Not all Catalina Island tours are created equal, so picking the right one can make or break your trip. From thrilling adventures to scenic ocean views and hidden island gems, these 11 must-try tours offer experiences you will not want to miss.
Short on time? The Avalon Golf Cart Tour is a top pick, letting you cruise past Catalina’s most iconic spots like the Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, and Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden at your own pace. Here is a breakdown of the best tours to make the most of your visit.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Why You’ll Love It
- Travel underwater without getting wet
- Experienced tour guides present throughout the tour
- Suitable for all ages
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.
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.
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
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.
During the tour, you’ll get to stand on the stage where Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Errol Flynn performed.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
A maximum of 40 travelers are allowed to join. The tour is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible. The tour also includes audio headphones.
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
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.
Transportation isn’t provided on this tour. Make sure to bring your smartphone for the tour.
Why You’ll Love It
- Best value for money
- Self-paced
- Access to audio without the internet is available
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
You can easily walk anywhere on the 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!
Uber or Lyft aren’t available on the island due to regulations on the limit of vehicles on the 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.
Taking the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach is the cheapest way.
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!
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.
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.
Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. There are different residential options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes in Avalon.
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.
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
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.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
Renting A Golf Cart On Catalina Island
Cheapest Way To Get To Catalina Island
17 Romantic Things to do in Catalina Island
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