Kind Traveler is proud to partner with Love Catalina Island and participating hotel and charity partners in advancing responsible tourism efforts on Catalina Island through Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program. Through our partnership, a portion of every guest stay with participating hotel partners funds the mission of local charity beneficiaries, positively impacting the well-being of Catalina Island in creating a sustainable future.
Catalina Island | Every Stay Gives Back
Impact Since September 2023
funds raised for Marine Mammal Care Center
meals provided to marine mammal patients with Marine Mammal Care Center
meals provided for 1 day to 1 marine mammal patient for every $10 donated with Marine Mammal Care Center, advancing the Island's ocean conservation efforts
native plants planted for every $10 donated with Catalina Island Conservancy, advancing the Island's conservation efforts
donated to charity
Local Impact Partners
Kind Factors
Discover Catalina Island
An island gem 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina is known for its eco-consciousness and stunning beauty, including white-sand beaches, unforgettable sunsets, and an extensive 165-mile network of hiking trails. The island is a beloved destination among travelers seeking quality time immersed in nature and the outdoors. Adventure travelers and outdoor lovers enjoy everything from scuba diving to jet ski rentals, kayaking, and parasailing on Catalina Island. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the naturalist-led eco-tours offered by The Catalina Island Conservancy and other operators exploring the island's interior and hard-to-reach regions. The island also has an illustrious history linked to Hollywood that includes once being the temporary home for Marilyn Monroe and serving as the filming location for more than 500 movies.
With so much unique history and natural beauty, Catalina Island works diligently to protect and preserve its resources through the Care for Catalina programs developed specifically to encourage dedication to conservation and sustainability and limit human impacts on the island. To further demonstrate the Island's commitment to sustainability, Love Catalina Island, the Catalina Island Tourism Authority, is a proud member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Together with community and statewide partners, Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is fostering a new standard and better environment for all.
How to Travel Kindly on Catalina Island
Catalina Island works hard to promote traveling Kindly, as do we. Here are some Tips for Responsible Travel to help you have a sustainable vacation.
- Carry in, Carry out. If you bring it with you to the island, please take it home when you go
- Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you found them so future visitors can experience the joy of discovery
- Participate in volunteerism such as beach and harbor clean-ups
- Avoid using plastics as they are the top ocean pollutant and are extremely harmful to ocean species
- Skip linen changes at your hotel to reduce use of water, fossil fuels, and cleaning chemicals
- Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. The mineral is not biodegradable
- Travel with reusable water bottles or hot drink tumblers to limit plastic waste
- Take short showers to conserve the island’s limited water resources
- Stay on trails when hiking and exploring to protect plants and the homes of local wildlife
- Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams to help keep natural areas intact
- Treat living things with respect. Do not carve or hack plants or disfigure trees
- Limit your luggage to 50 pounds to reduce fuel consumption on island ferries
- Explore lesser-known paths and sights to help reduce overcrowding and over tourism
- Do your part and participate in recycling on Catalina Island
Local Impact Partners
Thanks to Catalina Island Conservancy, adventurers today and adventurers tomorrow can enjoy Catalina’s wildlands. The conservancy’s mission is to be an exemplary steward of island resources through a balance of conservation, education, and recreation. The organization, founded in 1972, protects 88 percent of Catalina Island’s approximately 48,000 acres, including the region’s longest publicly accessible undeveloped coastline.
The Conservancy is a research and conservation leader, protecting and restoring vulnerable habitats and species in Catalina’s Mediterranean climate, home to more than 60 endemic species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Conservancy staff guides Island ecosystem recovery with the goal of generating a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem with no endangered forms of life.
The mission of the Marine Mammal Care Center is to inspire ocean conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research. Its vision is a healthy ocean ecosystem where people and marine life thrive together. Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, providing insights into human and ocean health threats. We are taking action today to support a network of professionals and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations.
Since 1992, MMCC has cared for nearly 10,000 marine mammals along 70 miles of Los Angeles County coastline and Catalina Island. With a volunteer force of 200 and the support of the concerned public, MMCC can treat and rehabilitate sick and injured animals at our wildlife veterinary facility until they can be released back to their ocean home.
Marine Mammal Care Center
Mindful Adventures
There are many eco-conscious ways to take in Catalina’s natural beauty. Perhaps the most popular is simply exploring its abundance of hiking trails. The island's trail system ranges from easy to difficult, allowing visitors to experience diverse terrain featuring more than a few incredible views. If you’re up for a serious hike, the 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail is also an option.
Outdoors lovers can also visit the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center to check out even more options for mindful adventures by land and by sea, including mountain bike, kayak, snorkel, and dive gear rentals. The Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour offers another approach to sustainable adventures on the island. The zip lines provide participants with expansive ocean views and will take you through canyons and groves of eucalyptus trees. The experience also includes learning about the island’s flora and fauna from trained guides. Nature enthusiasts will want to book a naturalist-led eco-tour offered by The Catalina Island Conservancy, exploring native plants and wildlife of the Island. You might get lucky and spot an American bison -- the presence of American bison on Catalina dates back to the 1920s when a herd was left on the island by a film crew.
Conscious Culture
Catalina is home to a vibrant arts, entertainment, and museum community. One of the most notable highlights on the island is the Avalon Theater. This art deco structure is the first theater in the country designed expressly for showing talking movies. The theater’s acoustics were so well designed that they were later replicated at Radio City Music Hall. The theater is also decorated with hand-painted murals, which can be viewed during daily guided tours. The theater also continues to present current and classic films.
The Catalina Museum for Art & History, located in the heart of Avalon, is another cultural hotspot. In addition to art and history exhibitions, the museum hosts outdoor movies, music and dance performances, and lectures by guest speakers visiting from around the world. Meanwhile, the Avalon Diving History Exhibit features a unique collection of vintage dive gear and provides education about the sport of diving. And one more noteworthy cultural happening, Catalina also hosts an annual free concert series on Wrigley Stage. Events are scheduled through late October.
Dine & Shop Kindly
Many of the shops in Avalon feature the work of local artists including artisan jewelry and artwork inspired by the island itself. For instance, Catalina Craft Corner in Tour Bus Plaza sells the work of more than 30 artists who are local to the island. Catalina Pottery & Tile Company offers one-of-a-kind artwork, pottery, and crafts made by local artists. The works range from unique collectible vases to jewelry, candles, and textiles.
When dining on Catalina Island, more than a few restaurants have included vegetarian and vegan options. Start your day at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co., which features a menu of vegan pastries and sweets or more substantial options like a veggie frittata. The colorful Cafe Metropole featuring patio seating, offers a healthy vegan juice bar and a menu that includes an abundance of vegetarian options ranging from avocado toast and chickpea toast to veggie burgers and veggie stack sandwiches. For dinner, don't miss Maggie's Blue Rose for beachfront Mexican fare and margaritas. From plant-based burgers, potato tacos, and a watermelon salad, Maggie's will surely delight the kind foodie.
Kind Transport: Getting Around
There are numerous eco-friendly ways to explore Catalina Island. The most common options include renting a golf cart or bike. Many areas of the island are also easily explored on foot including the town of Avalon.
There’s also a taxi stand located in the center of Avalon and a bus service that runs on a regular schedule during the summer and on weekends during the off-season.
Getting There
The primary way to get to Catalina Island is by ferry. The Catalina Express passenger ferry ride takes about one hour from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point. In addition, the Catalina Flyer is available from Newport Beach. Many visitors also reach Catalina via private boat. Kind travelers should know the Catalina Express has spared the emissions equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road!
Helicopters also provide flights to the island from various locations throughout Southern California, including Long Beach, San Pedro, Orange County, and Burbank. The journey typically takes about 15 minutes.
