If you live in Southern California and want to go somewhere for a day, you must take the Catalina Island Day trip. Moreover, you will have an amazing experience on this island, from aerial adventures and water sports to different outdoor locations and great food.
It is a rocky island located in the southern part of California on the Gulf of Santa Catalina. Furthermore, the island is 35 kilometers (22 miles) long and 13 kilometers (8 miles) wide.
Also, the highest point at Catalina Island is Mount Orizaba which is 639 meters or 2,097 feet tall. The island is a part of the Channel Islands of California and is within Los Angeles County.
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How to get to Catalina Island?
If you want to go on a Catalina Island day trip, there are 2 options to go from the city: by air or by water. However, most people prefer to go by ferry.
You can take a ferry or boat from four different ports from where you can go to the island that is Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro, and Newport Beach.
Two organizations provide ferry rides which are Catalina Flyer and Catalina Express. It takes about 50 – 60 minutes to reach the island.
However, a helicopter is the only option if you want to go by air.
The helicopter rides are available from Burbank Airport, Long Beach, San Pedro, and John Wayne Airport. The organization that provides helicopter rides is IEX Helicopters.
Catalina Island Day trip from Los Angeles
It will take you about an hour to reach the Catalina Island day trip from Los Angeles. Like we have mentioned above, you have two options of helicopter or ferry to reach the island.
How much Catalina Island day trip cost?
The helicopter ride is expensive compared to the ferry ride. That’s why most people prefer to go by boat or ferry for the Catalina Island day trip.
Fares from Long Beach and San Pedro
The cost of one way trip is $ 30.25, and a round trip is $ 60.50 for children from 2 to 11 years. For people from 12 – 54 years, the cost of a one-way trip is $ 38.00, and a round trip is $76.00.
For infants below 2 years old, the cost is $ 3.00 for a one-way ride, and for a round trip, it is $ 6.00. Lastly, for senior citizens (above 55), the one-way cost is $ 34.50, and the round trip is $ 69.00.
Furthermore, if you are carrying a surfboard or bike, then for one way, it will be $ 3.50, and a round trip is $ 7.00.
The price of the Commodore Lounge for one way is $ 20.00 and for a round trip is $ 40.00. Whereas for Captains Lounge for one way, the price is $ 60.00 and round trip is $ 120.00.
Fares from Dana Point
The cost of one way trip is $ 31.25, and a round trip is $ 62.50 for children from 2 to 11 years. For people from 12 – 54 years, the cost of a one-way trip is $ 39.00and a round trip is $ 78.00.
For infants below 2 years old, the cost is $ 3.00 for a one-way ride, and for a round trip, it is $ 6.00. Lastly, for senior citizens (above 55), the one-way cost is $ 78.00, and the round trip is $ 71.00.
Furthermore, if you are carrying a surfboard or bike, then for one way, it will be $ 3.50, and a round trip is $ 7.00.
Commodore Lounge is not available if you are traveling from Dana Point. The cost of Captains Lounge for one way is $ 80.00, and the round trip is $ 160.00.
If you want to go by helicopter for the Catalina Island day trip, then per person cost is $250.
Things to do in Catalina Island
A lot of things you can do when you are traveling on a Catalina Island day trip. There are a lot of famous sightseeing spots that you must visit when you reach the island.
Here are six things to do in Catalina Island:
#1 Renting a Golf Cart
You are going to miss out a lot if you do not rent a golf cart. If you have a golf cart, you can roam around the island and take in the island’s mesmerizing view.
Moreover, if you want to book a golf cart, there are few shops present in downtown Catalina. They charge by the hour, and they will also give you a map. Renting for an hour is more than enough to explore the island.
#2 Catalina Casino
Catalina Island Casino is the most famous building on this island. Even though it is a casino, it is not a place to gamble. Moreover, the name came from the Italian word which means “gathering place.”
Furthermore, William Wrigley built this casino in 1929 to be the social center of this island. A lot of events and movies are hosted by the casino all over the year.
Hence when you go for the Catalina Island day trip, you must go to the casino. They have 3 types of casino tours that you can choose from Twilight at the Casino, Discover the Casino, and Behind the Scenes Casino.
The tours include the movie theatre with a 50 foot (15 meters) domed ceiling and the ballroom.
Also, a guide will be provided who will tell you about the casino building and few general facts about the island.
You can either book the tickets online in advance, or you can purchase them the day you visit the island.
#3 Go Snorkeling
One of the activities that are highly recommended is to go snorkeling. There are many locations on the island from where you can go scuba diving in the water. Since the water is crystal clear, it will be a picturesque sight to see under the water.
Also, it is absolutely safe to do it on this island, and a lifeguard will always be there with you.
#4 SUPing Kayaking Through the water
If you prefer to explore the water from above, you can rent a standup paddleboard (SUPing) or a kayak. Also, the water is clear even near the shore; hence, you will see a lot of ocean creatures from above.
#5 Botanic Garden
To know more about the native plants on the island, Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden is an amazing place, and you will get to see the stunning view of Avalon.
The garden is 37-acre, and it was Ada Wrigley’s, wife of William Wrigley, wish to have a botanical garden on this island. Ada even worked with Albert Conrad, a horticulturist, to have the desert plant collection.
After the death of Ada and William Wrigley, a memorial was made between the year 1933 – 1934 to honor them who did everything for the development of Catalina Island.
#6 Zipline down from Descanso Canyon
One of the most popular attractions to see the island is 300 feet above sea level. You will get an incredible view from the top and an adrenaline rush when ziplining over the island.
Catalina Island day trip Packages
There are a lot of packages that Catalina Tours offers. Here are some of them:
#1 Boat Voyage that has a glass bottom
If you want to go for this package, then the boat’s location is at Green Pleasure Pier. It takes about 45 minutes to complete this ride. Moreover, it is available for anyone who is above the age of 3.
Furthermore, there will be guides who will help you to identify all the plants, fish, and different ocean creatures. Also, you can feed them food. When you do that, you will see many fish and ocean creatures will come under the boat.
Ticket Prices
- Children from 3 – 11 years: $21.02
- Adults from12 – 54 years: $23.21
- Senior citizens above the age of 55: $21.02
#2 Electric Bike Package
To book this package, you need to go to Avalon. The duration of this package is 2 hours, and it is available at 10 am and 2 pm. However, two guests are required for this tour package.
Furthermore, guests must know how to ride a bike and balance it on their own. Guests who are physically not well are advised not to book this package.
Moreover, the minimum age for this tour needs to be 18+, the minimum height should be 157 cm or 5’2,” and the maximum weight should be 285 lbs or 128 kgs. However, 16+ can also go for this tour if the other person is 18 and above.
Also, if there is any damage to the bike, guests need to pay a fine.
You will get an unbelievable view of the harbors and coastlines in this 10-mile bike tour. There are a few sightseeing places which you can go by riding an electric bike.
When you purchase the tickets for this tour, it also includes the price of Buffalo Milk (a cocktail restaurant for people above 21), Wrigley Memorial, and Botanic Gardens.
Ticket Prices
$99 per person
#3 Aerial Adventure
Another Catalina Island day trip Packages is the adventurous aerial tour. The location of this tour is the Descanso Beach Club. It is a 90-minute tour and is available for people above the age of 7.
Also, the minimum height should be 140 cm or 4’5,” and the weight must be between 50 lbs (22 kg) – 270 lbs (122 kg).
A lot of new things are available in this aerial adventure. You can climb on structures, suspension bridges, zip lines, and many more.
Moreover, you can go at your own pace, and they have 3 levels that you can try that is:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advance
Ticket Prices
$65.18 per person
#4 Ridgetop Eco Tour
This Catalina Island day trip package travels on windy and dirt roads on the eastern side of the island. Before you book this tour for your day trip, tourists must know there is a lot of walking and several stairs which you need to navigate on your own.
Furthermore, the location is at the Island Tour Plaza, and the duration is for two hours. Guests must be above the age of five. People have who have any leg injury are advised not to book this package.
Also, you will be traveling in the Avalon area. Here you will see wildlife such as Catalina Island fox, eagles, bison, and many more. A driver and a guide must be with you to show you around and protect you from danger.
Ticket Prices
- Children from 5 – 11 years: $87.54
- Adults from12 – 54 years: $91.80
- Senior citizens above the age of 55: $87.54
#5 Undersea Expedition
If you want to explore the undersea world but do not like scuba diving, this is one of the Catalina Island day trip packages for you. The location is at the Green Pleasure Pier, and the duration is for 45 minutes.
Also, there is no age limit for this package. It is also free for infants below two, but they need to have a ticket according to Coast Guard regulations.
Furthermore, a guest who has any leg injury must know there are slopes and stairs when entering and exiting.
Once you are underwater, you will see various plants and animals such as garibaldi, calico bass, sea lions, etc.
Ticket Prices
- Children from 2 – 11 years: $42.92
- Adults from12 – 54 years: $45.11
- Senior citizens above the age of 55: $42.92
Final thoughts
For a short getaway, the Catalina Island day trip is an amazing place that you can visit. There are a lot of exciting activities and adventures that you can do here. Also, it is a very inexpensive tour, which means many people can enjoy the scenic beauty of Catalina Island.
