CATALINA ISLAND ADVENTURE

This is a fun way to start UCSD and have a great experience in one of the most beautiful places in Southern California. After taking the ferry over to Two Harbors on Catalina Island we will spend our days kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and camping in tents. Nights will find us sitting around campfires sharing stories, getting to know each other and learning the inside scoop about UCSD.

The Trip

After you meet your fellow group members at UCSD  we will drive up to San Pedro and take the ferry over to Two Harbors on Catalina Island. We will then settle into our campsite, have dinner and get to know our fellow UCSD incoming students. The next couple days will be spent kayaking and snorkeling around the northwest side of the island. We will head out on a hike traveling through some of Catalina's best scenery followed by more swimming and relaxing while we enjoy great food that we make together. We will depart early afternoon, return to the mainland by ferry and be back at UCSD for a celebratory dinner.

Course Area - Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island, known as Catalina, is a rocky island off the coast of the U.S. state of California. The island is 22 miles long and 8 miles across at its greatest width. The island is located about 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, California. The highest point on the island is 2,097 feet: Mt. Orizaba. Prior to the modern era, the island was inhabited by people of the Gabrielino/ Tongva tribe, who, having had villages near present day San Pedro and Playa del Rey, regularly traveled back and forth to Catalina for trade. Archeological evidence shows Tongva settlement beginning in 7000 BC. These Pimugnans had settlements all over the island at one time or another, with their biggest villages being at the Isthmus and at present-day Avalon, Shark/Little Harbor, and Emerald Bay. The island is very rich in quartz, to the point that some beaches on the seaward side have silvery-gray sand. Catalina is primarily composed of two distinct rock units: Catalina Schist from the Cretaceous period, and volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks from the Tertiary period. Catalina is home to 15 taxa found nowhere else. About 400 species of native plants grow on the island. Six species, subspecies or varieties are endemic and can be found only on Catalina Island. The island is home to five native land mammals.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Meet at Outback Adventures Office / Rental Shop by 10am. Check out your gear and then experience the Outback Challenge Course. Camp at Outback Adventures on the first night.

Day 2 –  Depart for the Catalina Island Ferry. Arrive at Two Harbors and set up camp.

Day 3 – Kayak and snorkel

Day 4 – Day hike on Catalina Island.

Day 5 – Enjoy one last swim, some fun games, and break down camp. Take the ferry to San Pedro and return to UCSD in the evening for a celebration dinner. Camp on campus at Outback Adventures.

Day 6 -Breakfast, Closing Ceremonies, Depart 10am. Plan flights no earlier than 12pm (noon).

Physical Demands

This trip offers an exciting experience without being too physically strenuous. At times there will be opportunities to swim at the beaches; a swim test will be performed for anyone wishing to participate. Non-swimmers or those unable to pass the swim test will be required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) while in the water. 

*We are more than willing to work with participants who may require adaptive solutions. Please call the Director for more information at a minimum of 30 days in advance of the trip start.

Registration Fee Info

Registration fees cover transportation from UCSD to the trip destination, instruction, most food and all group gear (tents, cooking equipment, kayaks, snorkel gear, first aid supplies etc.). Participants provide personal equipment on the trip packing list, most of which can be purchased or rented at Outback Adventures. We also offer financial assistance awards ranging from $200 to full coverage for first generation college students, students from low income families, international students, and out of state students. If you believe you qualify and would benefit from this financial assistance, please apply early.

Cancellation Policy - please review the trip cancellation policy before registering for Wilderness Orientation.