic part of Catalina's history, and catching sight of them felt like an unforgettable moment.
A Custom Experience for Any Group
The tour wrapped up around 1:00 PM, and the cost was $800 (plus tip), which was well worth it for the personalized service and unique experience. We worked with Catalina Backcountry, a company that specializes in creating customized day trips for groups. They offer everything from wildlife expeditions to private sunset cruises, and their service is top-notch. You can customize your trip to your group’s preferences—whether you’re interested in a beach day, a romantic proposal spot, or even a private picnic dinner on the beach. Here is the link- www.Catalinabackcountry.com
Why You Should Book a Group Adventure with Catalina Backcountry
If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that showcases the more remote and rugged side of Catalina Island, this is the way to go. Whether you're a group of friends, family, or colleagues, a private adventure like ours will give you a new appreciation for Catalina's natural beauty.
To learn more about their customized day experiences, check out the options Catalina Backcountry offers, such as wildlife expeditions, Two Harbors day trips, and even small weddings or vow renewals. Whatever your interest, they can make your dream adventure come true!
This trip really exceeded our expectations, and I look forward to doing it again with Kathy, Adam and Noelle.