Catalina Island at a glance
Avalon sits on Santa Catalina Island in California. The harbor is a useful starting point for exploring the town, a boat outing or a guided drive into the island interior. This independent guide helps you connect those choices with your crossing from the mainland. Green Pleasure Pier is an excursion pier; check the location of your ferry terminal separately.
The Catalina Casino stands by the water. Its name refers to a gathering place, not gambling. General Admission is a self-guided visit, while VIP Backstage is a guided experience. The town also provides a base for coastal activities and visits to the garden and memorial. Consider how much time you want to spend on the island before choosing a departure back to the mainland.
Our picks: Avalon experiences
Our take: Take the ferry for the crossing, or explore with a driver on the private cart tour. The semi-submarine offers a dry underwater view after you arrive.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Avalon tasting and walking tour
- Food, drinks and desserts at tasting locations
- Tips for servers at each location
Transportation to Catalina Island is separate.
Check availability →
Private golf cart tour with driver
- Expert driver-guide
- Opportunities for photo stops
- Water
This is a driven tour, not a self-drive rental.
Check availability →
Open-air island safari
- Naturalist guide onboard
- Open-air safari vehicle
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed; binoculars can be rented separately.
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Guided semi-submarine cruise
- 45-minute guided semi-submarine cruise
The ferry to Avalon is separate, and infants also need a ticket.
Check availability →
Newport Beach and Avalon ferry
- One-way ticket depending on option selected
A return trip requires booking both direction options.
Check availability →
Avalon sightseeing drive
- Driver Live Commentary on Board
Arrive 15 minutes before the tour.
Check availability →Tours and outings on Catalina Island
Compare harbor cruises, island drives and walking tours that start in Avalon.
Coast, town and island interior
Descanso is a private beach facility, so check current access and services before going. Lover’s Cove and Casino Point are protected marine areas with different rules. A glass bottom boat offers a dry view beneath the surface; it is different from entering the sea. On a wildlife outing, sightings cannot be guaranteed and animals need space.
For the interior, guided vehicles and hiking offer different experiences. A free hiking permit is required before entering Conservancy land on foot, and it does not replace current trail access information. Rental golf carts are limited to the permitted Avalon area, not a route to Two Harbors. The golf cart guide explains the distinction.
Plan the day around your crossing
Before choosing a time, locate the mainland departure port and the exact meeting point on the island. A ticket to Avalon and a local activity are separate choices unless the selected listing explicitly combines them. Allow time to disembark, reach the meeting place and check in. For the journey home, leave a comfortable margin between the end of your plans and the ferry departure.
The ferry guide explains ports and directions, while getting there covers the mainland connection. If you plan to stay longer, compare the location of your accommodation with the waterfront and any hills along your route. Ask about a transfer in advance if carrying luggage or walking uphill is a concern.
Choose an experience that fits
Read the individual listing for the date, departure point, duration and included services. A guided experience, an independent visit and a transport ticket answer different needs. Check the conditions for changes or cancellation before paying, especially when several reservations depend on one another. Where an option has a choice of direction or add-ons, select the one that matches your plans rather than relying on a short title.
Weather and sea conditions can affect plans on the water. Check current operating information close to departure and leave flexibility in your schedule. For land activities, review the current route and access information before setting out. The season guide explains how to think about conditions without assuming that a particular day will follow a seasonal pattern.
Make room for the rest of Avalon
Think of the visit as a sequence of separate choices: the crossing, the time you spend in town and any activity you reserve. Check which meeting address belongs to each booking and keep the confirmation accessible. A waterfront location can be convenient, but a pier used by an excursion is not necessarily the terminal for the boat taking you back to the mainland.
For an independent walk, allow time to pause and explore without making every part of the day dependent on a fixed departure. For a guided outing, read the description to understand whether you will be on land or water, what is included and how to reach the starting point. If someone in your group has mobility or access needs, ask about the particular route and facilities before paying.
Check the return details as carefully as the outward journey. A ticket for one direction does not automatically cover the other, and a change to one booking may affect the rest of your plans. Keeping a copy of the itinerary makes it easier to compare the times and contact the relevant provider if your circumstances change.
Explore Catalina Island
Tours
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Things to do
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Getting there
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Ferry
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Where to stay
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When to go
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History
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Golf carts
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Glass bottom boats
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Boat tours
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Island interior
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Parasailing
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Beaches
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Hiking
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Two Harbors
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Explore more of California
Is this an official tourism website?
No. This is an independent guide, separate from the city, tourism authority and activity operators.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Avalon?
Choose a mainland ferry port and check the direction and date of your ticket. Allow time to reach any separate activity meeting point after arrival.
Should I book an activity before the crossing?
Compare availability, timings and cancellation conditions for both. Leave a useful margin between the ferry and a local departure.
Can conditions change my plans?
Yes. Check the latest operating information and the specific conditions for your booking before setting out.