Tours on Catalina Island pack real value and authentic experiences into compact timeframes. The standout Inside Adventure Tour runs two hours and delivers an excellent overview of island wildlife – perfect for nature lovers who want the real deal without tourist traps. We especially love the Historic Casino backstage experience, which brings the island’s 1920s glamour to life through fascinating stories and hidden spaces.
For something unique, the Undersea Expedition lets you view vibrant marine life through large windows while staying dry, and the playful Mermaids and Mimosas tour offers a fresh twist on brunch culture. These tours consistently earn our recommendation for their efficient use of time and authentic local insights.
Let’s check out the island’s most worthwhile tours.
Key Points
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The Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon offers a highly-rated, personalized experience showcasing Catalina Island’s top sights in a private golf cart.
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The Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour provides a scenic journey through Catalina’s waterfront, hillsides, and town center, suitable for first-time visitors.
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The 2 Hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island takes visitors 10 miles into the island, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles, bison, and Catalina Island foxes.
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The Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour allows visitors to explore the marine life below the surface in a semi-submersible vessel for an affordable price.
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The Mermaids and Mimosas Half Day Tour offers a unique, immersive experience where participants wear mermaid tails and enjoy refreshing mimosas.
Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon
For visitors seeking a personalized and eco-friendly way to explore Catalina Island’s charming town of Avalon, the Private Guided Golf Cart Tour is an ideal choice.
This highly-rated tour, with a 4.9 average from 476 reviews, allows groups of up to 5 people to cruise around Avalon in a private golf cart. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour showcases the island’s top sights, including the iconic Catalina Casino, Pebbly Beach, and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden.
Priced from $302.50 per group, the tour provides excellent value, with various pickup locations and departure times to accommodate travelers. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and engaging commentary, which enhances the overall experience.
The tour’s duration is well-timed, allowing ample sightseeing and time to explore Avalon on foot. For those looking to make the most of their Catalina Island visit, this private golf cart tour is a must-do activity.
Read our full review: Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon Review
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From Punta Cana: Catalina Snorkeling & Altos De Chavon Tour
Travelers seeking to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic can embark on the captivating “From Punta Cana: Catalina Snorkeling & Altos De Chavon Tour.”
This 8-hour excursion whisks participants away to the stunning Catalina Island, the second-largest island in the country, where they’ll have the opportunity to snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life at the renowned La Pared site.
After the snorkeling adventure, the tour leads visitors to the charming Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style village featuring art schools and an amphitheater.
Theres some good a traditional Dominican meal on Catalina Island before returning to Punta Cana.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, complimentary snorkeling gear, and a live guide available in multiple languages, this tour offers an immersive and well-rounded experience.
Priced at Kč 2,651 per person, the tour provides excellent value and can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for free.
Read our full review: From Punta Cana: Catalina Snorkeling & Altos De Chavon Tour Review
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Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour
Have you always wanted to discover the captivating town of Avalon on Catalina Island? The Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour offers a quick, nonstop journey through the island’s waterfront, hillsides, and town center.
With 235 reviews and a 90% recommendation rate, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors.
During the tour, you’ll learn about Catalina Island’s rich history and heritage from a knowledgeable guide. Aboard a comfortable vehicle, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Pacific along the beachfront and hills, along with live commentary.
The tour ends with an overview of the town, allowing you to further explore on your own.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated with assistance. With a maximum of 18 travelers, you’ll have a personalized experience.
Priced at $31 per person, this tour provides a great value and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the best of Avalon on Catalina Island.
Read our full review: Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour Review
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2 Hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island
Although the Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour provides a quick overview of the island’s main town, the 2-hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island ventures deeper into the island’s interior, offering a chance to witness its unique wildlife and natural landscapes.
Rated 4.3 stars from 189 reviews with a Badge of Excellence, this tour takes visitors 10 miles into the island, culminating at the Airport-in-the-Sky. Along the way, travelers may spot bald eagles, bison, deer, and the elusive Catalina Island fox.
The tour also includes stops at the Conservancy’s Nature Center and a Native American gathering site, providing educational insights from the onboard naturalist.
Accommodating up to 21 guests in a custom-built safari vehicle, the tour offers scenic views and a comfortable experience.
While wildlife sightings can be mixed, the tour consistently receives praise for its knowledgeable guide and unique glimpse into Catalina’s ecosystem and history.
Read our full review: 2 Hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island Review
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Glass Bottom Boat: Catalina Island Tour
For visitors to Catalina Island seeking a more relaxed and immersive marine experience, the Glass Bottom Boat tour provides an opportunity to observe the island’s vibrant underwater world without the need for snorkeling or diving.
Departing from the Green Pleasure Pier, the tour takes travelers on a journey through the Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, where they can witness colorful fish, coral, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
The small group size allows for personalized attention from the knowledgeable captain, who provides informative commentary throughout the tour.
The relaxing boat ride offers a chance to take in the stunning views and learn about the local ecosystem.
While the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, it’s suitable for families, with infants able to sit on laps.
With a 4.5-star rating based on 70 reviews, the Glass Bottom Boat tour is a popular and enjoyable option for those looking to explore Catalina Island’s underwater world.
Read our full review: Glass Bottom Boat: Catalina Island Tour Review
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Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour
The Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour invites visitors to explore the eerie and mysterious side of Avalon, the only town on the island. With over 113 reviews and a 91% traveler recommendation, this 1.5-hour tour has earned a Badge of Excellence and promises an engaging experience.
Guests will visit paranormal hotspots, including the iconic Catalina Island Casino, and learn the difference between spirits and ghosts from knowledgeable local historians. The tour utilizes audio headsets to enhance the experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the haunting tales and insights.
Starting at $30 per person, the tour accommodates groups of up to 40 travelers and provides accessibility for those with wheelchairs, strollers, and service animals. Guests are advised to arrive 10-15 minutes early for check-in, with the tour ending at the Catalina Casino.
While most reviews praise the guides’ storytelling abilities, a few mention a specific guide, Chuck, who failed to engage the audience effectively.
Nevertheless, the Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour remains a must-try experience for those seeking a unique blend of history and the paranormal on Catalina Island.
Read our full review: Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour Review
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Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour
Departing from the ghostly tales of the Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour, the Undersea Expedition offers visitors a chance to enjoy the vibrant marine life beneath the island’s waters.
For 45 minutes, travelers can journey five feet below the surface in a climate-controlled cabin aboard a semi-submersible vessel, viewing the underwater world through individual portholes while receiving live commentary from a guide.
With a maximum capacity of 35 guests, the Undersea Expedition provides an intimate experience, allowing participants to observe marine life like fish feeding and kelp forests.
The tour departs from the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon multiple times throughout the day, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore Catalina’s underwater wonders.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and lacks onboard restrooms, the tour’s affordable price point of $52 per person and positive reviews highlighting the friendly crew and informative narration make it a captivating addition to any Catalina Island itinerary.
Read our full review: Undersea Expedition: Catalina Island Tour Review
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Casino VIP Backstage Tour
Although steeped in history, the Casino VIP Backstage Tour on Catalina Island transports visitors to the glamorous era of the 1920s. This guided tour allows guests to explore the art deco murals, the Avalon Theatre’s 1920s pipe organ, and the ballroom where big bands once performed. Visitors will learn about the building’s storied past and its connection to Hollywood.
The tour involves walking uphill inside the 12-story casino, climbing 8 ramps, and descending back to ground level. While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate walking makes it suitable for most visitors. Those with walking disabilities may use motorized wheelchairs or scooters with assistance.
With a maximum of 40 travelers per tour, the experience offers an intimate and engaging glimpse into Catalina’s past. Knowledgeable guides bring the site’s history to life through personable and informative storytelling.
While some past guests noted soft-spoken guides and noise disruptions, the tour remains a highly recommended activity, earning a 4.7 rating from 35 reviews.
Read our full review: Casino VIP Backstage Tour Review
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Mermaids and Mimosas Half Day Tour Review
Shifting gears from the historic Casino VIP Backstage Tour, the Mermaids and Mimosas Half Day Tour offers a captivating and whimsical experience on Catalina Island.
This 3-hour tour allows a maximum of 6 travelers to don mermaid tails and accessories while sipping on refreshing mimosas. The experience includes professional mermaid photography, with 5 edited photos and an online gallery to capture the magic.
Travelers under 21 will enjoy non-alcoholic drinks. The tour convenes at The Kelp Forest, where participants sign waivers and photo consent forms before embarking on their aquatic adventure.
The excursion concludes at Topside by NDMK. With wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as service animal allowance, this tour caters to diverse travelers.
Whether seeking a unique photo opportunity or simply a whimsical day on the island, the Mermaids and Mimosas Half Day Tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: Mermaids and Mimosas Half Day Tour Review Review
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Sum Up
Catalina Island offers a diverse range of tours, catering to various interests. From golf cart tours and glass-bottom boat rides to haunted walks and mermaid experiences, visitors can fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty, history, and unique attractions. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage, Catalina Island has something to suit every traveler’s preferences.