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A Natural Classroom: 3 Field Trip Itineraries for Different Grade Levels

Family on the Avalon Bay Discovery Walk on Catalina Island

Planning a field trip that’s educational, safe, and unforgettable can feel like a big job—but Catalina Island makes it easy. Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina is a unique natural classroom with diverse ecosystems, history and activities that inspire learning across grade levels.

As a proud member of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), CatalinaTours.com specializes in helping teachers and group leaders design field trips that meet curriculum goals while delivering real adventure. Below you’ll find three sample itineraries tailored to elementary, middle and high school students—each one designed to maximize learning while keeping logistics smooth and group management stress-free.

Elementary School Itinerary: Introduction to Nature & History

Goal: Spark curiosity about wildlife and local history in a safe, accessible way.

Sample Schedule:
Morning Ferry Ride – Depart from the mainland with pre-arranged group tickets. Kids will love the ride itself!
Nautilus Semi-Submarine Tour – A perfect dry option to see kelp forests and local fish through large viewing windows, with engaging narration tailored to young learners.
Lunch Break – Picnic at a park or group-friendly restaurant.
Avalon Bay Discovery Walk – Self-guided with teacher-led discussion using the Catalina Compass app. Explore murals, gardens, and hidden courtyards with stories about Avalon’s past.
Free Time at the Beach or Playground – Let kids run off energy in a safe, supervised spot before heading to the ferry.

Why It Works:

  • Easy transitions between activities.

  • Age-appropriate educational focus on marine life and local history.

  • Built-in breaks and downtime to match younger students’ energy and attention spans.

CatalinaTours.com Tip: We’ll help you coordinate ferry times, meals and schedule flexibility so your youngest learners stay happy and engaged all day.

Middle School Itinerary: Active Exploration & Ecology

Goal: Encourage teamwork, environmental awareness, and hands-on learning.

Sample Schedule:
Morning Ferry Ride – Arrive early to manage group boarding and safety briefings.
Inside Adventure Tour – Journey into Catalina’s undeveloped interior by open-air vehicle. Guided narration introduces students to island geography, ecology, and conservation.
Group Lunch – Pre-arranged at a student-friendly local restaurant or packed picnic option.
Avalon Bay Discovery Walk – Use the Catalina Compass app to guide student groups on self-paced exploration. Students can journal observations, complete a scavenger hunt, or report back on favorite discoveries.
Casino Building Exterior Talk – Teachers or guides can lead a short talk outside Catalina’s famous Casino building about its architecture and history.

Why It Works:

  • Combines guided learning with independent exploration.

  • Emphasizes teamwork and observation skills.

  • Covers natural science, history, and local culture in an age-appropriate way.

CatalinaTours.com Tip: We’ll help customize the tour times and make sure group meals and activities flow seamlessly to keep middle schoolers busy and engaged.

High School Itinerary: Adventure, Culture & Deeper Learning

Goal: Offer older students a meaningful, immersive experience with opportunities for critical thinking and personal challenge.

Sample Schedule:
Morning Ferry Ride – Plan group check-in with clear behavior expectations.
Inside Adventure Tour – Delve into Catalina’s rugged interior. Students learn about conservation efforts, land management and the island’s unique ecology through expert narration.
Lunch in Avalon – Options range from casual sit-down restaurants to boxed lunches for flexibility.
Nautilus Semi-Submarine or Optional Snorkeling Excursion – Choose between a dry, narrated underwater experience or a more adventurous, guided snorkeling trip for older students ready for hands-on marine exploration.
Skate the Casino Ballroom – Cap off the day with fun, safe group recreation in one of Catalina’s most iconic historic spaces.

Why It Works:

  • Balances adventure with structured learning.

  • Introduces conservation and cultural history with opportunities for critical reflection.

  • Includes social time and movement, helping students connect and celebrate.

CatalinaTours.com Tip: Our team can help adapt activities to your group’s interests, time constraints, and chaperone ratios—so you get a safe, age-appropriate, and unforgettable trip.

Planning Made Easy with CatalinaTours.com

Whether you’re leading a single grade or multiple classes, CatalinaTours.com takes the stress out of planning. As a proud member of SYTA, we know what it takes to deliver safe, enriching student travel:

✔ Group-friendly ferry bookings
✔ Age-appropriate activity planning
✔ Help with meals and lodging if needed
✔ Flexible itineraries designed for school schedules and learning goals
✔ Experienced local guides and operators

Ready to plan your Catalina Island field trip?
Reach out today to get started building the perfect natural classroom experience for your students. Let’s make learning come alive on Catalina Island!

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