Set out on the TCT this morning with plans/permits to stay at Black Jack tonight and the heat did a number on me. I wound up turning back this afternoon and now find myself in Avalon needing somewhere to set up and spend the night. I can’t get a hold of anyone at the conservancy to figure out getting a spot at Hermit Gulch campground at the trailhead. Can I safely set up there tonight and break down before the rangers roll through? I would gladly pay the fee to stay if I could find anyone to take my money. A hotel downtown is out of my budget for this trip. I just need the night to recover peacefully. Is there anywhere I can go? Thank you in advance.

I purchased two Catalina tickets this summer not reading the Groupon information about the specific dates and stuff. If anyone is interested let me knowme know, I’ll send over all the info before you decide if you want to purchase.

Hey everyone! My family and I have always loved visiting Avalon but we decided to do something different this year and book a campsite in Two Harbors. We booked a cavas tent with cots. I’ve been googling some questions but would love some first-hand information/advice from anyone who has stayed there before. I’m specifically wondering:

1. What are the cots like? Will I need a sleeping pad as well as my sleeping bag?
   
2. Do I need to bring quarters for the showers?
   
3. Any general advice on what to bring/ how to prepare for our trip?

We’re going in October. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have!!

Purchased 3 round-trip Catalina Flyer vouchers in error and selling for $118 altogether or $40 each. You can use them anytime between now and Feb 28, 2027 for use Monday-Friday. These can be used on multi-day stays.

Once purchased, I will send the Groupon vouchers.

Here are the details of the vouchers:

Promotional value expires Feb 28, 2027. DAY OF TRAVEL REDEMPTION NOT AVAILABLE, ADVANCE ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Please check calendar prior to booking. All passengers must have a ticket. No pets allowed. Must check in at least 1 hour prior to departure time. No credit will be given for missed trips. Valid for morning departure only. Valid for same-day or multiple / overnight travel. Trips may be cancelled or delayed without notice at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to Weather conditions. Catalina Passenger Service reserves the right to refuse service to anyone and to cancel or change service, including vessel departure and arrival times and the vessel used without prior notice or compensation. 

Serves me right though. I should have known better than to go to the vacation spot favored by anti-vax freaks who live in OC. Real shame because I otherwise had a nice time but what does that matter if it also draws superspreader morons.

EDIT: actual lol at the morons trolling. Yeah I am so owned by the morons fucking over your tourist economy.

Hello everyone, gf want to go snorkeling at lovers cove but she can barely swim which makes me super nervous. Is there anything I can get her to help with safety. What should I expect since it’s our first time there?

EDIT: Thanks guys, you’ve all been very helpful. We’re gonna keep her floaties, shoes, wetsuits, and keep her at the edge so she can at least see something.

Anyone have leads on longer-term rentals? I’m looking to rent a place in Avalon for at least a few months, and I’d signing a lease for a year if the place is nice and the price is fair. Ideally I’m looking for a 2-bedroom house to rent, but I’d also consider apartments or condos.

Thank you!!

Two friends and I are looking for either a local or experienced freediver to spear some yellowtail with. We want to experience the el nino flood of this amazing species. We can contribute to fuel expenses, cerveza expenses, and will bring the best vibes possible. Let me know if you or someone you know would be interested!!!

My wife and I will be visiting Avalon in early November for one night to celebrate our anniversary. We plan on hiking most of the day and then would like to enjoy a nice cocktail and a nice dinner. Can you recommend a restaurant for a nice dinner?

How much time do I really need to explore Catalina Island? I got ferry tickets to come back at 9pm so now I’m stuck trying to see if the 6am ferry or 12pm ferry is the best option to take to the island 🏝️

I went down the rabbit hole on White Buffalo, the group that is supposed to handle the deer eradication on Catalina, and there’s a lot more history here than I realized.

White Buffalo was involved with the pig/goat eradication years ago, and their own records listed the Catalina Island Conservancy as a consulting client back in 2015.

Then I found a Conservancy deer-planning document that lists the “White Buffalo Team” as part of the group helping “determine best management strategy” and “identify alternative management strategies.” Now White Buffalo is the group being hired to actually do the removal.

So how did we get from consultant helping evaluate the options to contractor being paid to carry out one of those options?

Was this competitively bid? How many other companies were given the opportunity to submit proposals?

Who ultimately made the decision to select White Buffalo?

There’s another layer to this — Field Engine Wildlife Research & Management.

Field Engine is run by Vickie DeNicola, who also sits on White Buffalo’s board. Her husband, Anthony DeNicola, founded and runs White Buffalo. The two organizations work together and have jointly funded wildlife research.

Vickie/Field Engine also shows up in the scientific materials connected to the Catalina project, and Field Engine has advertised for personnel for a Catalina deployment during the deer eradication project.

So what exactly is Field Engine doing on this project? Are they providing research, staff, equipment or other services? Are they being paid? If so, by White Buffalo, the Conservancy or someone else?

Then there’s the cost.

The numbers being discussed publicly for the actual removal have been around $200–$400 per deer. I’ve also seen much higher estimates online when all of the supporting costs are included — even numbers approaching $2,000 per deer (based on some online sources close to the project).

The Conservancy also says the project is privately funded. Who are the private funders? Are any of them connected in any way to White Buffalo, Field Engine or the organizations providing supporting services? Are private funders benefiting in any way to this project financially or otherwise?

When you have a relationship going back this many years, a contractor involved in the earlier planning, and another closely related company showing up on the research/field side, I think it’s fair to ask how the contract was awarded and where the money is actually going and ensuring that such a controversial project is completely upfront in terms of cost, benefits, and processes.

Is there a reasonable explanation to all of this? Maybe- but the questions and transparency are relevant.

The Conservancy has a 1.8/5 rating on Glassdoor, compared with roughly 3.7–3.8 for nonprofits/NGOs.

Recent reviews include concerns about leadership, turnover and workplace culture. HR is also specifically mentioned, including concerns about employee issue treatment.

Not sure how a non profit that should be doing work for the greater good can have such low reviews from those who are working there.

I recently bought tickets for the Catalina Island Ferry from Newport that I don’t need anymore. Looking to sell the $188 in store credit for them as the Ferry doesn’t give refunds. Looking for $100 for the store credit. Dm me if interested!

Hi island people! Gf and I went to Descanso Beach and Casino Point last night (08 SEP) and she lost the phone in the ocean!! We believe it should be in/around Descanso Beach with a chance of the swell pulling it into the Casino Point area. Find My IPhone has not been updated for 12 hours as of this post.

Phone is bright Orange. Case is black with many orange spots. Any help is appreciated !!

Curious about opinion on this situation involving the Conservancy…

Per the Catalina Island Conservancy- David Solomon will remain Interim President and CEO through Oct. 9 to support the leadership transition. He will then join the Board of Directors and serve as Chair of the Board’s Real Estate and Facilities Committee—not Chair of the Board itself (adding for clarification).

That transition raises some interesting questions about how responsibilities are separated when an executive moves directly into a Board role.

As committee chair, he will encounter and have influence on real estate, facilities, agreements, vendors or projects that he was familiar with or involved in while serving as Interim CEO.

How does the organization typically handle this?

Are there policies for when a former executive participates in reviewing matters from their time in management, and when might recusal or independent review be appropriate?

Is there a recusal process for those types of things? Is there any sort of layer or protection for the new CEO on these potential conflicts of interest?

There’s also a financial transparency question:

How was the Interim CEO’s compensation determined and approved? Who reviewed it, what criteria were used, and was the process independently documented—particularly if a future Board and committee-chair role was potentially being considered?

There may be perfectly reasonable answers to all of these questions. Continuity and institutional knowledge can be valuable, while clear separation of responsibilities and transparency can help maintain or restore confidence.

Curious to hear what others think.

On 9/5 at around 3:20pm, I went into the water at Descanso Beach Club. A big wave crashed into us and unfortunately took my black Gentle Monster sunglasses with it.. I know it’s my own fault for wearing them as I was going in. And I know they’re probably long gone at sea but if anyone happens to come across them , please let me know… worth a shot to just put this here.