Catalina is about 22 miles off the Southern California coast and splits into two worlds: the resort town of Avalon on the southeast shore, and a wild interior owned mostly by a conservancy and home to bison. The 6 tours below run from $31 to $156.
Related: Best Things To Do in Catalina Island: Avalon harbor town & Glass-bottom boat tours
Top-Rated Catalina Island Tours & Experiences
Catalina Island Semi Submarine Undersea Tour
The semi-submarine sits partly below the waterline so you can see kelp, garibaldi and other fish from a viewing deck without getting wet. It runs from Avalon’s harbor area, so it suits children and travelers who dislike snorkeling.
Parasailing
Parasailing lifts you over Avalon Bay for a view of the town, the Casino building and the coastline. Wind and sea state decide whether flights go, so keep your schedule flexible and check weight limits and cancellation terms.
Catalina Island Avalon Scenic Tour
The Avalon scenic tour is a relaxed way to see the town and the nearby hillsides without a car, since only a limited number of golf-cart permits exist. Check whether it covers the Casino and Wrigley Memorial or only the harbor streets.
2 Hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island
The interior adventure takes a vehicle onto the island’s rugged roads, beyond Avalon’s streets into the Conservancy lands. It is the best option for seeing the dry hills, coves and, with luck, bison. Expect dust and bumpy roads.
Whichever experience you choose, booking online ahead of time in Catalina Island means one less thing to worry about once you land.
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What Makes These Tours Worth Booking
Getting around Catalina on your own is limited: Avalon is walkable, but the interior is accessible mostly by tour or on foot with permits. Tours therefore unlock the island beyond the harbor. The 6 priced tours here have 2,152 reviews averaging 4.5 stars.
Avalon, Two Harbors and the Interior
Avalon is where ferries dock and where most activities begin, with shops, a waterfront and the circular Casino building. Two Harbors, at the narrow isthmus on the north side, is smaller and more rustic. In between lies a rugged interior of ridges, canyons and bison herds that most visitors see only on a vehicle tour or hike.
Where to Sleep in Catalina Island
Most visitors sleep in Avalon, where hotels and restaurants cluster within a few blocks of the pier. Ferries run from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, and the crossing takes roughly an hour or more depending on the departure port. Ferry tickets are separate from tours, and bookings fill on summer weekends.
Timing Your Catalina Island Trip
June through September has the warmest weather and the busiest ferries. Spring and fall are calmer, often clearer, and easier to book. Winter is quiet and some activities scale back. Morning clouds can linger in late spring, so check the forecast for parasailing and boat trips.
How Much Catalina Island Tours Cost
Tours run from $31 to $156, with a median of $59. Discover Avalon is the cheapest at $31, while the zip line is the priciest of the main listings. Ferry fares are a significant extra cost, so budget for them separately.
Booking Tips for Catalina Island
Travel in the morning to maximize the day, carry a layer for the ferry, and wear shoes you can walk in. The sea can be rough on windy days.
Comparing the Best Catalina Island Options
Sea-based options such as the semi-submarine and parasailing show Avalon’s coast, while the summit safari and zip line reach the interior. The ghost walk and scenic tour are cheaper ways to fill an evening or an hour in town.
Catalina Island Tours: Quick Answers
How much do Catalina Island tours cost?
Across 6 priced tours, prices run from $31 to $156, with a median of $59. Ferry fares are not included in these prices.
Which Catalina Island tour is rated highest?
Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour leads with 4.9 stars from 384 reviews, while Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon is the most reviewed with 611.
Can I see bison on Catalina Island?
Bison roam the island’s interior, and the summit safari and interior tours are the main way to see them. Sightings are not guaranteed.
How do I get to Catalina Island?
Passenger ferries leave from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, taking roughly an hour or more. Book ahead on summer weekends.
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