7 Best Catalina Island Tours
From the Author: I tried to book the Catalina Express for October, and the early morning ferries from Long Beach were sold out three weeks in advance. So, even in the off-season, book your ferry in advance.
Yo, friends! Catalina Island is a ton of fun and the perfect California day trip. There are so many great Catalina Island Tours for such a small island, and I highly recommend you take one. My favorite tour—and it seems to be everyone’s favorite—is the Private Golf Cart Tour. Since it’s so popular, you need to book in advance, especially during the peak summer season.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
I recommend this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon— with a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read our Ultimate Catalina Island Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
How to Get to Catalina Island
The cheapest way to get to Catalina Island is via the Catalina Express. We leave from Long Beach, because it’s the closest port to me, and honestly, it offers the best parking option. The garage is right across from the dock, and costs only $20 for the day.
We often go to Catalina Island for the day, just because I’m weird, and don’t like to be stuck on an island for more than 10 hours, too much forced relaxation time.
The cheapest way to get to Catalina Island 👇🏻
Book the Catalina Express here! ⛴️
The other ports from which to get to Catalina Island are Newport Beach, Dana Point, and San Pedro.
Catalina Island Video
The Best Catalina Island Tours
For such a small island, there’s a ton to do. If you’re staying for the weekend, you can fit in a few of these tours. The last time my partner and I traveled to Catalina Island for the day, we took three tours! We didn’t feel rushed at all.
Tours of Catalina Island
This is what beautiful Catalina Island looks like when you roll in in the early morning. It’s stunning.
Once we arrived on the first ferry, and after we grabbed coffee at Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co., we took the Private Golf Cart Tour and saw most of Avalon in two hours.
Address Catalina Coffee & Cookie: 205 Crescent Avenue Avalon, CA 90704 ︱Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
We then toured the Wrigley Memorial and then took the Catalina Casino VIP Tour.
Let’s get to the list of the 7 best Catalina Island tours.
Below are the best tours you can take on Catalina Island. I’ve been on several of these, and they are worth the time and money, especially the Catalina Island Golf Cart Tour, which everyone seems to rave about. This tour sells out quickly, please book in advance.
1. Catalina Island Golf Cart Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🏌🏻♀️ Check Rates and Availability
We highly recommend this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour; it’s a low-hassle way to see the island.
You get to sit back and enjoy the ride with a personalized tour and guide.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rating: 5/5 for 250+ reviews
Explore local hangouts and iconic landmarks like the Inn at Mt. Ada and “three palms,” Avalon Diving History Exhibit, and the Catalina Casino.
Fantastic overview of the island. He showed us all around, gave us nice photo ops and shared details about the history, flora, and current issues. We were really impressed and thoroughly appreciated this great tour!
— vanessa (read more reviews)
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- The golf cart is driven by a local who knows the history and lure of the island
- You leisurely see Avalon and iconic landmarks
- Pickup at hotel or the ferry terminal
2. Catalina Island Jeep Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | Check Rates and Availability
We highly recommend this Two-Hour Adventure Tour; it’s a low-hassle way to see the island. It’s so good it wins a Badge of Excellence award and is likely to sell out. Please buy tickets in advance.
Discover the wild heart of Catalina on this thrilling Two-Hour Inside Adventure Tour!
Journey deep into the island’s rugged interior—far beyond what most visitors ever see. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, bald eagles, deer, and the elusive Catalina Island fox as you head 10 miles inland to the Airport-in-the-Sky. Along the way, explore a Native American gathering site and stop at the Nature Center to learn about the island’s unique ecology.
You get to sit back and enjoy the ride with a personalized tour and guide.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This tour will sell out. Badge of Excellence award from Viator
Tons of fun traveling up the mountains, epic views and great weather. The driver Tim was extremely knowledgeable and provided lots of fun facts related to the island history and native plants and animals. Tim had a very good sense of humor and made the trip more fun for everyone. Would highly recommended this excursion to anyone visiting the island
— eide (read more reviews)
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- Wildlife encounters with deer, bison, bald eagles, and the tiny Catalina Island fox
- Venture ten miles into the island’s protected and rugged interior
- Peer into one of the island’s original Native American gathering sites
3. Catalina Island Food Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2.5 hours | Check Rates and Availability
Experience Catalina Island through its most exquisite flavors on this elevated culinary walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll stroll the picturesque waterfront while uncovering the island’s rich cultural and gastronomic history.
The Catalina Island Food Tour gets a Viator Badge of Excellence and comes highly recommended by 97% of travelers.
Along the way, indulge in a curated selection of tastings—from freshly caught seafood to artisanal sweets—at some of Avalon’s most beloved establishments.
With group sizes kept small for a more personalized experience, this tour offers a sophisticated and authentic taste of island life.
The foodie tour in Catalina was great! Lots of variety of stops and food and drink choices. I also liked the fact that before the tour we were asked about food allergies, so they could accommodate everyone. The guide, Lili, was full of good information about the area as well. A fun afternoon.
— Janice (read more reviews)
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- A Local Guide gives you a history of Catalina Island
- Includes food and drink tastings
- Small group tour
4. Catalina Island Helicopter Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 | ⏳ Tour Length: 20 minutes | Check Rates and Availability
Soar above Catalina Island on a breathtaking helicopter tour that reveals the island’s most spectacular, untouched beauty.
Departing from Pebbly Beach, this 20-minute aerial adventure offers sweeping views of Catalina’s rugged interior, dramatic ocean cliffs, hidden coves, and glittering coastline.
From the sky, you’ll witness just how wild and unspoiled much of the island remains—an experience few visitors ever see.
It’s the ultimate way to take in the full scope of this 22-mile-long island sanctuary, perfect for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on California’s coastal gem.
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- Get a bird’s eye view of Catalina Island
- Fly over the iconic Catalina Casino and Wrigley Field & Botanic Garden
5. Private Guided City Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hour 15minutes | ⛴️ Check Rates and Availability
Tour Highlights:
- Tour Length: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Tour Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Included: Expert Guide
Looking for a fun and unforgettable way to see Avalon? Climb aboard Gary the Garibaldi—Catalina Island’s only fish-shaped golf cart and the only one that can accommodate large groups of up to 12 passengers. Fully electric and undeniably eye-catching, Gary isn’t just a ride—it’s part of the adventure.
This private tour offers a breezy, comfortable, and eco-conscious way to explore the island’s top sights. Cruise through Avalon with your crew as our knowledgeable local guides share captivating stories about island life, hidden landmarks, and Catalina’s rich history. Along the way, you’ll take in sweeping coastal views and stop for Instagram-worthy photo ops with the iconic Garibaldi-orange backdrop of your tour bus.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, exploring with friends, or just looking to see Avalon in a totally unique way, Gary the Garibaldi delivers a private sightseeing experience you won’t find anywhere else on the island.
Note: All passengers must be 8 years or older.
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- Must be +8 years old
- Small group with a maximum of 12 travelers
- Narrated tour
6. Catalina Island Zip Line Tours
⭐️ Rating: 4 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8-10 hours | Check Rates and Availability
If you’re in the market for adventure on Catalina Island, look no further than this Zip Line Eco Tour over Catalina.
Spend the day in Catalina and fly over Descanso Canyon in Avalon.
Our two zip line guides were absolutely amazing. They were so professional, made us all feel comfortable and confident and were extremely entertaining! We highly recommend this experience!
— Leila (read more reviews)
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- Starts in Long Beach
- When you arrive in Avalon, the island’s largest town, take a 15-minute walk to meet your expert guide at the zip line launch spot
- Includes round-trip ferry transfers
7. Catalina Island Boat Tours (semi-submarine)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 45 minutes | 🔊 Check Rates and Availability
This Semi-Submarine Tour takes you six feet below the water’s service to see colorful marine life in action.
After the tour, take in views of the island from your vessel’s top deck during the return journey to Avalon.
Fun for the whole family. We had a great time. Saw lots of fish. Kids loved shooting the torpedo food.
— kathryn (read more reviews)
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- Great for children and adults
- Semi-submersible SS Nautilus is designed after the USS Nautilus
- Cruise to a marine preserved sanctuary known as the Lovers’ Cove
More Catalina Tours
Catalina Island Travel Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Catalina Island?
Catalina Island is the southernmost island of California’s Channel Islands, about 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles.
How to Get to Catalina Island
The cheapest and easiest way to get to Catalina Island is via the Catalina Express. You can get the ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.
The Catalina Express runs from Long Beach and San Pedro to Avalon (there is one ferry, with fewer times slots, that goes to Two Harbors).
The Catalina Flyer runs from Newport Beach to Avalon.
Where To Stay On Catalina Island
Below are my top five hotel picks in Catalina:
Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- Wrigley Botanical Garden & Memorial on Catalina Island
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island & What You Need to Know
- Is There a Bridge to Catalina Island
- Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
Below are my top five hotel picks in Catalina:
Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- Wrigley Botanical Garden & Memorial on Catalina Island
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island & What You Need to Know
- What to Do in Catalina Island for a Day
- Best Time to Visit Catalina Island to Snorkel
- Catalina Island Ferry: Everything You Need to Know
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
