RECREATION
Wildlands Express
Wildlands Express — Your Catalina Island Shuttle
The Wildlands Express is more than a shuttle—it’s a direct link between responsible recreation and lasting conservation. This service provides affordable, low-impact transportation to essential access points for hikers, campers and visitors, including Airport in the Sky, Black Jack Junction and Little Harbor. Along the way, you may spot a Catalina Island fox or glimpse a bald eagle soaring overhead.
Every trip supports habitat restoration, reduces vehicle traffic in sensitive areas and helps protect the Island’s rare species and unique wildlands.
Not a member yet? Access discounts and other perks with an Explorer-level membership with the Conservancy. Learn More
Reservations Required
Advance reservations are required for Wildlands Express trips into the Island’s interior. Available routes include:
- Avalon to Airport in the Sky
- Airport to Avalon
- Airport to Little Harbor
- Little Harbor to Airport
Additional stops at Black Jack Junction and Little Harbor. Book your shuttle trip below and discover the wild side of Catalina.
Free Garden Shuttles
With a purchased entry ticket to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, guests can enjoy free round-trip shuttle service between the Trailhead Visitor Center and the garden. Shuttle times vary and are shown at checkout when booking your garden ticket online.
Tickets to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden can be purchased online or at the Trailhead Visitor Center in Avalon.
Know Before You Go
Shuttle Availability and Capacity
The Wildlands Express only travels to Little Harbor with advance reservations. Space is limited, and there is no designated baggage area.
Luggage and Gear
Each passenger may bring one large hiking backpack that can be carried in your lap or at your feet. We cannot accommodate extra luggage, even if seats are available, as return trip capacity is not guaranteed.
For camping gear or additional baggage, please contact a gear haul service such as Catalina Backcountry at 310-913-9036. Lockers are available at the Catalina Express boat terminal, and many hotels offer luggage storage for their guests.
Service Animals
Medically necessary service animals are welcome on Conservancy Eco Tours. If your service dog weighs more than 15 pounds, please notify Guest Services in advance at 310-510-2595 ext. 0. This allows us to reserve a seat for your dog and install a protective seat cover to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all guests. Pets are not permitted aboard the shuttle under California Civil Code 54.2 and CA Commercial Driver Handbook Section 4.2.6.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets canceled within 72 hours of departure are nonrefundable and non–exchangeable.
Need Help?
For additional information, call Guest Services at 310-510-2595 ext. 0.