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.

Last Updated: November 1, 2011

Beach, Snorkeling & Sailing

Catalina Kayak Expedition
2½ to 3 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!

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Catalina Parasailing
1 hour

Truly, there is nothing like being suspended in a parasail above Catalina Island. The view in every direction is spectacular, where you'll see Avalon, marine wildlife, the golf course and your ship.

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Avalon Underwater Park Snorkel Adventure
2 hours

This snorkel tour takes you to the beautiful Avalon Underwater Park, where the fish are abundant and the scenery is spectacular. You've got to check out the kelp forest in this unique marine environment.

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Lovers Cove Shore Snorkel/ Lover's Cove Snorkel Tour
1½ to 2 hours

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

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City Tours

Avalon Casino Walking Tour/ 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.

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Casino "Behind the Scenes" Tour
1 hour

See the sights in the Avalon Casino that most tourists never see. You'll get a performer's eye view of the facility, and in the process go back to the heyday of the Big Band era on the island.

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Avalon by Foot
1½ hour

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 capture great photos of the city and vistas.

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Catalina Segway Tour
2 hours

Enjoy a tour of Avalon that is truly unique. You'll travel 4 miles on a Segway scooter through the town's streets, and in the process check out the Catalina Conservancy Nature Center.

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Diving

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.

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Avalon Certified Scuba Adventure
2½ hours

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

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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.

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Coastal Wild Dolphin Adventure/ Coastal Eco Rafting
2 hours

This boat tour aboard a Zodiac 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.

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Semi-Submersible Tour/ Catalina Semi-Sub
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.

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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.

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Coastal Whale Watching Adventure
2 hours

This seasonal 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.

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Golf

Golf Adventure VIP without equipment
5 hours

This semi-private course winds through Avalon Canyon against the hills, and affords wonderful scenery, great views of Avalon and a pleasant day away from it all. Details: 9 holes, par 32, 2,200 yards.

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Scenic Tours

Botanical Garden & City Tour/ Avalon Scenic & Botanical Gardens/ Catalina & Botanic Gardens
1¾ hours

Combines a tour of Avalon with a visit to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. You will see the Wrigley estate, the golf course, the Cubs spring training grounds and the Memorial and Gardens.

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Avalon Scenic Tour/ Scenic Drive & Avalon Canyon
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.

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Scenes of Catalina
1½ hour

You'll begin with a 9-mile tour of Avalon, including the Wrigley estate, the golf course, the Cubs spring training grounds and other Avalon landmarks. The tour ends with a visit to the Catalina Island Museum.

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Cape Canyon Tour
4 hours

This personalized escorted off-road Jeep tour takes you into Catalina's interior, featuring stops at the American Bald Eagle habitat and the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy's Nature Center.

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Classic Island Motor Tour/ Catalina's Interior & El Rancho Escondido
3½ to 3¾ hours

This bus tour takes you on a 32-mile journey through the heart of Catalina's rugged interior. You'll travel down a stagecoach route originally laid down in the 1800s.

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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. You'll make a couple of stops along the way.

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Seaview & Seeland Combo Tour/ Canyon Drive & Glassbottom Boat
2 to 3 hours

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

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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