All Catalina Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Discover the charm of Avalon on a guided tour that showcases the Catalina Islands' rich history and stunning views. Local drivers provide insights as you explore the picturesque town, making stops at scenic spots perfect for photo opportunities. This tour is ideal for families and friends looking to enjoy a relaxed day out while learning about the area's culture and heritage. - Experience Avalon’s history and culture with local insights - Visit scenic spots for exceptional views of the island - Perfect for groups, families, and friends to enjoy together - Relax and enjoy the ride with knowledgeable drivers guiding the way

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy Avalon without getting lost! Make the most of your golf cart with a scenic GPS-guided audio route. Golf cart NOT provided. Explore Avalon with a locally designed GPS route that takes you through the island’s most scenic viewpoints and photo stops. Unlike a traditional guided tour, this is a flexible driving route with short, engaging audio stops that give you just enough context to enjoy what you’re seeing—without slowing down your experience. Created by longtime Avalon locals, the route is designed to help you see more of the island in less time, with clear directions and quick insights along the way. No paper maps, no confusion—just an easy way to explore Catalina’s most iconic scenery at your own pace. What You’ll Experience: -Scenic GPS-guided driving route -Quick audio stops at key viewpoints -Hidden gems and must-see photo locations -Local insights and fun facts along the way -Flexible self-paced exploration

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