Top Catalina Island How to Get Around in 2026

Experience Catalina’s rugged interior—the protected side of the island that few visitors get to see—on this nature tour. Traveling by custom-built safari vehicle for easy wildlife viewing, head to the Airport-in-the-Sky and get a chance to spot bald eagles, bison, deer and the endemic Catalina Island fox. Learn about the island’s history and ecology from your naturalist guide, and enjoy panoramic views of a Native American gathering site.

Discover the underwater world of Catalina Island during a 45-minute ride on a semi-submarine. The semi-sub allows you to view the marine life of Avalon Bay as you dive six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers' Cove. Stay dry as you get a close look at fish feeding around the submarine, then take in views of the island from your vessel's top deck during the return journey to Avalon.

Explore the captivating marine life of Catalina Island on this Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour. Set sail from Avalon on a six-passenger boat to encounter playful Common Dolphins and majestic sea lions in their natural habitat. During whale migration season, the tour also ventures to spot Grey, Blue, and Fin Whales, along with other coastal wildlife like Harbor Seals and resident Bald Eagles. With a dedicated Captain on board, the adventure promises an engaging experience filled with local insights and wildlife spotting. Ideal for families and nature lovers alike, this tour lasts up to one hour and is suitable for ages 4 and up. - Up to 1-hour tour searching for dolphins and sea lions - Maximum capacity of 6 passengers for a personalized experience - Opportunity to see various whale species during migration season - Departure from Avalon, accommodating small bags and cameras

See what lives in the Pacific waters surrounding Catalina Island without getting wet on a 45-minute underwater cruise. As you sit comfortably in a climate-controlled cabin on board a large boat, you'll glide below the surface to look for marine life in its natural habitat through your own porthole. Along the way, listen to live commentary from a guide.

Venture out from Avalon into the Catalina Channel on a sturdy Ribcraft boat for an adrenaline-fueled one-hour tour. Look for dolphins and sea lions in the Pacific Ocean and along the coast, and learn about Catalina Island's history and landmarks from your knowledgeable guide. Expect a fast, fun and informative ride that offers another perspective on the natural beauty of Catalina Island.

Skip the Catalina Island tourist traps and learn to dine like a local on this culinary walking tour. Follow your guide along the waterfront, learning about the island's cultural and culinary history as you go. Stop at several local hotspots to sample fresh seafood, sweets, and other traditional Catalina foods. This small-group tour is limited to 10 people for a more intimate experience.

Travel up above the town of Avalon to an elevation of 1,500 feet (457 meters) on this tour of the southeast end of Catalina Island. Aboard an open-air biofuel H1 Hummer, you'll get bird's-eye views of the island and Pacific Ocean on this exploration through 5 miles (8 km) of rugged terrain. Admire the coast and canyons, and journey along a eucalyptus-lined road to return to Avalon.

Skip the usual sightseeing tours and see a different side of Avalon—the only town on Catalina Island—with this walking ghost tour. Meander through most of the small town, visiting highlights such as the Catalina Island Casino, while you learn why the island is allegedly haunted. Learn about the difference between spirits and ghosts, and see “proof” of paranormal activity.

Explore Avalon on a GPS-guided audio walking tour that plays automatically as you walk. No groups, no schedules—just put in your headphones and go. Starting along the waterfront, you’ll follow a walkable route along the harbor, up to hillside viewpoints, and past key landmarks. Along the way, you'll visit places like the Green Pleasure Pier, the Tuna Club, and the iconic Catalina Casino, while hearing the stories behind Avalon’s rise as a seaside destination. Explore at your own pace—pause for a drink, take a detour, or linger at viewpoints. The audio resumes whenever you’re ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime—it works offline and follows your location along the route.

Cars are mostly banned on Catalina Island, and trying to see the highlights of the island’s vibrant harbor area on foot is a recipe for blisters. On this express private tour, visit coastal Avalon by chauffeured golf cart, covering more sights in less time than you could on your own. Along the way, learn about the island’s history and unique lifestyles of its few thousand residents.

Experience the thrill of soaring 600 feet (183 meters) above sea level, across multiple high-speed ziplines on this incredible Catalina Island zipline eco-tour. After a safety briefing and equipment fitting, cruise along 1,100 lineal feet (335 meters) of line and fly some 300 feet (91 meters) above scenic canyon floors. Reach speeds of 40 mph (64 kph) as you take flight on this epic adventure, ideal for daredevils and thrill-seekers. Note: all zipline participants must be at least 55 inches (140 cm) tall and weigh between 80 and 240 lbs (36 and 109 kgs)

Discover parts of the Catalina Island Casino that few visitors get to see with this backstage tour. The casino symbolizes the glamorous era of Santa Catalina Island and is home to art deco murals. Watch a brief film about the building's history and connection to Hollywood, and see the 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows movies on its large screen.

You don't have to get in the water to discover life under the surface. Join this glass-bottom boat tour from Catalina Island to discover the marine life of the Pacific Ocean without getting wet. Board your vessel and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail. Listen to commentary from your captain about the local ecology and enjoy a relaxing time on this boating adventure.

See Catalina Come Alive After Dark! Experience Catalina’s coastline after dark aboard the Sea View Glass Bottom Boat on this 55-minute nighttime adventure cruise. Cruise through Lover’s Cove and along Avalon’s scenic coastline in search of Catalina’s famous flying fish. Powerful all-around lights illuminate the ocean, creating an unforgettable nighttime flying fish experience unlike anything else on Catalina Island. Along the way, keep an eye out for playful sea lions, lobsters, bat rays, and other fascinating nighttime marine life that come alive after sunset. With open-air family-style seating, coastal views, and underwater viewing all in one ride, this unique evening cruise offers an unforgettable Catalina adventure for all ages. 1. Immersive Undersea Viewing Windows: Get eye-to-eye with sea lions and towering kelp forests through your dedicated below-the-surface viewing ports. 2. Powerful Ocean Illumination 3. Coastal Scenic Cruise

Discover Catalina Island's history on a guided walking tour through the heart of Avalon. Follow a roughly one-mile route covering key landmarks while learning how the island developed from its early beginnings to the destination it is today. Led by local guides and supported by headsets for clear commentary, this accessible tour offers an engaging way to understand the stories behind the island’s most recognizable sights.

For those who want to explore Catalina Island's town of Avalon at their own pace, this private app-based self-guided audio tour is a great option. Download the app, then walk around town at your leisure; the commentary will play automatically as you hit each local highlight. The tour answers many questions and provides hidden facts about this exclusive island and town.

Escape the crowds in Avalon and explore Catalina Island’s rugged interior without the hassle of navigating restricted backcountry roads on your own. Travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle with a driver-guide to reach remote areas that most visitors can’t access, keeping an eye out for American bison while learning about the island’s wildlife, natural history, and dramatic landscapes along the way.

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.

Challenge yourself on the rope ladders, balance beams, and ziplines at the Catalina Aerial Adventure park. Suspended in a eucalyptus grove on Catalina Island, this aerial obstacle course is a convenient adventure destination and is easy to fit into your busy vacation schedule. Plus, it has three different difficulty levels to choose from, ensuring there is something to challenge everyone from kids to athletes.

Set out on the Pacific Ocean from Catalina Island on a 45-minute glass-bottom boat tour that explores Lover's Cove, a protected marine preserve. See the underwater world underneath your feet for a close experience of California's marine life. Check out the kelp forest, and sea creatures like garibaldi, kelp bass, leopard sharks, bat rays, moray eels, and perhaps a sea turtle if you're lucky. Departures are available throughout the day, which makes it easy to fit into your schedule.

Embark on an engaging scavenger hunt through the historic streets of Avalon California, on the island of Catalina! Explore the quaint and beautiful harbor and waterfront. See the historic sights like the Avalon Casino. See some of the overlooked gems like the the Avalon Veteran's Memorial. Explore and see the many unique shops, restaurants and galleries. Go at your own pace and see the best of what Catalina has to offer. Ready to discover Catalina in a whole new way? Let the adventure begin!

Explore Catalina Island on a smartphone-led scavenger hunt for a team of up to 12 people. In addition to providing educational information and trivia, the scavenger hunt’s itinerary takes you to the most popular destinations on the island, including stops for food and drinks (own expense). The self-guided tour allows you to set the departure time and explore at your own pace.

If you’re looking to see California’s Santa Catalina Island, but also want to add some excitement to your day, try this Santa Catalina Island Race and Mystery Experience from Avalon. This experience is perfect for people who enjoy solving clues, as it sends you around the island to sightsee while you play and go on a fun, interactive mystery adventure.