catalina island undersea sub expedition tours

Undersea Expedition

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All ages
• Clock Duration: 45 minutes
• Map Marker Location: Tour meets on the left side of the Green Pleasure Pier.
• Info Note: Guests of all ages are welcome aboard; infants required to have a ticket per Coast Guard regulations.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Guests must transfer; have the ability to use stairs and ramps to enter & exit.
• Heart Restrictions: This tour on Catalina Island is available for most guests. Please see restrictions below.

Explore the Pacific on the Catalina Island Submarine

• Explore the undersea gardens around Catalina Island while staying completely dry.
• See a variety of plant and animal life including sea lions, calico bass, Garibaldi & more.
• Watch a feeding frenzy commence as schools of fish surround your porthole.
• Enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise as you head back into Avalon Harbor.
• This is more than a tour; it’s an undersea adventure.
• Watch the feeding frenzy as schools of fish go crazy for food from above. Get ready for fun!

*Refunds & exchanges are subject to availability. Click here to read our cancellation policy.

• Chevron down What to Expect

Come face-to-face with Catalina’s abundant marine life by cruising five feet underwater in a spacious, climate-controlled submarine cabin. Every passenger has their own seat and port hole plus you’re free to roam about the cabin seeking other viewpoints.

What marine life will we see?  Experience underwater sights from aboard the Sea Wolf Semi-Submersible on Catalina Island. You’ll see an incredible array of undersea dwellers: bright orange garibaldi, spotted calico bass, urchins, rock fish and bat rays, just to name a few.

• Chevron down Restrictions

For your safety, you should be in good health & free from high blood pressure, heart, neck or back problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this tour. Please note all guests must be able to use ramps and stairs to enter and exit the Sea Wolf. There are steep stairs up and down between the dock and the seating area on board the boat.

• Chevron down What to Bring

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes based on the season. High heels are not recommended. Check the Catalina Island weather forecast and dress appropriately. Small bags/purses can be accommodated, but please do not bring any large bags aboard the Catalina Island submarine. Larger bags can be left securely at the Cabrillo Mole. Gratuity for your guide is not included but is accepted and greatly appreciated!

• Chevron down Where to Meet

Undersea Semi-Submersible Expedition Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon, CA 90704

GET DIRECTIONS

• Chevron down FAQ

Do I need a reservation for the Semi-Submersible Undersea Tour?

While a reservation is not required, it is recommended. There are a limited number of seats and they do sell out.

Are there restrooms available near the Semi-Submersible check-in location or on board?

Yes, restrooms are located at the base of the Green Pleasure Pier. Please make sure to use them before you check-in. There is a restroom on board the semi-submersible for emergencies, however it is recommended that you use the restroom before you board the boat.

How far is the Semi-Submersible check-in location from certain areas?

Walking time to common locations:

• Cabrillo Mole Area: 7-10 minutes
• Basketball/Volleyball/Old Ben Park Area: 3-4 minutes
• Green Pleasure Pier/Island Tour Plaza: 1-2 minutes
• Casino Building: 10-15 minutes
• Descanso Beach: 15-20 minutes

Is food or drink provided on Semi-Submersible Undersea Tour? Can I eat and drink while on the boat?

Due to the nature & brevity of this tour, food & beverage is not provided or permitted on tour. Guests can bring a bottle of water with them, if they would like.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.

Related Activities

• Clock 45 minutes
• Users Ages 3+

Glass Bottom Boat Voyage

The original Catalina Island tour that started it all. Glass bottom boats offer a window into another world! See California sea life below you.

• Clock 3 hours
• Users Ages 10+

Discover Scuba Diving

Find out what makes scuba divers love Catalina Island! See majestic kelp and schools of colorful fish as you explore Catalina’s underwater world.

• Our most popular tour!

The Nautilus Semi-Submarine Excursion

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 45 minutes

Six feet under your imagination

Join our captain and his crew on an exploratory mission that is both educational and entertaining. This vessel features a fish food feeding system launched by torpedo buttons so you can feed the fish from your seat (for an additional charge). This makes for the most amazing, up-close views of Catalina Island’s spectacular, colorful fish and local marine life. No aquarium can compare with these exclusive views.

Fire One! Fire Two! You have not entered enemy waters; you are now in a marine preserved sanctuary where a feeding frenzy delight seafarers. Seasonal evening missions may also be offered for viewing nocturnal sea creatures active only after dark!

Book now and board the submarine for an unforgettable adventure.

Things to Know:

Participants must be able to transfer to vessel (walk 12 steps down to and up from seating area)

For safety, you should be in good health and free from claustrophobia or anxiety symptoms, high blood pressure, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure

Late Policy

If you arrive late, we are not able to provide you with a refund. Our tours are scheduled to provide you with the best experience possible, and we are not able to make any exceptions if you are late. Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you are on time.

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• Clock 2 hours

Inside Adventure Tour

Spectacular canyons, a scenic coastline, and an unspoiled countryside alive with native plants and wildlife will take your breath away on this two hour guided eco-land excursion.

• Clock 50 minutes

Avalon City Terrace Tour

There are great photo opportunities around every turn as we explore Avalon on a guided tour. View iconic landmarks and famous sites.

Come to Catalina and Head Out for Some Freestyle Touring. Our Safety Details >

310.510.0369 | [email protected]

Undersea Expedition

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Come face-to-face with Catalina’s abundant marine life by cruising five feet under water in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin. Every passenger has their own seat and port hole plus you’re free to roam about the cabin seeking other viewpoints.

You’ll see an incredible array of undersea dwellers: bright orange garibaldi, spotted calico bass, urchins, rockfish and bat rays, just to name a few. This is more than a tour; it’s an undersea adventure.

Important Information

Prices are subject to change without notice. Prices do not include Avalon City Admissions Tax or Harbor Use Fees.

To book, call: (310) 510-1600

TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Tour companies in Avalon provide an array of activities, sightseeing, expeditions, coastal and interior drives, boat rides and more. Check availability and book a Catalina Island tour now.

Catalina Island Company

Only in Catalina can you zip across a rugged canyon, go on an underwater sea expedition and explore the pristine wilderness. The Catalina Island Company offers many land and sea activities to help you find your own Island rhythm.

• Chevron down Just a few of the activities offered:
• Zip Line Eco Tour
• Catalina Aerial Adventure
• Bison Expedition
• Casino Tours
• Undersea Sub Expedition
• Cabana/Chaise Lounge Rentals

Submarine Tour

• Explore Catalina Island's Stunning Beauty!Welcome to Catalina Island, the destination of your dreams! This gem, located in the center of the Pacific Ocean,...
• What Makes Catalina Island Special?Natural Wonders: Take in the island's breathtakingly beautiful surroundings
• Hike across rocky landscapes, take in the pristine waterways, and learn about distinctive flora and wildlife that you won't find anywhere else

• A year-round escape for one million annual tourists, Catalina Island is gaining popularity as a world-class eco-destination
• Eighty-eight percent of the island is under the watch of the Catalina Island Conservancy, which preserves, manages and restores the island's unique wild...
• Bison, foxes and bald eagles are its best-known inhabitants, but Catalina is home to more than sixty other animal and plant species that exist nowhere...

• HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF CATALINA ISLAND?
• IF YES, Well, look no further! This trusted and certified travel guide is tailor-made just for YOU! If you're an adventure-seeking traveler, a nature...

• A simple lined notebook with room to fill in your thoughts, process life, and jot down adventures
• 147 lined pages to fill with musings on your journey
• Original watercolor and ink painting featuring the beautiful Avalon harbor of Catalina Island is the backdrop to this practical notepad

• Santa Catalina Island is one of the West Coast's great nearby escapes, an hour's boat ride from Los Angeles and Long Beach for one million annual tourists
• The island's seventy-six square miles contain two communities--Avalon and Two Harbors--and extremely rugged seashores and interior wild lands
• Here, the history has been carved by pirates, smugglers, prospectors and squatters and set down by seafaring scribes and Hollywood fabricators

• A comprehensive guide to this amazing island off the Orange County coast
• This is a shaded relief topographic map
• It shows dirt roads, dive sites, snorkel sites, moorings, campground, anchorages and more

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• Catalina Wine Mixer
• Two Harbors Wine Fest
• Independence Day Celebration in Two Harbors
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Exclusive Activities & Tours

Guided private tour experiences just for your group.

Experience your favorite Catalina Island activities  with only your friends and family on a private Hummer Tour , Undersea Sub Expedition  or Catalina Falconry Experience !

Hummer Tours take you out into Catalina Island's vast open spaces where you have a chance to see a bison, bald eagle, or island fox. Also learn about the history of Catalina, its flora and fauna and more. Bring a hat and sunscreen – our Hummers are open-air!  

Want to take your adventure under the sea? Hop aboard one of Catalina Island Company's semi-submersible submarines to spot a variety of different fish and marine life. For a different perspective and some fresh air, enjoy Lover’s Cove from atop the vessel.

Or, experience the thrill and anticipation, as a trained bird of prey swoops toward you and gently lands on your outstretched hand. The Catalina Falconry Experience is a one-of-a-kind experience and one of only a few programs like it in southern California!

Book your exclusive Catalina Island tour

Call 877.778.8322.

* Cancellation policy - 48 hours before scheduled departure.

Pricing and Duration

• Undersea Sub Expedition - $1,950
• Glass Bottom Boat Voyage - $1,240
• Hummer Tour - $1,300
• Catalina Island Zipline Eco Tour - $1,555
• Catalina Falconry Experience - $2,000 (seasonal)

PRIVATE TOUR CAPACITIES

• Undersea Sub Expedition - 35
• Glass Bottom Boat Voyage - 36
• Hummer Tour - 12
• Catalina Island Zipline Eco Tour - 10
• Catalina Falconry Experience - 20
• Undersea Sub Expedition – 1 hour
• Glass Bottom Boat Voyage – 45 minutes
• Hummer Tour – 2 hours
• Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour - 2 hours
• Catalina Falconry Experience - 1 hr 15 min

*Please note: Food and beverages are not allowed on Catalina Island Co. Tours & Activities.

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Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour - Santa Catalina Island - With Reviews & Ratings

• Santa Catalina Island Tours
• Submarine Tours
• Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour

Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour - Santa Catalina Island

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Printed Voucher Required
• Hotel pickup Available
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 45 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Time : Times May Vary., Summer Schedule (Memorial Day thru Labor Day) 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm & 5pm , Off season Schedule: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.,
• Return Details : • Call 1-310-510-2000 EXT 1220 and provide your Viator voucher number (located underneath the barcode on your voucher) to schedule your Catalina Undersea Expedition departure time.
• Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Know More about this tour

Boat By Boat By

• Live commentary on board

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adults lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Restrooms are not available while on tour, but are available at the base of the Green Pleasure Pier, so please use before check-in

Please check your email through Viator for your confirmation number and tour information

• Sightseeing Tours
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• What to do in Santa Catalina Island
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• How to reach Santa Catalina Island
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• City Map of Santa Catalina Island
• Santa Catalina Island Itineraries
• Santa Catalina Island Hotels
• Itinerary Planner

Traveler Reviews

It was awesome! Especially interacting with the fishes. How close they got to the window. I highly recommend it.

Amazing! The views of kelp and variety of fishes were so beautiful, especially the colorful Girabaldi fish. The first mate gave us great details about the life cycle, food, and history of all these flora and fauna.

We originally booked a glass bottom boat tour, but it was cancelled due to maintenance, and Catalina Tours immediately called to notify us and upgrade us to the Undersea Expedition for no charge. A variety of fish come right up to the windows with no fear. If you get seasick, they will let you up on the deck for some fresh air, but that can easily be prevented by not drinking too much liquid beforehand, wearing sea bands on your wrists and snacking on some Saltines or other dry crackers. Definitely a crowd pleaser, especially for the kids.

Went with my 8 year old- was nice- it is exactly what you think, nothing more- maybe 3-5 types of fish that wait for the boats to come and eat… is it worth the money? Hmmm debatable but it delivers schools of fish. After 20 minutes my son was playing with a toy we brought..

It was a fun ride. We saw lots of fish only maybe 5-6 different types but lots of them. I have 1.5 year old and she was entertained and had fun. My husband gets super seasick and he was fine. We would do it again.

Everything was great 😊 I would highly recommend this excursion & would likely do it again. …………………………….

I really enjoyed the expedition. The tour staff were all friendly and informative. It was great seeing all the marine life.

The boat over there had an emergency and we turned around and went back to Newport and then back to Catalina. Took 3 hours and our day was wasted away.

The tour was so fun. On the guide was funny. So glad I went, I will for sure be doing this again. Loved it

Did you know that there are TWO companies offering submarine tours in Catalina? Neither did I. The one I booked, Catalina Island Company Undersea Sub Expedition (the red boat), was the more expensive tour. This is ironic because the boat didn’t seem so well maintained. Seaweed was growing around the edges of the windows, and the glass had goop marks and haze from stuff growing on it. We were booked for a 1:00 p.m. cruise, and they requested us to be at the dock in line by 12:40p. Then the crew made us stand in line, on the dock in the sun with no shade, while they finished lunch. We watched one of them eat a sandwich. We waited twenty minutes, outside at midday, something that I would never do normally. So I was subsequently surprise-sunburned pretty bad. After we boarded, I was disappointed to find that the submarine windows were caked and framed in seaweed, growing outside of the sub window seals, and waving with the water into the window. My window also had a large glop of algae in the middle. The semi-submersible tour was pleasant enough. The captain of the sub is a local who grew up on Catalina. He and the crew kindly offered a narrative of the fish and the reef as we motored about the bay. The experience of seeing fish in a natural setting is really quite lovely, once I was able to ignore the seaweed swirling and flopping about NOT on the ocean floor but around the edges of my window. Everyone was friendly. But next time I’ll book the other company (the yellow boat) and hope for a better overall experience.

15 Best Catalina Island Tours To Take In 2024

Catalina Island is a delightful destination in California that offers numerous attractions and fun outdoor activities. If you’re planning a trip to this charming island and are looking for the best Catalina Island tours to take on your visit, I have you covered!

As a California local, I’ve been to Catalina Island many times ranging from quick day trips to weekend getaways and multi-day backpacking trips.

If this lovely destination has caught your eye, you may be looking for some Catalina Island tours to add to your itinerary.

My top pick for a Catalina tour: Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon which visits some of the best locations on Catalina Island!

From underwater submarine excursions to sightseeing tours and wildlife sighting experiences, here is a list of all the best Catalina Island tours to get you started!

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, may I earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!

15 Best Catalina Island Tours:

1. guided private golf cart tour of avalon.

Tour Highlights:

• Tour length: 2 hours
• Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 280+ reviews
• Includes: golf cart, guide, water, facility fees

Catalina Island’s quaint town of Avalon offers a charming retreat just a short boat ride from the California Coast.

This 2-hour guided golf cart tour will take you to see all the major highlights in Avalon so you can get to know the town like a local! This includes a handful of iconic landmarks and local hangouts that will make you appreciate the town’s unique flavor.

“ Awesome experience on Catalina Island! Our tour guide, Dudley, was incredible!!! He took us to the best spots!” -Ryan H. (read more reviews on Viator )

The Catalina Casino, an architectural masterpiece is one of the stops along the way. This tour also includes other fascinating destinations such as Pebbly Beach, Wigley Memorial & Botanic Garden , and more!

Riding in a golf cart, you can see all that Avalon has to offer, giving you the perfect opportunity to soak in many attractions without getting too tired from walking around.

You can pick between multiple departure times and enjoy a personalized experience as you explore the historic town. The guide will also inform you of the island’s rich history, enhancing your experience and appreciation.

2. Semi-Submarine Tour Of Catalina Island

• Tour length: 45 minutes
• Tour rating: 4/5 stars out of 200+ reviews
• Includes: submarine ride & guide (fish food is extra)

Dive deep into all that Catalina Island has to offer with this Catalina Island undersea sub experience starting at Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon. When you depart from the pier, the semi-sub will take you 6 feet underwater to explore the mesmerizing marine life within Avalon Bay.

“ It was a fun excursion! You have the option to buy fish food and feed the fish so they come right to your window. We saw lots and lots of fish!” -Bethany W. (read more reviews on Viator )

You will cruise through the Lovers’ Cove Marine Preserve Sanctuary and for an extra fee feed the fish . I’ve personally done this submarine tour on a day trip to Catalina Island and had a blast!

This Catalina Island tour lets you experience the wonderful underwater scenery and marine wildlife without getting yourself wet. After you witness an unforgettable feeding frenzy, you can alight on the sub’s top deck and soak in spectacular views of Catalina Island.

3. Discover Avalon – Catalina Scenic Tour

• Tour length: 50 minutes
• Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 170+ reviews
• Includes: transportation, a guided commentary

If an intimate, comprehensive, and quick excursion is what you’re after, Discover Avalon Catalina Scenic Tour is a great option! Over the course of 50 minutes, you will experience what the biggest city on Catalina Island has to offer in a small group of up to 6 people.

This is a great way to get to know Avalon on your first visit before you explore its charming streets and beaches. It is a non-stop journey along the stunning shores of the city while you remain in a comfortable vehicle.

“This Catalina Tour is an absolute treat for anyone visiting the area. From breathtaking vistas to intriguing historical insights, this tour covers it all.” -Curtis M. (read more reviews on Viator )

It all begins at Catalina Ave & 3rd St. The tour’s itinerary will help you become quickly acquainted with Avalon’s amazing waterfront, hillsides, town center, and all of its fun attractions.

This will help you plan the rest of your visit and pick places you want to explore further. The guide will even provide additional information about the island and the city’s history to help you out!

4. Catalina Island Glass Bottom Boat Tour

• Tour length: 40 minutes
• Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 50+ reviews
• Includes: boat ride

Do you want to discover an array of colorful fish and other underwater creatures in the Pacific Ocean without setting foot in the water? This glass-bottom boat tour will help you do just that! If you’re not a fan of snorkeling but still want to see kelp forests and vibrant fish , this tour is for you.

“Great tour guide! Great trip with the kids to see below the sea. A must-do adventure on your Catalina Island trip!” -Heather H. (read more reviews on Viator )

The tour begins at 22 Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon. Each boat only seats 9 passengers so you can enjoy a small group setting and more attention from your captain as you embark on the adventure.

The captain will tell you about the local ecology as well as the corals and fish you see. It’s a super informative and relaxing experience, especially for families with little kids.

5. 2-Hour Catalina Island Adventure Tour

• Includes: transportation, guide

This is an exciting 2-hour-long Catalina Island Tour that’s meant to quench your thirst for adventure. Aside from traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle for maximum comfort, the adventure tour is all about exploring the wild and protected side of Catalina Island.

“ The views were magnificent . Abram, our driver and guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He pointed out the wildlife and we saw a herd of bison.” -Rochelle S. (read more reviews on Viator )

As you head towards Catalina’s Airport-in-the-Sky , you’ll be on the lookout for local wildlife such as bison, deer, and bald eagles. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the endangered Catalina Island Fox (they are the cutest!).

When you reach your destination in the Catalina Island Conservancy’s Nature Center , you’ll get to visit a Native American gathering site that’s perched on the highest point of the island.

This tour is the perfect blend of adventure and cultural history so you can appreciate the rugged side of the island and its captivating past.

Read Next: 15 Best Places For Viewing Wildlife In California

6. Catalina Island Undersea Expedition Tour

• Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 70+ reviews
• Includes: underwater cruise & guided commentary

The waters surrounding Catalina Island are teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for underwater expeditions.

During the Catalina Island Undersea Expedition , you’ll get to enjoy all that the Pacific waters have to offer over 45 minutes. It is an enthralling, safe, and comfortable experience as you glide 5 feet underwater in a climate-controlled cabin.

“ I really enjoyed the expedition . The tour staff were all friendly and informative. It was great seeing all the marine life.” -Ronald A. (read more reviews on Viator )

The expedition begins at Green Pleasure Pier. Once you go under, you will have your own personal porthole to peek out from . Witness the magical world underneath as your guide provides information about marine biology in the area.

You can walk around to enjoy views from different points and angles and visit the upper deck to admire Avalon’s shoreline. This expedition is an unforgettable experience if you’re looking to observe marine life while staying comfortable and dry.

7. Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour

• Tour length: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 40+ reviews
• Includes: tour guide, audio headphones

Catalina Island boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. This Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour is designed for those who appreciate the spookier side of things.

“Great tour! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for something fun and off the beaten path when they come Catalina.” -Kristen C. (read more reviews on Viator )

Starting at 7 pm at 1 Green Pleasure Pier, this 1 hour and 30-minute-long tour ends at 1 Casino Way Avalon and makes for an enthralling experience. Your guide will regale you with tales of the Casino as you stand in its entryway, making the experience much more immersive.

Then, you will explore the streets of downtown Avalon as the local historian explains the difference between spirits and ghosts. You will also learn about goosebump-inducing stories and the paranormal mysteries of Catalina Island.

8. 10-Hour Catalina Island Coastal Fishing Trip

• Tour length: 10 hours
• Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 34,600+ reviews
• Includes: boat ride, bait, experienced captain & crew (fishing license, rod rentals, and tackle are available at additional cost)

If you’re enthusiastic about fishing and looking to spend a nice long day at sea, this Catalina Island coastal fishing trip offers one of the most unique experiences you can do in Southern California.

“Crew was amazing! Everyone was professional and helpful making sure my son had a great first time deep sea fishing experience.” -Ryan (read more reviews on Groupon )

The tour includes bait while an experienced captain takes you to the best fishing spots near Catalina Island . As you go fishing, you may just reel in a white sea bass, bonito, barracuda, calico bass, sheepshead, sculpin, or yellowtail.

The boat features a complete indoor kitchen along with an assortment of food items and beverages. It is also equipped with a modern fishing tracking system to help you get a full catch.

If you’re looking to buy or rent a rod or purchase other items such as sunscreen, fishing licenses, apparel, and tackle, including the latest saltwater lures, the on-site tackle shop will hook you up!

9. Behind The Scenes Catalina Island Casino Tour

• Tour length: 1.5 hours
• Tour rating: 4/5 stars out of 10+ reviews
• Includes: tour guide

Take a gamble on this tour because you’ll surely have an incredible experience even if you don’t usually visit casinos! The Behind The Scenes Casino Tour provides an exclusive experience with just nine people in each group.

“ Tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable . She brought the tour to life and made sure that we were able to see everything.” -Linda W. (read more reviews on Viator )

During the tour you will visit the historic Catalina Casino, allowing you to appreciate the town’s old Hollywood glamor and dramatic seaside setting. You’ll also be exploring areas of the casino that have been closed to the public for over 70 years!

See the green rooms that were once used by Errol Flynn and Cary Grant. Stand on the stage where the King of Swing, Benny Goodman once stood. See the historic projection room and first cinema designed for screen talkies, including Cecil B. DeMille’s latest films.

If this sounds like heaven, then reserve a slot for this 90-minute excursion that’s bursting with glamor and infotainment.

10. Fantastic Catalina Race

• Includes: snacks, beverages, goodies, prizes

Blend the excitement of sightseeing with the intrigue of solving mysterious clues and playing detective. The Fantastic Catalina Race and Mystery experience is a unique way to explore the island while challenging yourself to solve clues and enjoying an exciting, interactive 90-minute adventure.

“ Such a fun way to see Catalina! Our kids (young adults) loved it and will always remember this trip. Be sure to wear athletic shoes, a lot of ground to cover.” -Read more reviews on Viator

Whether you’re looking to bond with family or enjoy a memorable adventure with your friends, this is a great way to experience Catalina Island. The race is all-inclusive, offering snacks, beverages, and wonderful prizes.

The adventure begins at 220 Metropole Ave at 11:15 am, so you can start your day on a thrilling note. It ends at the perfect time for an early lunch so you can set off for more adventures on Catalina Island!

11. Escape Room Catalina

• Tour length: 1 hour
• Tour rating: 5/5 stars out of 10 reviews
• Includes: escape room, costumed photo

Can’t get enough of interactive challenges and mysteries? Try Escape Room Catalina , the only escape room on the island! It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible with a 10-person limit so you can readily get cracking on your escape plan with a small group of family or friends.

“ Amazing experience . Never had so much fun and within a small area. Will recommend it to anyone who wants to have fun escaping a room.” -Read more reviews on Viator

The challenge is to get out of venues that look like a submarine or pilot ship in less than an hour, making this a highly unique escape room experience . If that isn’t cool enough, you also get a free costumed photograph so you and your crew can remember your Escape Room shenanigans forever!

The Escape Room’s meeting point is at 220 Metropole Ave, and the Game Master will get you up to speed on all the rules and regulations before checking you in.

12.  Catalina Island Mermaid Photo Shoot

• Tour rating:  4.5/5 stars out of 7 reviews
• Includes: mermaid tail, photographer, online gallery of photos

Catalina Island is a gorgeous destination that looks straight out of a fantasy world. Well, this particular activity capitalizes on its otherworldly feel!

During the Mermaid Photo Shoot , you’ll don a gorgeous mermaid tail that will make you feel like a stunning underwater goddess. With various sizes available for children, women, and men, you can make this a fun experience for yourself, your family, or couples.

“ So much fun being a mermaid on the island! Photographer was amazing and super easy to work with.” -Gabrielle P. (read more reviews on Viator )

Add a bit of whimsy and wonder to your trip and unlock your inner sea princess & prince with this mystical, magical photoshoot at 1 Casino Way. You can wear a top of your choice and be as creative as you like.

The photographer and mermaid tail are all yours for an hour. In the end, you’ll get a set of enchanting photographs!

13. A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of Avalon City

• Tour rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 15+ reviews
• Includes: VoicaMap app, audio, maps, and geodata

Sometimes, you just want to take over the reins and enjoy a walking tour at your own pace . This Avalon City self-guided tour allows you to do just that! You can start, pause, and restart the audio tour at any time so you have full control over your day.

“Loved the Catalina Island stories, history and voices used to tell the tales of Avalon. Loved this and will use for other cities too.” -Dlien (read more reviews on Viator )

Download the VoiceMap application and enjoy lifetime access to the audio tour of Avalon City, along with offline access to all the maps, geodata, and audio content.

This allows you to go at your own pace , customizing your tour and experience however you wish. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Catalina Island while learning all you can about it.

14. Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour

• Includes: zip line, tour guide

If you’re a daredevil and soaring 600 feet off the ground sounds like your cup of tea, this Catalina Island Zipline Eco Tour is what you need! Over the course of two hours, you will speed across multiple zip lines on the island at a speed of 40 miles per hour .

Your tour will begin at Descanso Beach Club with a safety briefing. Then, you’ll take to the skies, soaring high above the canyons and treetops. You can also learn more about the Island’s wildlife and ecology at different stations along the way.

This eco-tour is 2 hours of pure fun and excitement . It is the perfect combination of sightseeing and adrenaline blended into a single adventure.

15. Catalina Island Bison Expedition

• Includes: driver, live commentary

Hop onto a four-wheel drive and explore remote parts of Catalina Island with your expert guide-driver in this bison expedition . This journey will have you aboard an eco-friendly Hummer as you dive into the rugged, rustic, untamed areas of Catalina Island.

You will ride off-road into Cape Canyon, and along Sheep Chute Road in search of American bison while learning all about the local ecology and wildlife. Open skies and mesmerizing views make this a priceless experience!

Starting at 10 a.m., this expedition is an exciting way to begin your day. Over the 2-hour window, you also get to pass through Middle Ranch and enjoy a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain.

I’ve been to Catalina Island several times and have seen the bison each time. The bison that reside on Catalina Island is part of a herd that was left on the island in the 1920s by a movie crew.

Catalina Island welcomes over a million visitors each year. With all that it has to offer — adventure, history, wildlife, escape rooms, and fun photoshoots — it’s no wonder that it continues to captivate so many tourists!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Catalina Island:

How much does it cost to tour catalina island.

Catalina Island tours vary in cost. A more in-depth private sightseeing tour costs around $300 for a group while a shorter submarine underwater tour costs around $50 per person.

On Catalina Island, you can find a variety of excursions and tours for different group sizes and budgets.

What is the best month to go to Catalina Island?

I personally enjoy visiting Catalina Island in the spring and early summer months when the rolling hills are covered in green grass and lush vegetation. But Catalina Island is a wonderful destination to visit year-round due to its mild, temperate weather.

Is it worth going to Catalina Island for the day?

I’ve gone to Catalina Island on day trips and it is so worth it! Due to its close location to the Southern California coast, you can easily plan day trips to Catalina and explore quite a bit within a few hours.

What is the best way to visit Catalina Island?

For visiting Catalina Island you will need to arrange a boat ride through Catalina Express . Catalina Express offers 30 departures daily so you have plenty of options to choose from.

The Catalina Express boats depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point . I live the closest to Long Beach so this is where I usually leave from.

As a second option, you can arrange a ride with Catalina Flyer which departs from Newport Beach in Orange County. This is the largest catamaran on the California Coast that also offers multiple round trip options daily.

Looking for more things to do around California? Be sure to check out these posts next:

• 16 Best Places To Stay In Carpinteria CA On The Coast
• 15 Wonderful Places To Stay In Oxnard Near The Beach
• 26 Best Things To Do In Ventura California (By a Local)
• 15 Best Places To Stay In Ventura CA Near The Beach
• 15 Best Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Tours

This post is written by Laura Sausina . Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 30,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here .

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