Planning a trip to Catalina Island but not sure what to do there? We got you covered! Here are the 11 best tours on Catalina Island – each providing a once-in-a-lifetime memory that’ll keep you coming back to the island! 

As California locals, we always find unique experiences around the state and Catalina Island isn’t any different either. 

If you’ve got no time to read the post, all you need to know is that the #1 best tour on the island is the Avalon Golf Cart Tour.

Jump on a zippy golf cart to explore the island’s landmarks, including the Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden, and more.

#1 TOP PICK
two people on a golf cart on Catalina Island

Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon

✔️ Personalized

✔️ More Attractions In Less Time

✔️ Suitable For All Ages

Best Tours On Catalina Island & Why You’ll Love Them

1. Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon

Touring Catalina Island in a golf cart will give you all the fantastic views you need for a memorable vacation.

The tour will treat your eyes to the beauty that’s the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden and one of the most famous attractions on the island, Catalina Casino.

a man driving a woman in a golf cart

Choose from multiple departure times and fit the tour into your vacation plan without any hassle. It’ll take about two hours, and then you can go your way.

“Great way to see the island. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and enhanced the views with the history of the island. He also took photos of our group at a very picturesque spot. Amazing experience and I highly recommend this tour!” – Stanrobin (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 5/5 (230+ reviews) ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 2 hours ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Private guided tour without encountering the heavy crowds of Catalina Island
  • See more attractions in less time
  • Comfortable vehicles for the elderly and children

Check rates & availability for this Golf Cart Tour of Avalon

2. Mermaid Photo Shoot on Catalina Island 

Make your childhood dream come true and experience life as The Little Mermaid 🧜 for a day with this photo shoot tour in Catalina Island.

During the shoot, you’ll get to wear a mermaid tail that looks like it came out of a fairytale. Then, capture the moment with the help of top photographers.

a woman dressed in a mermaid suit looking out to the ocean

The shoot takes about an hour, but only the tail will be provided upon reservation, so don’t forget to bring your own shell bra! 

“So much fun being a mermaid on the island! The photographer was amazing and super easy to work with. I definitely plan on being a repeat customer when I come back to town ♥️” – Gabrielle (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 1 hour ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Fitted mermaid tails for all participants, even kids and men
  • Photos available on the same day
  • Take photos under the famous “Catalina Island Mermaid” mural 

Check rates & availability for this Mermaid Photo Shoot

3. Adventure Tour on Catalina Island

Do you want to enjoy the scenic nature of Catalina Island without spending hours in the scorching sun?

This tour inside an air-conditioned vehicle is perfect for you. Sitting comfortably in the shade, you’ll enjoy Catalina Island’s mesmerizing coastline and breathtaking canyons. You’ll also get a glimpse into the wildlife of the area.

a group of bison eating grass

The vehicle leaves from The Cabrillo Mole, and the reservation isn’t refundable. Also, the maximum for this tour is a group of 10 people.

“Our guide Delila was excellent. Very informative, funny, and mindful of giving the guests a wonderful experience. Traveling through the very remote landscape learning about the history of the Indians, animals that were brought in and removed, and families who acquired and sold, leading up to the Wrigley family. We also saw about 40 Bison along the way!” – Marla (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4/5 ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 2 hours ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Ventures into protected areas that are rarely accessible to walking tourists
  • Catalina Island Conservancy fee helps preserve endangered species
  • Guided tour for a more informative and enjoyable trip

Check rates & availability for this Adventure Tour

4. Catalina Island Undersea Expedition

Enjoy a below-the-surface glimpse of Catalina Island with this undersea tour. For 45 minutes, you’ll get to sit in a boat cabin five feet beneath the water’s surface, giving you a stunning view of the area’s sea life. 

The tour is enjoyable for both adults and kids. It includes live commentary about the marine ecosystem and the creatures that live in it.

a school of fish swimming in the ocean

You can also enjoy the scenery from the deck on your way back after the tour ends. There are also multiple departure times to choose from. 

“It was a fun ride. We saw lots of fish only maybe 5-6 different types but lots of them. I have 1.5 year old and she was entertained and had fun. My husband gets super seasick and he was fine. We would do it again.” – Codi (see more reviews)

💡 Pro-Tip: Use the restrooms at Green Pleasure Pier before starting the tour; there are no restrooms on the cabin. 

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (70+ reviews) ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 45 minutes ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Travel underwater without getting wet
  • Experienced tour guides present throughout the tour 
  • Suitable for all ages

Check rates & availability for this Catalina Island Undersea Expedition

5. Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon

Do you want to closely look at the marine life of Catalina Island without diving or getting wet?

This tour gives you all that and more. Hop aboard a semi-submarine that dives six feet beneath the water’s surface. Feast your eyes on the island’s undersea paradise and watch fishes feed nearby from little windows.

a red submarine in the ocean

Kids can enjoy this underwater adventure tour, but they must be in the company of adults. It isn’t wheelchair-friendly due to uneven surfaces. 

“This is a nice tour for all ages. We took adults & seniors and everyone enjoyed it. A heads up, there are steps involved, so make sure your group members are able to independently get up & down the steps.” – Charrise (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4/5 (170+ reviews) ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 45 minutes ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Visits a preserved area called the Lovers’ Cove that’s not easily accessible
  • The top deck is accessible after the tour ends 
  • This submarine is designed after America’s 1st nuclear-powered submarine

Check rates & availability for this Semi-Submarine Tour

6. Catalina Island Behind the Scenes Casino Tour

Catalina Casino has stood the test of time for almost a century, and it’s the most prominent attraction on the island.

Go on this tour to explore the dramatic landmark, including its areas that were not always open to the public. It takes about 1.5 hours and involves a lot of walking, so take caution if you or your family have mobility issues.

night view of the Catalina casino with lights

During the tour, you’ll get to stand on the stage where Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Errol Flynn performed. 

“Fabulous opportunity to see a slice of life from a luxurious bygone time. The “Behind the Scenes Casino Tour” at the Catalina Island Casino is a unique blend of living history, music history, movie star anecdotes, and luxury life in the 1930s…” – Mark (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4/5 ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 1.5 hours ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • See the first cinema that screened talkies
  • Personal experience with a small group of up to 9 tourists
  • Views of Los Angeles and San Diego from this 12-story casino

Check rates & availability for this Behind the Scenes Casino Tour

7. Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour

The Catalina scenic tour has everything for first-timers on the island. This tour takes you through the most breathtaking places on Avalon.

Upon checking in, the tour vehicle will take you up the island’s hills and along the coastline. It’s a great way to check out Catalina’s best attractions.

view of the houses and mountains in the background on Catalina Island

The tour is limited to groups of 6-8 persons to ensure privacy, and children are welcome with adults. However, the tour isn’t easily accessible to wheelchairs.

“Great experience! Our driver, Laura, was very friendly and provided great information. We enjoyed seeing the sites around Avalon. The views from Mount Ada were stunning. We also enjoyed seeing other homes in Avalon and Laura’s stories treated to the island.” – Richard (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews) ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 50 minutes ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Experienced tour guide on board to tell you about the history and sceneries of Avalon
  • View of the entire city of Avalon from the hills
  • A perfect introduction to the city 

Check rates & availability for this Catalina Scenic Tour

8. Catalina Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Seeing the beauty of the undersea life through a glass bottom boat is a unique experience, and you can enjoy it on your trip to Catalina Island.

This tour will treat you and your family to a joyful 40 minutes of watching colorful fishes and aquatic creatures in Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve.

a boy looking out at the sea from a glass bottom boat

Best of all, the tour is limited to small groups of 9 people. And, the tour is only available in good weather to guarantee maximum enjoyment.

“The guide was very friendly and informative. The boat was set up perfectly for optimal viewing with large floor window panels We saw the beautiful kelp beds and a lot of different fishes up close. It is perfect for all ages.” – Julie (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 40 minutes ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Live commentary from an experienced tour guide
  • See many schools of fish without scuba diving or snorkeling 
  • Small group ensures privacy 

Check rates & availability for this Catalina Glass Bottom Boat Tour

9. Discover the Catalina Island Casino

Take a trip to the Roaring 20s and enjoy the glamor of Catalina Casino with this guided tour.

The tour takes you through the art-deco-themed landmark and shows you its secrets and connections to the cinema capital of the world, Hollywood.

daytime view of the Catalina Casino and the shoreline

You’ll also get a close look at the Avalon Theatre and the casino’s ballroom, which were once graced with live performances of world-renowned bands. 

Once booked, make sure to call the local operator’s number on the voucher to confirm your ticket. It’s also stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.

💡 Pro-Tip: Wear your best hiking shoes. There’s a lot of walking; 8 ramps up and then 8 ramps back down. 

“Tour guide was funny and extremely knowledgeable, by the end of the tour, you don’t even realize 40 minutes have gone by. So happy we did this tour.“ – Rose (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 40 minutes ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Experienced tour guides will explain the history of the casino
  • A maximum of 15 tourists per tour to guarantee privacy
  • See one-of-a-kind art deco murals

Check rates & availability for this Catalina Island Casino Tour

10. Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour

Scary stories have been around Catalina Island for years, and you can get to the heart of them on this ghost tour.

Walk through the picturesque city of Avalon and discover its paranormal mysteries with a local historian. It’s the perfect alternative to a horror movie night! 

aerial night view of Catalina Casino and the marina

A maximum of 40 travelers are allowed to join. The tour is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible. The tour also includes audio headphones.

“Our experience was great! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of the paranormal activity in Catalina. Would 100% recommend to a friend.“ – Jackson (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 1.5 hours ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Friendly tour guides explain the haunting history of the island throughout the tour
  • Scary stories about the Catalina Casino
  • Historic sites 

Check rates & availability for this Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour

11. Self-Guided Audio Tour Of Avalon

This self-guided tour is ideal for free souls who want to walk through Catalina Island without the restrictions of walking with a group and guide. 

There’s a free VoiceMap mobile application that you can download for commentary about the island. You can listen to it while you’re walking. You’ll uncover some hidden details about Catalina Island. 

a girl listening to her audio tour

Transportation isn’t provided on this tour. Make sure to bring your smartphone for the tour. 

“Really informative and interesting content. Ease of use to go at our own pace, the app was also user-friendly and easy to navigate. A great concept.” – Jeffrey (see more reviews)

⭐ Rating: 4/5 ⭐

⏰ Tour Duration: 50 minutes ⏰

Why You’ll Love It

  • Best value for money
  • Self-paced
  • Access to audio without the internet is available 

Check rates & availability for this Audio Tour Of Avalon

Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting?

Yes, Catalina Island is definitely worth visiting! Any of these best tours make it worth it to visit the island. Here are some reasons why:

😍 Natural beauty: Catalina Island is a stunning destination, with crystal-clear waters, rugged terrain, and a picturesque coastline. You can explore the island’s many hiking trails, take an undersea tour, or simply relax on one of the island’s many beaches.

😍 Outdoor activities: Catalina Island is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, parasailing, ziplining, and more.

😍 Unique experiences: Catalina Island is home to a number of unique attractions and experiences, such as touring in a golf cart or riding in a semi-submarine.

😍 Small-town charm: The island’s main town of Avalon has a charming small-town vibe, with colorful buildings, quaint shops, and a variety of dining options – perfect for a romantic vacation.

😍 Accessibility: Catalina Island is easily accessible from Southern California, with regular ferry and helicopter service from many locations. You can easily make a day trip or plan a longer stay to fully explore the island.

Catalina Island is a beautiful and unique destination that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventure to relaxation and exploration.

Where Is Catalina Island

Situated off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island is located 29 miles west of Long Beach. The island spans 22 miles in length and 8 miles at its widest point.

Catalina Island Map

How To Get To Catalina Island

The best way to get to Catalina Island is by ferry. It’s just a 1-hour ferry ride that Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer offer. You can choose to depart from any of these 4 cities closest to Catalina Island: Dana Point, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and San Pedro.  

⛴️ Easily book a round-trip ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach or San Pedro.

🚁 If you’re worried about getting seasick, you can choose to fly from mainland California to Catalina Island via IEX Helicopters

You can even kayak to Catalina Island but it’s a challenging adventure and isn’t for everyone.

✈️ If you’re flying into mainland California to visit Catalina Island, the closest airport is Long Beach Airport.

🚘 But you can find better flight options at Los Angeles International Airport which isn’t too far from Long Beach. You can rent a car at the airport to head to the ferry ports.  

👉 Here’s what you need to know if you’re traveling to Catalina Island from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Monica, or San Diego

Where To Stay On Catalina Island 

houses on the side of Catalina Island

Catalina Island has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:

Budget-Friendly Option: Hotel Atwater

Mid-Priced Option: The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island

Lux Option: Hamilton Cove

Best Time To Visit Catalina Island 

The ideal time to visit Catalina Island largely depends on the activities you have planned during your stay. For those who enjoy water-related activities, the summer months are recommended. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid crowds, then consider visiting in winter.

🌷 Spring: Fewer crowds and mild weather 

Spring weather info for Catalina Island: March, April, and May

☀️ Summer: Warmest weather; best for getting into the water 

Summer weather info for Catalina Island: June, July, and August

🍁 Fall: Fewer crowds and mild weather

Fall weather info for Catalina Island: September, October, and November

🌧️ Winter: Least crowds and off-season

Winter weather info for Catalina Island: December, January, and February

FAQs: Best Catalina Island Tours

an aerial view of Catalina Island with a focus on Catalina Casino
Is a day trip to Catalina Island worth it?

Yes, a Catalina Island day trip is worth doing. All the best tours are 2 hours and under so you may be able to do 2 tours before heading back on the 1-hour ferry. 

How long should you spend on Catalina Island?

It’s best to spend at least 2-3 days on the island to fully immerse yourself in island life just outside of mainland California. 

Can you walk everywhere on Catalina Island?

You can easily walk anywhere on the island.   

How do you get around Catalina Island?

You can get around by walking, public transit, taxis, or by golf cart. Touring in a golf cart is a fun way to see the island!

Is Uber available on Catalina Island?

Uber or Lyft aren’t available on the island due to regulations on the limit of vehicles on the island.

Can you take your car on Catalina Island? 

Unfortunately, you can’t drive your car on Catalina Island since the island is very small and cars aren’t allowed. There’s a 25-year waiting list to have your car on the island. 

What is the cheapest way to get to Catalina Island?

Taking the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach is the cheapest way.

How do you get around Catalina Island?

You can get around by walking, public transit, taxis, or by golf cart. While you can’t rent scooter rentals, you can rent a golf cart to see the island!

Do you need a passport to go to Catalina Island? 

While it’s not mandatory to carry passports to go to Catalina Island and there aren’t any immigration checks, it’s best to carry a government-issued identification like a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport in case of emergencies.

Are dogs allowed on Catalina Island? 

Yes, you can bring your dog to Catalina Island, however, there are a few restrictions. For your pet’s safety, they must be kept leashed wherever you take them, and unfortunately, they may not be able to join you on certain beaches or attractions.

Can you live on Catalina Island?

Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. There are different residential options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes in Avalon.

How do you get to Two Harbors on Catalina Island?

You can take the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors but they don’t run a regular schedule. It’s best to take a ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach to Avalon. You can get to Two Harbors from Avalon either by boat or taxi.

What are the best restaurants on Catalina Island?

Some of the best restaurants on Catalina Island include Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood, Bluewater Grill, Descanso Beach Club, and the Lobster Trap.

Final Thoughts: Best Tours On Catalina Island

Maximize your time with any of these best tours on Catalina Island that cover the island’s highlights. If you’re choosing just one, we highly recommend booking the private golf cart tour for a personalized experience to see more in less time. 

PRO TIPS

Planning your trip to Catalina Island? Here are the best hotels & ferry service: 

😴 Best Hotels On Catalina Island:

⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)