| Catalina
Island
has exceptionally clear waters and a wide variety of colorful marine life.
Within just a few miles of Avalon you can see a sea lion colony, thriving
kelp forests and schools of flying fish. Those who venture farther down
the island's coast are rewarded with isolated beaches, idyllic coves and
rugged cliffs. Some are lucky enough to see wild boar and mule deer on the
hillsides, and bald eagles crossing the sky. Whales, dolphin, flying fish
and sea lions can also be spotted from the boats. Tours can sell out, especially
during summer and on busy weekends. If you're interested in either Discovery
or Adventure Tours you can book early, at the mainland boat terminals. In
Avalon tickets are also for sale at the Avalon boat terminal, or on the
green Pleasure Pier. All boat trips for Discovery Tours and Catalina Adventure
Tours leave from the green Pleasure Pier. NEAR
AVALON
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Glass
Bottom Boat
In 1897 the first glass bottom boat, a row boat, took visitors to
see the "undersea gardens". These days the tour is more high-tech,
with some boats offering underwater searchlights. The narrated trip
lasts from 40-45 minutes, and offers fine overhead views of fish and
plant life. Night trips feature marine life that isn't often seen
during the day, such as lobsters and sharks. Catalina
Adventure Tours
and Discovery
Tours.
Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
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Undersea
Catalina Adventure
New semi-submersible submarines provide an eye-level view of the Undersea
Gardens. Discovery Tours offers this 40 minute trip, with both day
and night cruises. Trips leave from the pier. Catalina
Adventure Tours.
Reservations taken. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
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Harbor
Cruise
Take a Harbor Cruise aboard the water taxis. Generally used to shuttle
yachtsmen and cruise ship passengers to shore, these open air boats
also provide 35 minute tours of the bay and surrounding coves. They
leave from the float on the end of the pier. Catalina
Adventure Tours. Trips leave from the float at the end of the
green Pleasure Pier.
ALONG
THE ISLAND'S COAST
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Explore
Catalina Day Trips
We will help you plan a day exploring Catalina at your own pace. Plan
a day trip, picnic and swim at Little Harbor, enjoy dining, snorkeling
or kayaking at Two Harbors. Along
the way enjoy a bus ride through the island's interior in one direction
with a trip along the coast line in the other direction. Several daily
departures. June 26 th through October 5th. Bus only the rest of the
year. Call 800-785-8425 for more information.
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Flying
Fish Boat Trip
These fish use their large fins as wings, and break surface to escape
predators, sometimes gliding hundreds of feet. The guide uses high-power
searchlights to spot the fish. A one hour cruise, leaving nightly
through the summer. Discovery Tours.
Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
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Kayak
Trips
Expert guides lead excursions along Catalina's rugged coast. Aboard
easy-to-paddle "sit on top" kayaks, you can see animal life along
the hillsides, and marine life through the clear waters. Most trips
pull out on isolated beaches for a snack or meal. Single and double
kayaks are available. Catalina Island Expeditions and
Catalina Kayak Adventures
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Seal
Rocks Cruise
Enjoy an open-air one hour trip to Catalina's east end, to visit a
sea lion colony. You'll pass the Connely Pacific rock quarry, used
to build much of L.A. harbor, and see some of the island's steepest
coastline. Discovery Tours.Catalina Adventure
Tours. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
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Seamagine/Submarine
Tours
Enjoy exotic submarine rides through the sea-life rich waters around
Catalina's Main Harbor. Exceptional under water view. A unique submarine
experience for all ages. For more info (909) 626-6262
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Sundown
Isthmus Cruise
Get a good look at the Island's leeward coast and visit the rustic
village of Two Harbors at Catalina's isthmus. Explore the area with
a local guide. Bring a picnic dinner, or dine at the Harbor Reef restaurant.
Then see flying fish on your return to Avalon. This 4-1/2 hour tour
leaves nightly in the summer. Discovery Tours.
Reservations taken. Trips leave from the green Pleasure Pier.
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