Top Catalina Island Outdoor Activities

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.

Experience Catalina Island like never before with an exhilarating parasailing adventure over Avalon Bay. Ascend to heights of 800 feet, taking in breathtaking views of the charming town, rugged cliffs, and the sparkling coastline below. This unforgettable flight promises not only excitement but also stunning photo opportunities to capture the moment. With safety as the priority, enjoy a smooth ride that will leave you with lasting memories of this unique perspective of Catalina Island.

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.

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

When you book our First Trip of the Day, you receive a major discount! Soar above Avalon Bay on Catalina Island and witness the stunning coastline from a thrilling perspective. With flights up to 800 feet, enjoy breathtaking views of the charming town, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters below. Perfect for those seeking a mix of excitement and unforgettable memories, parasailing with Island Water Charters promises a smooth and enjoyable experience. Capture your adventure with a photo package, making it a perfect outing for families and friends. Whether you’re an adventurer or just looking to relax, this unique activity elevates your Catalina Island experience to new heights.

Sail along the pristine coastline of Catalina Island, where you'll have the chance to spot playful sea lions, diverse bird species, and other wildlife on the eastern shores. As the journey continues toward the back of the island, prepare to be captivated by a stunning Pacific sunset that paints the sky in vibrant hues. This cruise offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife observation, making it an ideal outing for nature enthusiasts and families alike. - Glide along Catalina Island's coastline and admire its natural beauty - Spot sea lions, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat - Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean - Perfect for families and nature lovers seeking a unique experience -Sip on any beverages you bring aboard!

Explore Catalina Island on a guided scenic tour combining coastal views, island history, and natural insight. Travel comfortably aboard an open-air tram while a local guide explains Catalina’s development, ecology, and cultural significance. The route is designed to provide elevated viewpoints and varied scenery, offering a broad understanding of the island in a single experience. Note that transportation to Catalina Island by ferry is not included.

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.

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)

Experience the thrill of jet skiing in the beautiful waters of Catalina Island with Catalina Jet Ski. This unique adventure starts at Green Pleasure Pier, where you will be shuttled to our exciting Jet Ski Barge. Explore the ocean on our 2023 GTX PRO Sea-Doo models, perfect for all skill levels. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season from July to September. Enjoy a spacious open ocean riding area and the chance to spot dolphins while you ride. - Convenient check-in at Green Pleasure Pier - Explore Catalina Island's stunning waters at your own pace - Fun and safe rides with our experienced crew - Recommended reservations for peak summer months

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.

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.

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.

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

In addition to being the only fish shaped golf cart on the island, we are also the only golf cart to hold large groups! Hop aboard our unique, fully electric "Gary the Garibaldi" golf cart for a fun, comfortable, and eco-conscious tour of Avalon. Enjoy breathtaking views, learn about the island's history, and capture stunning photos along the way. Our expert local guides will share fascinating insights about the island’s landmarks, what it's like to live on the island, and our distinctive Garibaldi-inspired bus provides the perfect backdrop for memorable snapshots. Our tour offers a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience that showcases both Avalon’s charm and natural beauty. All passengers must be 8+ years old.

Guided by John Boraggina, former museum curator, this tour goes beyond the typical route—shaped around your interests, whether that’s hidden history, stunning viewpoints, or local stories passed down through generations. Whether it’s your first visit or a place your family has loved for years, each tour is thoughtfully customized to create a one-of-a-kind experience just for you.

There’s seeing Avalon… and then there’s experiencing it. On this private two-hour golf cart adventure, you’ll explore Avalon, Catalina Island’s largest city, with a year-round local who truly loves sharing it. Expect sweeping hilltop views, sparkling harbor panoramas, hidden streets, and scenic overlooks that make you reach for your camera. When the light is perfect or a view deserves a pause, we stop. No rushing. No monotone script. Just real stories, real island insight, and a guide who brings the place to life. This experience blends the must-see highlights of Catalina Island with the hidden gems many visitors miss. Relaxed but never boring, informative but never rehearsed, and entirely private, it revolves around you. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll leave with memories that stay long after the ride ends. If you’re going to explore Avalon, make it the kind of tour you’ll still be talking about when you get home.

See the sights of Avalon on a quick tour that takes you along the waterfront, up the hillsides, and through the center of town. The quick, nonstop journey provides views and allows you to get oriented with Avalon and its attractions so you can better enjoy your time on Catalina Island. Learn about the island's history and heritage from a guide as you travel the loop.

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.

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.

Experience Catalina Island’s rugged outback on a 2-hour tour in an eco-friendly 4-wheel drive vehicle. Access the remote island interior as your expert driver-guide takes you off-road into Cape Canyon and along Sheep Chute Road. Keep an eye out for the resident herd of American bison, and learn about other local wildlife from your knowledgeable guide.

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.

Get to know Avalon and its best viewpoints without risking foot blisters as you tour the city with ease by golf cart. Listen to in-depth explanations about Catalina Island’s history, culture and lifestyle as you trundle up the hills without breaking a sweat, pausing to admire the views as you wish, and discover lesser-known places most travelers miss.