About this experience
Escape Los Angeles for a day in paradise on a Catalina Island day trip, just off the Southern California coast. Enjoy a scenic 1-hour ferry ride to the island, then explore Avalon at your own pace or upgrade your adventure with a thrilling zipline tour, undersea adventure or scenic sightseeing experience. With stunning coastal scenery and a choice of exciting activities, this Catalina Island getaway makes it easy to turn a day trip from Los Angeles into an unforgettable island adventure.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr–12 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr–12 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 5 years
Local guides to help you plan
Downtown Los Angeles on Foot: From Union Station to the Market
Read downtown as a sequence of station halls, civic rooms, historic façades, market aisles, and working streets.
Reading the Los Angeles River as Infrastructure and Landscape
Approach the Los Angeles River by exact segment, current access, and the relationships among channel, bridges, rail, habitat, and neighborhoods.
Los Angeles in Scene Changes: A Practical Guide to Building a Coherent Day
Plan Los Angeles around one anchor, one meaningful contrast, and the real distances between basin, hills, coast, river, and harbor.
What is included
- Scenic Tour of Avalon (if option selected)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Zipline Adventure (if option selected)
- Undersea Adventure (if option selected)
- Round-trip ferry transfers
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drink
Itinerary and highlights
Enjoy stunning views of the Southern California coast on a smooth 1-hour ferry ride to Catalina Island, located 22 miles (35 km) offshore. Known formally as Santa Catalina Island, this picturesque escape feels worlds away from the mainland, with charming beaches, swaying palm trees and rolling hills. Arrive in Avalon, Catalina Island’s largest city, and either head to your optional tour departure point or explore the island at your own pace.
Optional Avalon Scenic Tour: Upgrade your Catalina Island day trip with a 50-minute scenic tour of Avalon, traveling along the waterfront, through the heart of town and up the hillsides for panoramic views. Follow a 7.5-mile (12-km) loop while your guide shares the island’s history and heritage, giving you a great introduction to Avalon before enjoying the rest of your time on Catalina Island.
Optional Undersea Expedition: Get a unique glimpse beneath the waters of Catalina Island on a 45-minute underwater excursion. Cruise five feet below the surface in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin with a live guide sharing fascinating details about the island’s marine life and underwater environment. Enjoy your own seat and viewing port, or move around the cabin to take in the underwater scenery from different perspectives.
Optional Zipline Tour: Take your Catalina Island adventure to new heights with a thrilling zipline tour through the island’s rugged coastal landscape. Soar across five separate ziplines at speeds of up to 40 mph, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding hills along the way. It’s an unforgettable way to experience Catalina Island from above before continuing your day in Avalon.
Stroll along the charming streets of Avalon and visit the famous Green Pleasure Pier, a landmark stretching into the sparkling waters of Catalina Island. Take in scenic waterfront views, browse the pier’s shops and attractions, and soak up the relaxed island atmosphere before continuing your Catalina Island adventure.
Stroll to Descanso Beach Club, one of Catalina Island’s most popular beachfront spots, where you can relax with a drink right on the sand and soak up the California sunshine. Enjoy oceanfront dining, or add even more adventure to your day with activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. It’s a great way to experience Catalina Island’s laid-back beach atmosphere while making the most of your free time in Avalon.
Meeting and pickup information
- you MUST enter your Hotel address or pick-up location to complete the reservation process
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Extreme Tours by Karmel
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Zipline Requirements:
- Closed-toe shoes are required
- Single passengers must be at least 10 years old and weight at least 80 lbs (36 kg)
- Children ages 5 to 9 must ride with a parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old
- Individual and combined weights on zipline cannot exceed 240 lbs (109 kg)
- Restrooms are not available while on Zipline tour
- Please note: passenger and weight restrictions are strictly enforced. Failure to meet these restrictions may result in cancellation without refund
- Ocean Runner Adventure:
- Minimum age is 5 years
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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Service animals allowed
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