Hosted by the Catalina Island Conservancy Volunteer Department
VOLUNTEER VACATIONS
$573.94 for members / $628.19 non-members (includes Friend level membership)
Dates: May 1-3, 2026 OR Sept. 25-27, 2026
Experience a thrilling weekend getaway on Catalina Island that allows you to make a positive conservation impact while taking in the beautiful sights, exploring trails and beaches, and making new friends with fellow island lovers.
Join the Catalina Island Conservancy for a hands-on volunteer vacation that blends meaningful conservation work with immersive island experiences. This three-day program invites participants to get their hands dirty while working directly to restore the native habitat for Catalina’s fragile ecosystem. Groups will enjoy guided tours and educational talks, with time to explore Catalina’s beautiful coastal and backcountry landscapes. Outside of service hours, participants will enjoy exclusive experiences including behind-the-scenes tours, ocean recreation, and opportunities to connect with Conservancy education and conservation experts.
Let us take care of the cooking and accommodations while you make memories and leave a lasting impact on this remarkable landscape. Volunteers will work alongside Conservancy staff to remove invasive plants at White’s Landing or other Island locations. These efforts support island restoration to establish healthy land and water, bring back native plants and create balance for native species. This volunteer vacation is ideal for those seeking travel with a purpose, outdoor adventure or simply a deeper connection to Catalina Island.
What to Expect
Trip Highlights
- Hands-on conservation service projects guided by Conservancy staff
- Guided tours of restoration areas and Conservancy-operated sites
- Educational evening talks with conservation or education staff
- Free time for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and fishing
- Camping accommodations and group meals included
- Catalina Express ferry ticket, taxes and fees included
What’s Not Included
- Sleeping gear
- Phone chargers
- Sunscreen
Accommodations
Black Jack Volunteer Camp is located inland on Catalina Island’s highest point near Mt. Orizaba. This serene, wooded setting allows for full immersion in nature away from the traffic and buzz of the city.
The camp features four canvas tents, each with eight single beds. The tents are equipped with electric outlets and locking doors. Enjoy amenities like running water bathrooms with showers, camp grills and a full kitchen with refrigerators.
Meals will be prepared by Conservancy staff each night for the group.
Volunteer Activities
Volunteer work may include invasive plant removal, native plant nursery opportunity (seed sewing, division of seedlings, up potting), trail work in the spring, weeding and erosion control in Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, walking the fences of restoration areas to check for breaches, beach cleanups and support with wildlife projects.
When you’re not supporting conservation, take advantage of exclusive experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, ocean recreation, and opportunities to connect with Conservancy education and conservation experts.
Cancelation policy: Volunteer Vacations must have between four and 12 participants. If minimum is not met within 14 days of the trip, it will be canceled and refunded. Registration closes 72 hours before start date. The experience is nonrefundable after April 17 for the May vacation or September 11 for the September vacation.
Sample Itinerary
(Actual trip itinerary subject to change)
Friday – Arrival and Orientation
Depart Long Beach on the Catalina Express no later than 2 p.m. for an approximately a 1-hour ride to Catalina Island. Conservancy staff will meet you upon arrival at the port around 3-3:10 pm. Shuttle over to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden for a guided tour of the grounds and a brief introduction to the Island and Conservancy’s work. If needed, a stop in town will allow participants to pick up any last-minute supplies before shuttling to the campsite. Arrive at camp before dark and settle in while Conservancy staff prepare and serve dinner. Get to know your hosts and fellow participants around the campfire under the starry night sky. Get some rest ahead of volunteer day.
Saturday – Conservation Service and Restoration Exploration
After breakfast at 7:30 a.m., volunteers will be transported to White’s Landing for a morning of invasive plant removal. Pull on gloves and dig into the work guided by Conservancy staff. Lunch is provided before service work continues in the early afternoon. Later, enjoy time to swim at the picturesque White’s Landing and embark on a guided tour of the Catalina Island Restoration Area for insight into ongoing conservation efforts. Return to camp in the late afternoon for showers, leisure time or solo activities. The night concludes with dinner and an evening presentation from Conservancy staff.
Sunday – Island Recreation and Departure
Wake up for breakfast, then prepare for checkout. Return to town via shuttle to store gear at the Conservancy office. The remainder of the day is open for a guided kayak tour or self-guided recreation such as snorkeling, fishing or hiking. Participants depart the Island later in the day.