Avalon/Catalina Excursions

Spending a day in Catalina can be a fun getaway, and the cruise lines making port in Avalon have put together a diverse group of tours, excursions and adventures.

Your ship tender will drop you off at the Catalina Island Boat Pier, which is about two blocks south of the Green Pleasure Pier. This Boat Pier is where the ferries from Los Angeles arrive. There are bathroom facilities nearby, and the area is clearly marked where you board the ship's tender for your return back to your ship.

If you have taken any of the tours listed below, we'd like your feedback on your experience. Please click on the link of the tour you took, and then click the "Write a Review of This Tour" link and tell us what you experienced.

Beach, Snorkeling & Sailing

Lover's Cove Snorkel Tour

2 hours

This snorkel tour takes you to beautiful Lover's Cove, where the fish are abundant and the underwater scenery is spectacular. Check out the kelp forest in this unique marine environment.

Catalina Kayak Expedition

2½ hours

This ocean-going kayak adventure has been designed for both novice and experienced kayakers alike. And the fact that you're in Catalina makes it even better!

City Tours

Avalon Casino Tour

1 hour

This walking tour takes you back into time, to when Big Bands were king and Art Deco the design rage of Southern California. Explore the ballroom, theater, murals and other treasures of the Avalon Casino.

Avalon by Foot

1½ to 2 hours

Take a pleasant walking tour of the quaint village of Avalon, peering into the history and lore of the city. Visit the homes of prominent celebrities past, and take the opportunity to capture great photos of the city and surrounding vistas.

City Passport Tour

1 hour

This bus tour visits the William Wrigley estate, and the Catalina Golf Course, which was once part of the spring training site of the Chicago Cubs. Take some great photos from the vistas along the way.

Scuba Diving

Certified Scuba Adventure

2 to 2½ hours

Casino Point is one of the most popular dive sites in California, and one not to miss. For certified divers only.

Discover Scuba Diving

2 hours

If you've ever had an interest in scuba diving, this excursion gives you the introduction to the sport that you've been looking for.

Eco Tours

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

¾ hour

Take a journey into the mysterious underwater world of Catalina without getting wet. The clear waters of Catalina Island enable you to view indigenous marine species on this classic tour.

Ocean Eco-Rafting

2 hours

This boat tour aboard a rigid-hull power ocean raft takes you 10 miles up the unspoiled coast of Catalina to view the wildlife and marine creatures that make Catalina unique.

Seal Rocks Cruise

¾ hour

Climb aboard the classic vessel Blanch W for a short boat tour to Catalina's Seal Rocks and witness California Sea Lions in their native environment.

Undersea Tour/ Semi-Submersible Tour

¾ hour

This semi-submersible boat trip takes you to Lover's Cove to explore the magical underwater sights of Catalina. This premier attraction is exclusive to Catalina Island.

Buffalo Eco & Yellow Sub Combo Tour

3 hours

This combo tour begins with a two hour journey through beautiful canyons and scenic coastlines to view the native plans and wildlife, and continues with a semi-submersible boat tour of Lover's Cove to explore the underwater sights of Catalina.

Coastal Whale Watching Adventure

2 hours

This boat adventure takes you into San Pedro Channel to witness the migration of gray whales from Baja California to their summer feeding grounds in Alaska.

Golf

Catalina Island Golf Course

2½ to 5 hours

Course particulars: 9 holes, Par 32, 2,200 yards. This semi-private course winds through Avalon Canyon against the hills, and affords wonderful scenery, and a very pleasant day away from it all.

Scenic Tours

Avalon Scenic & Botanical Garden

1¾ hours

This bus excursion combines a tour of Avalon and the surrounding areas with a visit to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. You will see the Wrigley estate, the golf course, the Cubs spring training grounds, the Memorial and Gardens and quaint Avalon.

Avalon Scenic Tour

¾ hour

This 9-mile bus excursion allows you to get your bearings of Avalon and the surrounding area. You will see the Wrigley estate, the golf course, the Cubs spring training grounds and colorful Avalon.

Cape Canyon Tour

4 hours

This personalized escorted off-road Jeep tour takes you into Catalina's beautiful interior, featuring stops at the American Bald Eagle habitat at Middle Ranch and the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy's Nature Center, in addition to an off-road tour of Cape Canyon. Warm jacket or layered clothing recommended.

Skyline Drive Tour

2 hours

Travel a 10-mile route through the city of Avalon and into Catalina's unspoiled interior hills with views of the harbor and miles of scenic coastline. Stops are made at the Airport in the Sky and the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy's Nature Center.

Catalina Island Motor Tour

2 hours

This comprehensive bus tour takes you on a 31-mile journey through the heart of Catalina's rugged interior. You'll travel down a stagecoach route originally laid down in the 1800s to visit the Wrigley Arabian horse ranch, the Native Plant Nursery and the Catalina Island Fox habitats.

Inside Adventure Tour

2 hours

Travel a 10-mile route through the city of Avalon and into Catalina's unspoiled interior hills with views of the harbor and miles of scenic coastline. Stops are made at the Airport in the Sky and the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy's Nature Center.

Seaview and Seeland Combo Tour

2 hours

This combo tour begins with an undersea expedition aboard Catalina's famed Glass Bottom Boat, and ends with a tour of Avalon and the surrounding areas.

Important Information

Notes on the above cruise excursions:

• The information on the cruise excursions listed above was developed from publicly available sources.
• The cruise lines may elect to add to, change, delete or otherwise alter the itineraries of the excursions above;
• The cruise lines may restrict the number of passengers allowed to go on any particular excursion.
• The cruise lines may impose other restrictions on any particular excursion, including height, weight, minimum age, etc.; make sure to check with them to determine if there are such restrictions.
• There may be seasonal limitations on certain excursions or tours, such as whale watching. Be sure to check with your cruise line to determine if the tour in which you're interested is available when you're on your cruise.

Why buy a tour through the cruise lines?

• They have selected tour operator partners who are safe, reliable, licensed and insured.
• They offer a wide selection of tours, purchasing convenience and can provide expert advice on the most appropriate tour for you.
• They offer a one price, no surprises policy, with no hidden fees.
• They will be happy to credit your onboard account if you've already booked an excursion and there is a change in itinerary of the ship.
• They will wait for you if your tour is late.

Footnotes