The Catalina Island Conservancy is proud to announce a new, low-cost Islander Membership with special benefits that help get local residents out into the wildlands. The initiative is part of the Conservancy’s mission to ensure that Catalina Island remains accessible for all to enjoy, especially residents who call the Island home. 

The Islander Membership includes a range of benefits at just $10 a year for couples and $25 a year for families, compared to the non-resident membership rate of $85 for couples and $150 for a family of five. This reduced-cost membership lets locals take advantage of free admission to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, free bike passes, a complimentary Conservancy Eco Tour and $3 rides into the interior with stops at Little Harbor and Airport in the Sky.  

“With full-size vehicle access so limited on the Island, we want to help everyone experience the place they call home,” said Chief of External Affairs Kirsten Peterson Johansen. “This special membership level not only supports our conservation work but also advances our mission for responsible recreation and nature learning for all.” 

Each membership helps protect 88% of Catalina Island while restoring native habitats, maintaining trails, supporting after-school programs and expanding recreational opportunities that allow everyone to explore and connect with the Island. 

This special membership is available exclusively to full-time Catalina Island residents. To purchase an Islander Membership, stop in at the Trailhead Visitor Center with a valid photo ID and Islander Subsidy Card.  

Islander Membership Options 

• Two-Person Membership – $10/year 

• Family Membership (up to 5 people) – $25/year 

Included Benefits 

• Free Admission to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden 

• Free Wildlands Express Shuttle to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden 

• Free Freewheeler Bike Passes (two passes for two-person membership, up to five for family) 

• $3 rides on the Wildlands Express Shuttle – per person, per trip segment on these routes: 
  • Trailhead Visitor Center ↔ Airport in the Sky 
  • Airport in the Sky ↔ Little Harbor 
  • Little Harbor ↔ Airport in the Sky 
  • Airport in the Sky ↔ Avalon
• 20% discount on retail purchases at the Trailhead Visitor Center and Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden 

• Complimentary seats on a Conservancy Eco Tour Adventure (valid October–March)
  • Two-Person Membership: Up to 2 free seats per year
  • Family Membership: Up to 5 free seats per year
• Free Catalina Naturalist Guides (1 set of 4 per membership, lifetime benefit) 
• Free Catalina Island Trail Map (one per membership, lifetime benefit) 

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We are unable to offer refunds or partial refunds for previously purchased memberships. This membership level does not include road permit eligibility. To receive the Islander membership rate, please visit the Trailhead Visitor Center (708 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA 90704) with a valid government-issued photo ID and your City of Avalon subsidy card. Complimentary Conservancy Eco Tour seats are reserved for listed members and are not transferable to guests. Tour dates and availability are limited. 

The Catalina Naturalist Guide and Catalina Island Trail Map are one-time gifts for new Islander members and are provided at the time of purchase.