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.

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.

Catalina Xtreme Parasail thrives to ensure our customers have a safe and amazing experience in the air.. we pride ourselves with also giving back to our community with partnering with the Susan G. Komen foundation to give back a % of parasail flights to help research and bring awareness to our town and those who have been impacted. • No experience needed •Digital photo package available for purchase • Stay dry or dip in the water options •Observer (non-flyer seats) available for purchase

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Soar above the stunning Avalon Harbor with Catalina Xtreme Parasail, where adventure meets breathtaking views. Glide through the sky for 8-10 minutes, taking in panoramic vistas of the island as the experienced US Coast Guard licensed crew ensures a smooth and safe flight. Perfect for families, friends, and thrill-seekers, this parasailing experience is open to all ages (6 and up) and requires no prior experience. Enjoy the thrill of being suspended in the air while knowing safety is the top priority. This Option is perfect for early risers! This "Early Bird Special" is for the first trip of the day and only offered at select times. Those times are subject to change.

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.

Embark on an exciting treasure-hunting adventure in Avalon. Rent a metal detector and search for Catalina Coins, which can be redeemed for discounts on local activities and attractions. This self-guided quest allows you to explore at your own pace and enjoy the thrill of discovery. Prepare for your adventure by bringing essentials like water and sunscreen, and meet us 15 minutes before your scheduled time. - Rent a metal detector and get basic operating instructions - Find Catalina Coins to unlock discounts and perks on the island - Explore Avalon at your own pace during the treasure hunt - Optional headlamp rentals available for evening quests

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.