Hop the Ferry to Catalina and Cycle West End Road
Meet your guides and fellow traveling companions at the San Pedro ferry terminal early this morning in preparation for our voyage to Catalina Island. We enjoy a relaxing ferry ride across the channel before arriving in Two Harbors. After a brief fitting and some words of wisdom, we start a captivating cycle along the meandering West End Road. Cycling along this unpaved venue, we marvel at the landscape and sweeping coastal vistas as we make our way along on this middle ground between surf and summit. Keep an eye out for our larger marine mammals (yes, blue whales have been seen here!) as we roll along this primitive road, enjoying iconic views like Lions Head and Emerald Bay. The crystal blue water, white cottony clouds, and green landscape is a color palate to warm your heart as we retrace our path to return our two wheeled steeds and head to camp where our gear has arrived and we can set up our comfy home for the next two nights, enjoy a wonderful guide prepared dinner and savor the excitement of adventures to come. Lunch and dinner included.
Cycle: 13-16 miles on unpaved roads
Ferry transfer: 1 ¼ hours
Kayaking and Snorkeling
We arise early to take advantage of this full day of activity, but not before we fuel up on a hearty breakfast. A short stroll brings us back to the harbor where we will get our kayaks and snorkeling gear for today's fun. Paddling on the ocean is a thrilling experience and with the help of your boat mate an easier one. Wind and weather will determine our destination as we cruise along the shoreline marveling at the island from a different perspective. We don't have to go far to arrive at our destination where we don our snorkeling gear, get some expert instruction, and do a safety check before we immerse ourselves in the pristine waters of this marine conservation area that has been named "The World's Healthiest Marine Environment". The cool waters offer world class visibility and an array of plant & animal life. Almost 500 species of fish can be found in the waters around Catalina Island, as well as several species of sea turtles. Lunch on a beach provides a good break in the day, where we can dig in our toes, savoring the sun. After an invigorating paddle back to Isthmus Cove the quaint village of Two Harbors beckons to us, with a Tiki bar, coffee shop or even a hot shower! After our visit, we are shortly back in camp for another evening of camaraderie and storytelling, where we can share the day's adventures around a crackling campfire. Rolling ourselves up in a blanket of stars, we are sure to sleep well tonight. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Kayak: up to 5 miles; Snorkel: 1-2 hours
Hike to Amazing Vistas
Another scrumptious guide prepared breakfast greets us this morning as we break down camp and get excited for our last day on the island. We pack up our beloved camp, stretch our limbs, and get ready for the last experience of this compelling adventure. Today we set off on foot, and because our guides know this island like a native, we will leave it to them to choose a unique adventure specifically for your group!. Views of wildflowers, cacti, and maybe even bison await us on our experience hiking in this fabled land. After a mesmerizing hike, we take our now familiar stroll to the town of Two Harbors for some last-minute sight-seeing and to await our ferry home, richer for the experience and wondering what amazing REI adventure will tantalize you next!
We estimate being back to San Pedro in late afternoon or early evening. Please be aware that available ferry times out of San Pedro can vary significantly and are subject to last minute changes that are beyond the control of REI. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: up to 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 1,200'
Ferry transfer: 1 ¼ hours
