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These quick cruises often go only to Catalina and Ensenada on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico before returning to their embarkation ports. Catalina Island is the only island with a cruise port on a Mexican Riviera cruise. During the Disney Magic’s recent inaugural visit to the Port of Avalon, a plaque and key exchange ceremony took place aboard the ship.
Catered Continental Breakfast Included
From enjoying a three-course meal at Mt. Ada (William Wrigley Jr.'s old mansion with views of the harbor) to grabbing a burger and fries from one of the casual joints in Avalon, there are great dining options for everyone. It's your vacation, so grab your swimsuit and towel and find a spot on the soft sand at Descanso Beach. It's the only beach where you can legally drink on the island, so you can order your ice-cold treat of choice from the nearby beach club, then dig your toes in the sand as you soak up the view. "Casino" is derived from the Latin word for "gathering place" and that's exactly what Catalina Casino is. Opened in 1929, this Art Deco masterpiece is one of the most famous attractions on the island, but you won't find any gambling in here.
Fast Fleet to Catalina Island Ferry Tickets

With 230 members, the non-profit organization Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is the champion of the island’s business community. The organization fosters a successful economy through the promotion of the island as an attractive destination for travel with a focus on sustainability. For more information, please visit Travelers can also join the conversation on Facebook (/lovecatalinaisland) Instagram (@LoveCatalinaIsland) and Twitter (@LoveCatalina_).
Night Classic California CoastDetails
Island off California Poised for Landmark Cruise Season - Cruise Hive
Island off California Poised for Landmark Cruise Season.
Posted: Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
California uses the U.S. dollar as the official currency of the state. ATMs are commonly available on Catalina Island, and credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Tipping on Catalina Island is the same as most destinations in the U.S. Tip at least 10% to 15% for your taxi driver, and 15% to 20% at bars and restaurants for good service.
SunKissed is a local boutique specializing in beachwear and colorful jewelry. Indigenous groups, like the native Pimugnans, have lived on Catalina Island for thousands of years. In the early 20th century, William Wrigley Jr. of Wrigley chewing gum fame bought out the island, and his estate has controlled it ever since. Today, Catalina Island strikes a delicate balance between maintaining the natural ecosystem and expanding the glamorous resort lifestyle that makes the island so popular with visitors. Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour offers an adrenaline rush with five zip lines above Descanso Canyon. In between flights, passionate tour guides share facts about native wildlife.
Best Deals to Catalina Island, California
With clear waters and beautiful marine life, Catalina Island offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities. The tour also features a scenic coastal drive and plenty of great information about Catalina’s rich history. The Catalina Island cruise port is called the Green Pleasure Pier, which is where you’ll find the local visitor center, watersports, and other nearby activities. The Catalina Island Museum isn’t too far from the cruise pier, either. Step Beach, although small, is conveniently located right at the harbor front.

If you want some adventure, then our Two Harbors itinerary is for you! Located on the west end of the island, you’ll enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and snorkeling. As a popular destination for day-trippers and overnight visitors alike, Avalon boasts a wide range of enticing restaurants and cafes to suit all appetites. Foodies might struggle to pick just one place to eat, but the Taste of Catalina Food Tour lets you sample a range of the island’s best culinary offerings. The panoramic views you’ll get during a Catalina Parasailing Adventure are truly unmatched. With golf carts as Catalina Island's de facto form of transportation, you might be inspired to check out the island's greens.
Refreshing beverages including water, soft drinks, beer, hard seltzers, and wine will be available for purchase. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Explore Our Most Affordable Itineraries Ready for your California vacation getaway? Explore Our Most Affordable Itineraries\n Ready for your California vacation getaway? If your heights thrill has yet to be satisfied on your trip to Catalina Island, there's also Catalina Aerial Adventure, an obstacle course of rope ladders, wooden bridges and balancing logs perched on the treetops. Each course varies in difficulty, so those who are overcoming their fear of heights can still have plenty of fun.
Beaches Near the Cruise Port
Whether enjoying an exhilarating off-road jeep tour, strolling the town’s picturesque shops or kayaking along its wild coast, Catalina Island offers activities for all ages. Discover this hidden treasure along California’s scenic coastline. Skip stones at the pebbly Moonstone Beach or Starlight, or walk along the boardwalk as the sun begins to set. With the help of the friendly resort vibe and beautiful nature, you won’t find it hard to unwind on Catalina Island. Avalon has the usual shops and restaurants to serve cruise passengers. There is a local museum 217 Metropole Ave. with a history of the island.
For lunch, enjoy a piping hot plate of fish and chips or a creamy bowl of clam chowder on the waterfront at Bluewater Avalon. The Lobster Trap is also worth a stop for its lobster rolls served with scrumptious tarragon sauce. For a sugar fix, grab a sweet scoop of ice cream or gelato in a crispy waffle cone from Scoops to take to the beach. If that's not enough, Eric's on the Pier has funnel cakes and banana splits. Instead, ships anchor outside the harbor and tender passengers to Green Pleasure Pier in the center of downtown Avalon. The Catalina Island Conservancy protects much of the square footage of the island, and also offers relaxing gardens to stroll through, a nature center, and much more.
Vehicles are largely restricted on the island, so cycling and hiking are incredibly popular for residents. Watch the boats float peacefully in the harbor at Green Pleasure Pier, then head inland to the Catalina Island Museum, where you’ll discover the history of the island from thousands of years ago to today. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. During the approximate 2.5 to 3-hour travel time to Catalina Island by boat, you will have the opportunity to watch and learn about marine wildlife. Our marine naturalists will educate you on the lifestyle and behavior of whales, dolphins, sharks, and other fish, seals, pelagic birds, sea turtles, and many more ocean animals.
Her spacious observation deck is perfect for whale watching during your Catalina Island cruise by giving you an elevated look at the animals. For your comfort, there is ample cushioned bench seating and it’s partially covered for protection from the elements. Climb aboard an open-air Hummer driven by an expert guide and get ready to rumble up, along and down one of Catalina’s most scenic back-country trails. The East End Adventure by Hummer takes you to the island’s East Peak, some 1,684 feet above the ocean, where you’ll take in views of the remote windward side in one direction and Avalon Canyon in the other.
The Catalina Island Museum will answer all of your curiosities about how this small island just south of Long Beach came to be. Learn about the populations who inhabited the island for thousands of years before the Europeans, examine artifacts, and immerse yourself in the history of the Pacific Coast while on your Catalina cruise. Pop into one of the many stores for fun souvenirs to take home for the whole family. If you're looking for something unique to the island, the Avalon General Store should top your list. Ferries to Catalina are available at San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point. Rides last an hour to an hour and a half depending on the starting point.
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