
Catalina Food Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 494 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Catalina Food Tour worth booking?
Catalina Food Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $176 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 494 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (494)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $176 per person
Dine like a local. Experience Catalina's history, culture & foodie fun with our knowledgeable guides on this delicious 2.5-hour food tour. • Enjoy an all-inclusive experience as you sip, sample & savor Avalon's best. • Encounter the sights, sounds and stories behind our well-known historic landmarks. • Relax by the ocean on Catalina Island's only food & beverage excursion. • Experience 5+ unique tasting locations - meet the people responsible for Avalon's food scene. • Tour is limited to 10 people to ensure a personalized experience.
What you get
About this experience
Dine like a local. Experience Catalina's history, culture & foodie fun with our knowledgeable guides on this delicious 2.5-hour food tour. • Enjoy an all-inclusive experience as you sip, sample & savor Avalon's best. • Encounter the sights, sounds and stories behind our well-known historic landmarks. • Relax by the ocean on Catalina Island's only food & beverage excursion. • Experience 5+ unique tasting locations - meet the people responsible for Avalon's food scene. • Tour is limited to 10 people to ensure a personalized experience.
What's included
Included
- Server & bartender gratuitites
- Local guide
- Food and drink tastings
Not included
- Gratuities for guide (optional)
What you'll see and do
Our foodie guide will meet you at Wrigley Fountain located near the intersection of Crescent Avenue & Sumner Avenue and give you an introduction to Avalon & Catalina Island before heading to our first tasting location.
15 minutes here
Enjoy some more savory tastes and a cocktail along the beach front in Avalon.
20 minutes here
Catalina Island Visitor Center
See the location of the Catalina Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau - this is a helpful spot to return to for visitor information throughout your visit
Pass by without stopping
Enjoy a local experience at the oldest dive bar in Avalon.
20 minutes here
Sample some more savory tastes from this local favorite spot for cold drinks and tasty Mexican food.
20 minutes here
Catalina Casino
Learn about this gorgeous art deco movie palace & ballroom while enjoying one of your tastes in the fresh air near the bay
Pass by without stopping
Enjoy an extra special old school taste from this whimsically sweet downtown location.
Pass by without stopping
Grab a beverage and a sweet treat as you enjoy the ambience of the Metropole Market Place.
10 minutes here
Enjoy spectacular harbor views with your first savory tastes and cocktails.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catalina Island
Please meet at Topside by NDMK at 708 Crescent Avenue. Topside is on the 2nd floor of The Trailhead Building & can be accessed by either stairs or elevator. Transportation to Catalina Island is not included in your ticket price; you will need boat or helicopter reservations to get to the island.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
El Encanto is located is centrally located and just a few short blocks away from where the tour begins. It is approximately a 7-10 minute stroll back to the boat landing for easy access after the tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Catalina Food Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements (allergies or aversions) in the "Special Requirements" box at time of booking. Please also advise us of which cross channel carrier you will be taking.
- Minimum age is 21+ years
- Must be 21+ years old to consume alcohol
- A maximum of 10 people per booking
- Not recommended for guests with significant food allergies
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 494 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
494 verified traveler reviews for Catalina Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best thing to do on Catalina if FOOD is your thing
We booked a quick weekend getaway to Catalina, and since my partner and I are both foodies, I decided to book the Catalina Food Tour. We are SO glad we did — it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip. We met our guide, Janet, at Topside by NDMK, a newer restaurant in Avalon. She was waiting for us inside in the air conditioning — thankfully, because even though it was the first weekend of October, it was incredibly hot. After introducing ourselves, we realized we were the only two people booked on the tour that day. Major score! By about the third stop, it honestly stopped feeling like we were on a tour and started feeling like we were spending the afternoon with an old friend. Janet absolutely made the experience. She was knowledgeable, funny, engaging and incredibly personable. She knew so much about Catalina, but it never felt like we were being given a history lesson. Everything came through naturally as we walked, ate, drank and explored. And come hungry! The other reviewers are absolutely right: DO NOT eat breakfast beforehand. We had so much delicious food and drinks along the way that we were completely stuffed by the end and basically needed a nap. What we also loved was that this wasn’t just a food tour. We learned about Catalina’s history, the Wrigley family, Avalon’s quirky architecture, local landmarks, art and some great island stories along the way. We even walked through the historic post office, which was a fun little break from the heat and another interesting part of the tour. You also get a little glimpse into the local community because Janet seems to know everyone in Avalon. We joked that she is basically the mayor — everywhere we went, someone knew her. We would highly recommend the Catalina Food Tour, and Janet specifically. Great food, great drinks, interesting history and a really fun way to experience Avalon beyond just walking around on your own. We’d absolutely do the tour again next year with a group of friends. Or maybe just the two of us again with our new friend Janet.
via Tripadvisor
Food was excellent and the drinks even better,
Bobby was great. Lots of fun and knowledgeable.
via Tripadvisor
Food tours never disappoint!
If you have not done a food tour before- they are amazing! You get history and facts while enjoying local favorites! If you are looking at the price- trust me- it is worth it! Carol was amazing we had so much fun. We learned things on the tour that you could not learn on your own. My husband can be a picky eater and he loved everything. Go in hungry and thirsty!
via Viator
Catalina Fun Food
You get more food than expected. The drinks were awesome. We even went back after the tour was over to get another one of the drinks. Carel was great - a native of the island with a lot of fun facts.
via Viator
Amazing tour with Bobbie!!
We had Bobbie for our tour guide and she was AMAZING!! We had so much fun trying food and drinks at all the places. Everything was delicious!! Also all the history and information about Catalina Island was so interesting and fun to learn. I definitely would recommend this tour!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 173
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Catalina Food Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.
How much does Catalina Food Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $176 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Catalina Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Catalina Food Tour take?
+
Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Catalina Island is not rushed.
Is Catalina Food Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 494 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Catalina Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Catalina Food Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Catalina Food Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Catalina Food Tour?
+
Around 173 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Catalina Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Catalina Island and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Catalina Food Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Catalina Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Catalina Island?
+
Catalina Island packages ferry transfers with glass-bottom boats, submarine and snorkel tours in Lover's Cove, zip lining, Avalon golf-cart tours and inland bison safaris. On Outty we rank every Catalina Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour, Catalina Island Private 2-Hour Tour of Avalon. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Catalina Island?
+
May to October, with the calmest crossings in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Catalina Island?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Catalina Food Tour?
+
Included: Server & bartender gratuitites; Local guide; and Food and drink tastings. Not included: Gratuities for guide (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Catalina Food Tour?
+
Please meet at Topside by NDMK at 708 Crescent Avenue. Topside is on the 2nd floor of The Trailhead Building & can be accessed by either stairs or elevator. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Catalina Food Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Catalina Food Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Catalina Food Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Catalina Food Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Catalina Island. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Catalina Food Tour?
+
Across 494 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Catalina Food Tour.
Pick your date




