All Catalina Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

There are plenty of high-quality tours and experiences on Catalina Island. According to previous travelers, here are the best tours to book right now:

• Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon

• Catalina Food Tour

• Catalina Island Zipline Eco Tour

• Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour

• Catalina Island Bison Expedition

Yes, guided tours on Catalina Island are worth it, especially if you want to see the interior where the roads aren't great or get out on the water where a boat is a must. While you can walk around the port town of Avalon on your own, going with a guide who has appropriate transportation gets you farther off the beaten path. Plus, some activities require permits that can be easier to get if you go with a backcountry tour operator.

Per one customer who booked the Catalina Island Bison Expedition, "Our driver and guide; Halvy, was informative, interesting and funny. The perfect narrative blend for any backcountry expedition. We saw an abundance of bison on this trip including a magnificent closeup of a big bull. All seats on the 12 person 'Hummer' have a great view and were surprisingly comfortable even on the bumpier dirt roads."

Catalina Island tours are available at a wide range of prices, so it's easy to find something for every budget. At the low end of the spectrum, there are guided driving tours and glass-bottom boat cruises starting around US$30 per person. Walking tours of Avalon begin around US$40 per person. At the other end, a 20-minute helicopter tour can set you back US$200 per person. Of course, private tours and multi-day tours cost more.

For an immersive tour at the lower end of the price range, book the Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour for around US$32 per person. A great introduction to the island, you'll get the lay of the land in and around Avalon while traveling in an open-air bus with live commentary. But at just 50 minutes long, it goes by fast. Pricier options include Catalina Island 2-Hour Inside Adventure Tour from around US$100 per person. Climb aboard a custom-built safari vehicle to reach the highest point of the island where you're treated to panoramic views and have plenty of opportunities to see wildlife including bald eagles, bison, deer, and the Catalina fox. Your guide for this 2-hour experience is a naturalist.

Catalina Island tours cover an array of activities, so it’s easy to find something for almost every age, physical ability, and interest. Admire sea life on a semi-submarine ride or glass-bottom boat cruise, enjoy a bird’s-eye view while parasailing, or even hunt for the paranormal on a ghost tour. You can also book excursions that take you kayaking, jet-skiing, on helicopter rides, or on golf cart trips.

For most travelers, Catalina Island warrants at least two days. You can visit on a day trip from the mainland, but to really do the island justice, you’ll want a full day of sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the harbour in Avalon. You’ll also need a full day to venture to more remote beaches or the interior where you can see bison.

According to travelers, this is the Catalina Island attraction:

• Catalina Express

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions on Catalina Island.

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a great time on Catalina Island. Here are some of the best Catalina Island tours and activities under US$35 per person:

• Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour

• Glass-Bottom Boat: Catalina Island Tour

• Ocean Wonders: Catalina Island's Immersive Movie Experience

• Catalina Island Aerial Adventure

• An Immersive Butterfly Experience on Catalina Island

It's no secret that Catalina Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top outdoor tours to book right now:

• Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour

• Catalina Island Bison Expedition

• Journey to Island's End

• Catalina Island Aerial Adventure

• Parasailing in Catalina Island: Soar Above the Stunning Coastline

View all of Viator's top outdoor activities on Catalina Island.