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January 2024 by Alyssa Duggan
My husband and I got married in the ballroom 20 years ago. It was a magical experience with relatives flying in from all over the country and out of the country. We had over 150 guests.We planned on renewing our vows for our 20 year anniversary and rebooked the ballroom. We lined up all vendors, sent out invitations, and were about a few months into the planning, when surprise at age 46, we found out that I was pregnant! Not planned at all.We immediately contacted the ballroom and told them our situation and asked if they would make an exception on our deposit. We were honest and upfront that we hadn’t even shared this news with our family but wanted to let them know in the spirit of full transparency and fairness.They had required a $6300 deposit. We would never expect the full amount back, but we’re hopeful that, especially if they rebooked it (which they most likely will since it’s 4th of July weekend - the BIGGEST WEEKEND ON CATALINA ISLAND!) they would consider giving us $1000 or $2000 back. We explained that we would rebook in the future, as soon as we had the baby and knew that baby was healthy & well.All of our other vendors were so gracious… Either giving the full deposit back or a portion of it. We gave all of our vendors over 8 months heads up. The contact in charge at the ballroom was rude and would not budge. He wouldn’t even communicate with us directly. It’s really disappointing to see their 10 page contract, all their requirements now (verses 20 years ago), and the lack of any sort of compassion in such an unplanned situation. It put such a sour taste in our mouth for the Catalina island company. We spent so much money 20 years ago and we’re planning on spending over $100,000 this time around!It’s too bad they’re all about a business now; especially when they work with people on their most special and joyous life events. Be careful before deciding to have your wedding or renewal in any of their facilities.
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January 2024 by Emad Elias
We booked two excursions on 12/20 through Royal Caribbean. The first submersible tour was canceled because the submarine's engine broke down. We ere also informed the later tour was also canceled due to rain. This was the bison tour. I called Royal Caribbean for a refund and they refused because Catalina Tour Company did not inform them of the cancelation. After several calls and promises of a call back, no one from the Tour company returned my call and Royal Caribbean refund to help me sort this issue. The lesson is don't do business with this company because they are too big, unprofessional and extremely unorganized not to mention dishonest!
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January 2024 by Geordany Hernandez
We went on a bison tour with an amazing entertainer named Halvey. He made the trip ann excellent experience, I had a blast. I recommend him, he was very funny and we saw many animals.
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December 2023 by jnmcclive
We went on the Bison Expedition with Halvy on 11/23/23.I had booked this tour for my family of four and some visiting friends (another family of four) as a special treat. Of note, my family of four took the Ridgetop Eco tour last year with a different driver, and it was fantastic, which is why I booked again. The tour we got this time could not have been more different.There are 12 seats (in three rows of four) in the main part of the vehicle. There is also a 13th seat that is up with the driver and the engine noise. When Halvy notice that he had a full 13 people waiting for the tour (after I brought it to his attention), he said the last people that booked should have been warned that someone in their party was booking the 13th seat, separated from the main group. I knew this was not my party of eight as we had booked weeks in advance, and I had checked in more recent days and saw that there were still spots available on our tour. Yet still, a party of two grabbed seats in the back row and a party of three took three seats in the middle row. None of them took this message from Halvy as them needing to move, so Halvy said he would go and check which was the last party to book. He came back and said it was a party of two, but then he provided an incorrect last name. No one moved. He said, "Boy, I sure wish someone would help you out.", and stood there. So no one moved, because obviously no one is going to sacrifice their family's experience unless forced. He looked at me, as if it was up to me to force someone. Like it was not his job to do so. So we all just got on, two of our party in the last row, one in the middle row, four in the front row, and one in the 13th seat.It only got worse from there. Halvy talked literally non-stop. About anything and everything. He would get distracted in his own stories and then repeat what he had just said. Not a moment of silence to enjoy the view. (For comparison, when we did the tour last year, the driver would sometimes play music, along with sometimes telling us about the island. He was much more personable and funny. Last year, he also found a great spot for us to get out and take pictures. This did not happen this year.)Side note, another piece that made the tour more enjoyable last year, is that it was a very rough and bumpy ride. We loved it. The strange thing is that even though I know we went on many of the same roads this year, it was a very smooth ride. We had joked last year that it felt sometimes like the driver was driving rougher on purpose. It seems we were right.When the tour was over, I went to the ticket booth to tell them about our experience, and they were closed. Understandable as it was a holiday. I instead called the office number and explained the situation. The woman I spoke with seemed very understanding and said she would have someone call me back right away. It's now two days later and I have heard nothing.Based on these experiences, I would suggest not booking with this company, but looking elsewhere.
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September 2023 by Michael Acampora
We took the “Journey to the sky” tour with Rob.The dude was awesome! There weren’t a lot of people, and he normally runs the Hummer tour. He was super friendly and knowledgeable. He’s only been here a few months, but knew so so so many historical details. Good job Rob! We wish you the best.
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August 2023 by Emma Verbeek
We went on the bison expedition and had a great time. We only saw 2 bison, but Halvey, our tour guide made the trip worth it! We loved hearing about Catalina and getting such beautiful views. Halvey knew so many interesting things and he had a great sense of humor; kept us all laughing. The weather was great and the breeze felt amazing in the open trucks.
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August 2023 by Sarah Falvey
We had a wonderful day on Catalina Island. We particularly enjoyed our undersea sub expedition. Seeing all of the different fish in their natural habitat was amazing.The highlight of our day was the Zip line eco tour. We did it as a family of four with our daughters (9&12). Marco V & Travis B were our guides and they were fantastic - funny, engaging, kind and they took such good care of us and our safety. The hummer ride up there was a brilliant start and then the five zip lines are so exhilarating and offer the most phenomenal views. We would all highly recommend.
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August 2023 by Sheena Jerkovich
We went zip lining in Catalina a couple of weeks ago. Emma and Casey were our instructors. It was both mine and my daughter’s first time. She’s only 7 years old so we went tandem. Zip lining has been a dream if my daughter’s for years and now that she’s finally old enough, I was able to fulfill that dream. She was super nervous when we finally got to the top. To the point that she began crying. Emma was AMAZING! She explained things thoroughly and made her feel super comfortable. We finally got her to go on the first line and she (we) LOVED it! Both Emma and Cast did a wonderful job. 100 stars for their commitment to this hobby/sport. Two of the nicest people!!! Highly recommend this activity and these instructors!!!
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August 2023 by j s
We loved Catalina and all it’s activities!!! Especially the eco zip line tour, thanks to Travis B. and Marco V. (The coolest guys on the job). The 5 line course was truly exhilarating and had some beautiful sights. Marco and Travis ensured we felt comfortable and safe throughout our entire journey down the mountain. With funny jokes, big smiles and great icebreakers (thanks travis) to help calm our nerves and get to know our group a little better, it was made sure everyone had a blast !! Would totally come back. Thanks for keeping us safe guys ???? -Ava, Vaughn and Jenny
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July 2023 by Russ J
Had a great time on the “Journey to the Sky” tour. It was very interesting and covered a lot of history and current events of Catalina Island. I thought our tour guide was one of the best I have ever had. She was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I have traveled the world and this tour and tour guide was one of the best I have had. Thank you so much.
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July 2023 by David Dedios
Cindy was a very engaged tour guide for the Bison Expedition. We were lucky and saw a couple of sightings on our ride. The fast-paced portion of the tour was also a thrill and unforgettable part of our trip on the island. Would recommend!
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July 2023 by Matthew Weiner
My wife and I did both the discover Avalon tour as well as flying fish tour.On Discover Avalon we had the pleasure of having Cindy Lowe as our guide. Not only was she knowledgeable and made time to make sure we got amazing pictures but she was hilarious. She has us laughing the whole experience and handled the bus like a pro.On our flying fish tour the staff was amazing as well and we even had a flying fish land in the boat and we got the take pictures holding it after!Both tours were reasonably priced and easy to access as well as being fun. Thank you to everyone and we hope to be back soon!
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July 2023 by Samantha Annichiarico
We did the discover Avalon tour. Cindy Lowe was amazing she was funny and provided some great views.We also did the flying fish tour which was very cool. We saw a ton of fish as promised. One even came on the boat and staff allowed us to take photos
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July 2023 by Janiece G.
My boyfriend & I came to Catalina for the Fourth of July weekend & we saw an ad for a Bison Expedition. We booked it for the second day at 10am & we had no idea what to expect. We picked up our tickets at the Golf Gardens about 40 minutes before & then waited across the lot. Our tour guide, Halvy, was so knowledgeable about the history of Catalina & Southern California. He was hilarious & made this ride so interesting with all of his historical facts. He did warn us that there was no guarantee we'd actually see bison on the tour, but luckily we saw one. While we initially planned to take a golf cart around Catalina, my boyfriend & I both agreed that his tour was MUCH BETTER, as it was a 2.5 hour ride along the outback with amazing views & some history. I would totally recommend this tour with Halvy if you're there in the summer!
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July 2023 by Megan C.
I booked this tour as part of my husbands 40th birthday weekend. My confirmation told me to arrive at the Mini Golf to get my tickets. I arrived there at 8:50 a.m. (tour was at 9:30 a.m.). Upon arrival the sign on the window said they would not be back until 9:15 a.m., yet my email confirmation said I had to be ready to go with my ticket at 9:10 a.m.I was concerned so I asked the young male tour guide if it was okay to use my phone and email confirmation because no one was at the ticket booth. He said yes, that was fine.When our tour guide (Ron or Rob, I'm not sure which but he referred to himself as the Bison Whisperer) pulled up, I showed him my phone only to be admonished for not having a printed ticket. I was made to feel bad and didn't know what to say because I didn't want to argue with him. $213.97 to be made to feel bad in front of others. If a printed ticket is required, then my email confirmation should have the ticket available for print so I could have done it ahead of time. Or, the ticket booth at the Mini Golf should have had someone in there before 9:10 a.m. so as not to create confusion and frustration.Further, we did not see one bison, fox, deer, snake or anything.Thankfully the quail and ground squirrels were out. At the end of the tour, my husband said he would come back to Catalina, but not do any tours.
