Orange County - Catalina



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Catalina Island has exceptionally clear waters and a wide variety of colorful marine life. Within just a few miles of Avalon you can see a sea lion colony, thriving kelp forests and schools of flying fish. Those who venture farther down the island's coast are rewarded with isolated beaches, idyllic coves and rugged cliffs. Some are lucky enough to see wild boar and mule deer on the hillsides, and bald eagles crossing the sky. Whales, dolphin, flying fish and sea lions can also be spotted from the boats. Tours can sell out, especially during summer and on busy weekends. If you're interested in either Discovery or Adventure Tours you can book early, at the mainland boat terminals. In Avalon tickets are also for sale at the Avalon boat terminal, or on the green Pleasure Pier. All boat trips for Discovery Tours and Catalina Adventure Tours leave from the green Pleasure Pier.

NEAR AVALON

Glass Bottom Boat
In 1897 the first glass bottom boat, a row boat, took visitors to see the "undersea gardens". These days the tour is more high-tech, with some boats offering underwater searchlights. The narrated trip lasts from 40-45 minutes, and offers fine overhead views of fish and plant life. Night trips feature marine life that isn't often seen during the day, such as lobsters and sharks. Catalina Adventure Tours and Discovery Tours. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
Undersea Catalina Adventure
New semi-submersible submarines provide an eye-level view of the Undersea Gardens. Discovery Tours offers this 40 minute trip, with both day and night cruises. Trips leave from the pier. Catalina Adventure Tours. Reservations taken. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
Harbor Cruise
Take a Harbor Cruise aboard the water taxis. Generally used to shuttle yachtsmen and cruise ship passengers to shore, these open air boats also provide 35 minute tours of the bay and surrounding coves. They leave from the float on the end of the pier. Catalina Adventure Tours. Trips leave from the float at the end of the green Pleasure Pier.

ALONG THE ISLAND'S COAST

Explore Catalina Day Trips
We will help you plan a day exploring Catalina at your own pace. Plan a day trip, picnic and swim at Little Harbor, enjoy dining, snorkeling or kayaking at Two Harbors. Along the way enjoy a bus ride through the island's interior in one direction with a trip along the coast line in the other direction. Several daily departures. June 26 th through October 5th. Bus only the rest of the year. Call 800-785-8425 for more information.
Flying Fish Boat Trip
These fish use their large fins as wings, and break surface to escape predators, sometimes gliding hundreds of feet. The guide uses high-power searchlights to spot the fish. A one hour cruise, leaving nightly through the summer. Discovery Tours. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
Kayak Trips
Expert guides lead excursions along Catalina's rugged coast. Aboard easy-to-paddle "sit on top" kayaks, you can see animal life along the hillsides, and marine life through the clear waters. Most trips pull out on isolated beaches for a snack or meal. Single and double kayaks are available. Catalina Island Expeditions and Catalina Kayak Adventures

Seal Rocks Cruise
Enjoy an open-air one hour trip to Catalina's east end, to visit a sea lion colony. You'll pass the Connely Pacific rock quarry, used to build much of L.A. harbor, and see some of the island's steepest coastline. Discovery Tours.Catalina Adventure Tours. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
Seamagine/Submarine Tours
Enjoy exotic submarine rides through the sea-life rich waters around Catalina's Main Harbor. Exceptional under water view. A unique submarine experience for all ages. For more info (909) 626-6262
Sundown Isthmus Cruise
Get a good look at the Island's leeward coast and visit the rustic village of Two Harbors at Catalina's isthmus. Explore the area with a local guide. Bring a picnic dinner, or dine at the Harbor Reef restaurant. Then see flying fish on your return to Avalon. This 4-1/2 hour tour leaves nightly in the summer. Discovery Tours. Reservations taken. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.

Tour Operators

Catalina Adventure Tours

Offers a wide variety of land and sea tours, operating year round. Featuring the newest vessels & buses on the island.
Ocean Tours: The Yellow Submarine "Semi-Submersible", Glass Bottom Boat, Water Taxi, Harbor Cruise & Seal Rocks
Land Tours: Inside Catalina Adventure Tour, Avalon City Tour, City/Botanical Garden Tour
Tickets sold in Avalon at on the Pleasure Pier, Shore Boat float, and at the ferry boat landing. They're also available onboard the boat from Newport, and at the Long Beach and San Pedro boat terminals.
Web: http://www.catalina.com/adventuretours_outlink.html. Phone: 310-510-2888.

Catalina Island Expeditions

Guided natural history kayak trips along Catalina's rugged coast.
Reservations taken by phone, or can be purchased at their stand at Descanso Beach.
Web page: http://www.catalina.com/CIX.html. E-mail: dbos@catalinas.net. Phone: 310-510-1226.

Catalina Safari Tours

Offering Do-It-Yourself day trips, private tours, group charters, naturalist led kayak trips, van tours, nature hikes, tide pooling, scuba diving and snorkeling trips.

Ocean Activities: Booking for Catalina Coastal Shuttle between Avalon and Two Harbors, Explore Catalina Day Trips, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Boat Trips, Kayak Tours and Rental, Boat Charters.
Land Activities: Booking for Catalina Safari Bus Trip between Avalon and Two Harbors, Explore Catalina Day Trips, Catalina Safari Van and Naturalist Tours, Hiking and Tidepooling Programs.
Ticket Offices: Located in Avalon at 211 Catalina Avenue, Two Harbors at the base of the Pier and at the Catalina Terminal in San Pedro. Or Call 800-785-8425.

Discovery Tours

Operated by the Santa Catalina Island Company since 1894. A broad selection of boat and bus trips, available year round.
Tickets in Avalon at the ferry boat landing, the Tour Plaza, the Pleasure Pier, the Discovery Tours Information Center and the Casino.
Tickets on the mainland at the Long Beach and San Pedro boat terminals.
Bus trips leave from the Tour Plaza (between Sumner and Catalina Ave.). Boat trips leave from the Pleasure Pier.
Phone: 310-510-2500

Catalina Kayak Adventures

Explore Catalina's rugged coast with expert guides.
Leeward and windward side kayak trips.
Two hour snorkel tours in Marine Preserve.
Reservations taken by phone or at booth located by Ferry boat landing
Web: http://www.catalina.com/wetspot.html.
Phone: 310-510-2229.