AVALON, Calif. – As Earth Day approaches, Love Catalina is spotlighting ongoing sustainability efforts and the island’s community-driven conservation work through the Care for Catalina program—reaffirming Catalina Island as a responsible and eco-conscious travel destination.
Just off the densely populated Southern California coast, Catalina Island is home to more than 60 endemic species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. The Catalina Island Conservancy protects 88 percent of the island’s approximately 48,000 acres, including the region’s longest stretch of publicly accessible, undeveloped coastline.
The Care for Catalina initiative, launched by Love Catalina, the island’s tourism authority, complements the Conservancy’s efforts by promoting responsible tourism, beach cleanups, eco-friendly business practices, and educational outreach to help preserve Catalina’s natural resources. Both visitors and residents are encouraged to actively support these initiatives.
To formalize and expand its sustainability mission, Love Catalina has formed the Care for Catalina nonprofit and is currently developing Catalina’s first-ever Sustainable Tourism Plan in partnership with Pepperdine University. In March, five Pepperdine students visited the island to engage with local businesses, experience visitor offerings firsthand, and tour sustainability-focused facilities. The plan is scheduled for completion in late April and will provide strategic direction for sustainable growth.
Earlier this year, Catalina hosted the 43rd Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup, where 260 volunteer divers collected 1,492 pieces of debris—totaling 1,336 pounds—from the Avalon Harbor seafloor. The event also resulted in the rescue and release of 57 marine animals. Cleanup sites included Casino Point, Step Beach, and Green Pleasure Pier, each contributing significantly to the success of the event.
Avalon’s city government also recently introduced COAST (City of Avalon Seaside Transit), a fully electric, on-demand shuttle service operated in partnership with Circuit Transit. This eco-friendly microtransit system is designed to reduce emissions, ease downtown congestion, and improve transportation accessibility for both residents and visitors.
Catalina Island is also the pilot location for Every Adventure Gives Back, a new program soft-launched by Kind Traveler that connects visitors with conservation opportunities. Through this initiative, guests booking select experiences—including tours with Scuba by Design, Wet Spot Rentals, and Catalina Compass—will help fund ocean conservation efforts on Catalina Island via Bleu World. Additionally, Kind Traveler has expanded its Every Stay Gives Back program on Catalina, recently welcoming Catalina Courtyard Suites as the latest participating hotel. Both initiatives are featured on the Love Catalina Impact Dashboard, reflecting the island’s growing emphasis on regenerative travel.
Love Catalina is also proud to highlight Run Catalina’s environmentally sustainable race series. Unlike traditional road races that leave waste behind, Run Catalina events are cupless, and participants are encouraged to help protect the island’s pristine beauty. These races are a prime example of how outdoor recreation and conservation can go hand in hand.
“Our Care for Catalina initiatives, along with those of our partners, reflect our community’s dedication to protecting Catalina’s natural beauty and ecological health,” said Jim Lüttjohann, President & CEO of Love Catalina. “Programs like the Avalon Harbor Cleanup and COAST transit service underscore our island’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.”
To learn more about Care for Catalina and upcoming sustainability programs, visit www.careforcatalina.com and explore the Catalina Impact Dashboard on Kind Traveler.
For additional ways to get involved with the Catalina Island Conservancy, visit catalinaconservancy.org/events.
To learn more about Run Catalina’s sustainability-focused race series, visit runcatalina.com.
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About Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority:
With over 200 members, the non-profit organization Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is the champion of the island’s business community. The organization fosters a successful economy through the promotion of the island as an attractive destination for travel with a focus on sustainability. For more information, please visit www.lovecatalina.com. Travelers can also join the conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lovecatalinaisland) Instagram (@LoveCatalinaIsland) and X (@LoveCatalina_).
About Catalina Island:
A picture-perfect island paradise just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina is a beautiful, dynamic, eclectic destination with a rich history, wide open spaces, and fresh ocean breezes. Catalina offers 25 lodging properties and 300 vacation rentals, including bed and breakfast inns, seaside condominiums, charming bungalows and hotels. The Island boasts 33 palate-pleasing restaurants, lively seaside bars, and an abundance of on- and off-water activities and amenities. Also, home to eight marine sanctuaries and the Catalina Island Conservancy (with 48,000 acres of pristine protected wilderness), these island treasures offer endless year-round outdoor recreation possibilities. Catalina is the perfect getaway all visitors will love. For more information, please visit www.LoveCatalina.com.
CONTACT:
62ABOVE on behalf of Catalina Island
Alex Herron at AlexH@62above.com | catalina@62above.com
