Top Catalina Island Sightseeing Tours

See what lives in the Pacific waters surrounding Catalina Island on a 45-minute underwater cruise. As you sit comfortably in a climate-controlled cabin on board a large boat, you'll glide five feet (1.5 meters) below the surface to look for marine life in their natural habitat out of your own porthole. Along the way, listen to live commentary from a guide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 life under the surface of the Pacific Ocean on a glass-bottom boat tour from Catalina Island. Board your vessel in Avalon at Float B on the Green Pleasure Pier 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.

A wonderful addition to your rental golf cart! Learn & explore at the same time. Hop into your golf cart and experience Catalina Island like never before. This self-guided GPS audio tour takes you along a scenic coastal route through Avalon with turn-by-turn directions guiding you every step of the way. At each stop, simply park, press play, and unlock engaging audio stories that bring island history, hidden gems, and local legends to life. Designed specifically for a self-drive experience, this tour lets you explore at your own pace while staying fully immersed in the sights and stories of Catalina Island. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and freedom on your own schedule. *Golf cart not included.

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.

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.

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.

The IMMERSED dome theater is excited to bring the incredible Butterfly Journey dome movie from K2 Studios to Catalina Island. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned theater with assigned seating and beanbag chairs available for a cozy viewing experience. Beautiful and delicate, yet unbelievably resilient, the butterfly is one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures. Follow the vast migrations of the Monarchs of North America and Blue Tigers of Australia in this incredible immersive journey. Narrated by Daisy Ridley.

Resolution, the groundbreaking dome theater film that won the Audience Award for Best Immersive Experience at SXSW, invites you into a captivating world where music and visuals collide. Set against The Polyphonic Spree’s powerful album Salvage Enterprise, this immersive journey unfolds around a campfire, revealing the inner worlds of its characters through stunning visuals, from soaring canyons to psychedelic starscapes. Created by an acclaimed team of Oscar and Emmy winners, this experience has been hailed as the future of music and cinema. Secure your ticket now to witness this revolutionary cinematic adventure that promises to redefine storytelling.

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.

More than 15,000 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. Our flagship experience and fan favorite. Our debut short film, was shot in nine countries across three oceans and a sea, featuring over forty marine species. This immersive movie lets you virtually dive into Catalina’s kelp forests, encounter giant sea bass, humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, bull sharks, schools of fish, playful sea-lions, underwater caves, and more. All footage was filmed underwater in 360 degrees by our team and collaborators, captured on real dives around the world.

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.

Unlock the wonders of Catalina Island with your mobile app, your personal guide to self-directed exploration. This immersive experience allows you to uncover hidden gems while listening to captivating stories from local storytellers. Perfect for those who desire flexibility, the Avalon Bay Discovery walk lasts about an hour and enhances your journey through the island's rich history. With GPS audio guiding your way, enjoy a unique and fun-filled adventure at your own pace. - Discover Catalina Island’s history and hidden treasures - Self-guided, GPS-enabled audio tours available via mobile app - Curated by passionate 3rd-generation islanders - Perfect for solo travelers, families, and history enthusiasts

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.

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.

Experience our Private Excursion tailored exclusively for you! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of USA as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Avalon. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of Avalon, marvel at the grandeur of Catalina Island, and capture iconic moments, and many more. Our excursions are meticulously designed schedule. We'll greet you directly at the hotel and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day. Leave the details to us as we escort you on an extraordinary adventure, crafting memories that will stand the test of time!

Explore the stunning vistas of Catalina Island with our exclusive private charters, designed for up to 6 passengers. Whether you're planning a trip to Two Harbors for lunch or a scenic adventure around the island, each charter is tailored to your preferences. Enjoy the flexibility to set your own itinerary and spend up to 10 hours on the water, making it perfect for families, friends, or special occasions. Stand-by rates are available if you wish to be dropped off at a specific location, with the vessel waiting for your return. - Private charters accommodate up to 6 guests - Custom itineraries for every occasion, including lunch trips and adventures - Flexible duration of up to 10 hours - Stand-by options for convenient drop-off and pick-up services