All Catalina Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

Departing from the iconic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach daily. Departing times vary depending on time of year see all times available when booking. Travel time is approximately 75 minutes from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island. This is one of the most easily accessible ports for residents/visitors of Orange County, Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire and San Diego County to travel by boat from the mainland to Avalon, Catalina Island. This is the "largest" catamaran to Catalina Island and is state of the art, with three decks. The first deck is enclosed with plenty of seating and a snack bar. The second deck offers a full bar and additional indoor seating. The third deck is open air with seating in the California sunshine and offers stunning views during the trip. Enjoy “Speed – Service – Comfort”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

Go back to the days when bands were big and movies were just starting to talk with a guided tour of the Catalina Island Casino. Dating back to 1929, 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 1920s pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows movies on its large screen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Important Note: This is a one-way ferry from Avalon to San Pedro. You must also book your trip to Avalon, 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.