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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Population: Approximately 4,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from May to October for warm weather and outdoor activities.
- Visa Requirements Catalina Island is part of the United States, so U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Visitors from visa-waiver countries such as those in the EU, UK, Canada, and Australia can enter the U.S. visa-free for tourism up to 90 days under the ESTA program. Other international visitors typically require a U.S. tourist visa (B-2). There is no separate visa for Catalina Island itself.
About Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a picturesque island located off the coast of Southern California, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and charming small-town atmosphere. It offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers, families, and couples alike. The island’s Mediterranean climate ensures mild, pleasant weather year-round. Visitors are drawn to its rugged coastline, scenic hiking trails, and vibrant marine life, including opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The main town, Avalon, features quaint shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks, providing a welcoming and leisurely environment. Catalina Island’s combination of accessible wilderness and comfortable amenities makes it a compelling destination for those seeking both excitement and tranquility close to the mainland.
Top Attractions
1. Descanso Beach - A beautiful sandy beach ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. 2. Catalina Casino - An iconic Art Deco building housing a movie theater, ballroom, and museum. 3. Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden - A tribute to the island’s benefactor with native plant displays. 4. Avalon Harbor - A scenic harbor area perfect for strolling, dining, and boat watching. 5. Catalina Island Museum - Showcases the island’s history, art, and culture.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, zip-lining, and glass-bottom boat tours. Golf cart rentals allow exploration of Avalon’s streets. Fishing charters and wildlife tours offer unique local experiences. Cultural activities include visiting museums and attending seasonal festivals.
Catalina Island Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of California
- Duration Range: Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, zip-lining, and glass-bottom boat tours. Golf cart rentals allow exploration of Avalon’s streets. Fishing charters and wildlife tours offer unique local experiences. Cultural activities include visiting museums and attending seasonal festivals.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is from May to October for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and casual clothing. Respect local wildlife and natural areas. Carry some cash as not all places accept cards. Safety is generally good, but watch for slippery rocks near water. Book accommodations and transportation in advance during peak seasons.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $200
27 Available Tour Excursions in Catalina Island
Hop aboard as we embark on a driving ghost tour through the City of Avalon. Our journey begins at 121 Clarissa Ave, one block from the beach, in a big yellow building with green awnings. Brace yourself as we explore the eerie and haunted sites that have sent shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike. Prepare to be enthralled by captivating stories, paranormal history and a breathtaking view as we venture through the streets and hillsides of Avalon. Our expert guide will weave chilling tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat! There are limited spots available in the cart, so secure your seat now.
Price: $65.00
Duration: 1 hours
Turn Catalina Island into a game while partaking on a 2-hour Walking Adventure. Your smartphone will act as your guide, while you solve clues and complete challenges around the city. Entry price is per team.
Price: $34.99
Duration: 1-3 hours
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Catalina Island on the Sunset Summit Tour, a 1-hour guided adventure designed to showcase the island’s most stunning vistas. Starting in the picturesque city of Avalon, this journey takes you through the charming streets and up into the rugged interior of the island, all while riding aboard our safari tram, The Falcon. As you ascend to the Summit at an impressive elevation of 1,500 feet, our expert guide provides a fully narrated experience, sharing fascinating stories about Catalina’s history, wildlife, and unique natural environment. The journey is as enriching as it is scenic, offering a deeper understanding of the island’s charm and ecological significance. Upon reaching the Summit, you’ll have the opportunity to step out of the tram and soak in the awe-inspiring views. Capture stunning photos of the island’s rolling hills, rugged coastline, and sparkling waters below.
Price: $55.00
Duration: 1 hours
Important Note: This is a one-way ferry from Avalon to San Pedro. You must also book the other leg, also on Viator. Climb aboard the ferry in Avalon, California for one-way service to San Pedro. You can expect awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean on your trip. Enjoy refreshments and light snacks on board, available for purchase.
Price: $45.00
Duration: 1 hours
See the best of Catalina on this all-encompassing aerial tour over California's island escape! Depart from Pebbly Beach for a 20-minute exploration into the mostly untouched natural beauty of the 22-mile-long island sanctuary featuring a rugged interior and cliffs rising from the ocean.
Price: $204.17
Duration: 1 hours
Avalon History Tours is a small family-owned business located on Catalina Island. We offer an authentic and immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides who are local residents. Our hour-and-a-half-long tour covers approximately one mile of the island's charming and predominantly flat terrain, making it accessible to most guests. For extra convenience, guests aged 6 and over are provided with a headset to wear during the tour, ensuring they can hear the tour guide clearly. Get ready to delve into the rich history of Catalina Island, with a focus on iconic landmarks such as the Holly Hill House, the scenic Green Pleasure Pier, and the renowned Catalina Casino. Guests will discover the origins of the island's name, the visions of Shatto, the Banning Brothers, and how the Wrigley family transformed the island into its current state. Wander through the heart of Avalon, connecting the past with the present, one step at a time.
Price: $40.00
Duration: 0-1 hours
Catalina Island’s original custom guided golf cart tour! Explore Avalon through the eyes of a local. With us you will learn about the history of the Island and the lifestyle of its residents. Custom tours of 2 hours will entertain and educate you! Reserve your tour time in advance, limited times and space are offered each day. SOLD OUT? NEED A DIFFERENT TOUR TIME? CALL US!
Price: $302.50
Duration: 2 hours
We offer a fun and exciting private tour of Avalon with a professional local guide via a large-capacity luxury golf cart for up to 5 passengers. Save miles on your feet with the comfort and enjoyment of our fleet. Catch a glimpse of the spectacular bay views without hiking up the hills. See and hear everything Avalon and Catalina Island have to offer in just two hours. This joyride will save you time from getting lost and wasting your precious vacation time.
Price: $295.00
Duration: 2 hours
Dine like a local. Experience Catalina's history, culture & foodie fun with our knowledgeable guides on this delicious 2.5-hour food tour. • Enjoy an all-inclusive experience as you sip, sample & savor Avalon's best. • Encounter the sights, sounds and stories behind our well-known historic landmarks. • Relax by the ocean on Catalina Island's only food & beverage excursion. • Experience 5+ unique tasting locations - meet the people responsible for Avalon's food scene. • Tour is limited to 10 people to ensure a personalized experience.
Price: $154.96
Duration: 2 hours
Tour the historic Village of Avalon with our local historian. Together you will walk through Avalon while exploring the spooky history and paranormal mysteries of Catalina. Learn the difference between a spirit or a ghost. Understand why Catalina is so haunted, and why our guide has proof of the other side. This is the only Ghost Tour on Catalina and has been voted one of the Top Ten Ghost Tours in The Country from USA TODAY.
Price: $40.00
Duration: 1 hours
More than 10,000 happy guests and counting! Experience the oceans like never before! This truly unique immersive experience takes you on a thirty minute virtual "scuba dive" through the world's oceans. Choose from popular beanbag chairs or plush NBA courtside seats, all in an air-conditioned, comfortable space. Everything you will see was filmed by our team, underwater, in 360 degrees capturing the moment from all angles. The footage is projected onto the inside of a custom-built dome theater that surrounds the audience, set to contemporary music with guiding narration. You will explore Catalina's lush kelp forests, get up close and personal with majestic whale sharks, soaring oceanic manta rays, inquisitive bull sharks, mesmerizing bait balls, playful sea lions and dolphins, and even a rare dugong. Plus much more! Our mission is to create immersive exhibits that drive wonder, curiosity, and a commitment to ocean conservation using cutting edge technology.
Price: $29.95
Duration: 0 hours
Tour the historic Village of Avalon with our local historian. Together you will walk through Avalon while exploring the spooky history and paranormal mysteries of Catalina. Learn the difference between a spirit or a ghost. Understand why Catalina is so haunted, and why our guide has proof of the other side. This is the only Ghost Tour on Catalina and has been voted one of the Top Ten Ghost Tours in The Country from USA TODAY.
Price: $45.00
Duration: 1 hours
Spectacular canyons, a scenic coastline, and an unspoiled countryside alive with native plants and wildlife will take your breath away on this two-hour guided eco-land excursion. As you venture ten miles into the rugged interior, you will view the protected side of Catalina Island seldom seen by most visitors. Naturalist onboard enriches experience with wildlife and inside knowledge of the areas visiting during the tour.
Price: $86.00
Duration: 2 hours
Discover Avalon’s most iconic landmarks on the Best of Avalon + Scenic Mt. Ada Tour! Ride in comfort aboard our brand-new safari tram, The Eagle, as a knowledgeable naturalist narrates your journey. Highlights include the historic Catalina Casino, the picturesque Lover’s Cove, the elegant Wrigley Mansion, and the stunning views from Mt. Ada. Enjoy a stop at Descanso Beach to take in the island’s natural beauty. This tour offers unforgettable photo opportunities and a unique perspective on Catalina’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will regale you with fascinating tales of Avalon's storied past, from its Hollywood heyday to its enduring allure as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Learn about the island's unique ecosystem, including its diverse wildlife and conservation efforts that have helped preserve its natural splendor for generations to come.
Price: $45.00
Duration: 0 hours
Take a self-guided GPS audio tour through the streets of Avalon with me. My name is Matthew and I am one of the 4000 residents of Avalon. Being a local I get asked a lot of questions. Do you live here full time? How expensive is it? What is that large house up on the hill? Why does everyone drive around in golf carts? How can you have a casino that doesn't allow gambling? Along with historians, authors, and other passionate locals, we will walk the streets of Avalon to answer these questions and more. You'll learn the stories behind our town and its famous landmarks from the people who live here. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.
Price: $6.99
Duration: 0 hours
Come aboard Catalina Island's newest semi-submarine, the SS Nautilus, and enjoy a deep sea adventure 1,000 leagues beyond your imagination. The main attraction of this unique vessel allows six feet underwater viewing while staying dry so eager seafarers can get up close and face-to-face with schools of fish anticipating treats fired away from custom designed fish food torpedo buttons. Designed after America's first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, the 45-minute journey is the destination itself as our captain and his crew ventures out on an exploratory mission to the undersea gardens of Avalon Bay.
Price: $53.00
Duration: 0 hours
NEW COVID PROTOCOLS: Players will need to follow all state and local guidelines while playing the Fantastic Catalina Race. "A Truly Amazing Race"!! The Fantastic Catalina Race is a unique hybrid of a sightseeing tour and interactive mystery novel around Avalon. Our races are unlike anything you've ever done before, and we offer an experience you will never forget. Great for the whole family! Great for Groups!
Price: $55.00
Duration: 1 hours
Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!
Price: $29.00
Duration: 2 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Catalina Island.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
The island’s cuisine features fresh seafood, California-style dishes, and casual dining. Signature foods include fish tacos, clam chowder, and locally caught seafood. Popular restaurants include Bluewater Grill and Avalon Grille, known for their fresh ingredients and ocean views. Dining often emphasizes relaxed, friendly service with outdoor seating.
Getting Around
Access to Catalina Island is primarily by ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point, with trips lasting about one hour. Helicopter services provide faster access. On the island, golf carts, bicycles, and walking are the main transportation methods. There are no private cars allowed for tourists. Taxi services and shuttle buses operate within Avalon. Transportation costs vary but ferries typically range from $30 to $40 one way.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is from May to October for warm weather and outdoor activities. Pack comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and casual clothing. Respect local wildlife and natural areas. Carry some cash as not all places accept cards. Safety is generally good, but watch for slippery rocks near water. Book accommodations and transportation in advance during peak seasons.
Culture & Customs
Catalina Island has a laid-back, friendly community with a focus on environmental preservation and outdoor recreation. Social customs emphasize politeness and respect for nature. Annual events like the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival celebrate local culture. Visitors should follow guidelines for protecting wildlife and natural habitats. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for services.