
Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 171 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour worth booking?
Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour is a 0.8-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $46 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 171 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (171)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $46 per person
Discover Avalon’s most iconic landmarks on the Best of Avalon + Scenic Mt. Ada Tour! Ride in comfort aboard our brand-new safari tram, The Eagle, as a knowledgeable naturalist narrates your journey. Highlights include the historic Catalina Casino, the picturesque Lover’s Cove, the elegant Wrigley Mansion, and the stunning views from Mt. Ada. Enjoy a stop at Descanso Beach to take in the island’s natural beauty. This tour offers unforgettable photo opportunities and a unique perspective on Catalina’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will regale you with fascinating tales of Avalon's storied past, from its Hollywood heyday to its enduring allure as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Learn about the island's unique ecosystem, including its diverse wildlife and conservation efforts that have helped preserve its natural splendor for generations to come.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Avalon’s most iconic landmarks on the Best of Avalon + Scenic Mt. Ada Tour! Ride in comfort aboard our brand-new safari tram, The Eagle, as a knowledgeable naturalist narrates your journey. Highlights include the historic Catalina Casino, the picturesque Lover’s Cove, the elegant Wrigley Mansion, and the stunning views from Mt. Ada. Enjoy a stop at Descanso Beach to take in the island’s natural beauty. This tour offers unforgettable photo opportunities and a unique perspective on Catalina’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will regale you with fascinating tales of Avalon's storied past, from its Hollywood heyday to its enduring allure as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Learn about the island's unique ecosystem, including its diverse wildlife and conservation efforts that have helped preserve its natural splendor for generations to come.
What's included
Included
- Amazing scenic views from high above Avalon.
- Tours onboard custom-built open air covered safari vehicle for most unique experience touring Avalon.
- Experienced driver sharing the best of Avalon with our guests.
- Onboard narration by our naturalist.
Not included
- Travel To Catalina Island is not included. Transportation needed by Ferry to Island
- Transportation needed by Ferry to Island -Catalina Express or Newport Flyer to get to Island.
What you'll see and do
Catalina Casino
The Catalina Casino is actually not a gambling facility but venue hosting dozens of big bands during the 1930s and 1940s. At 20,000 square feet, the Catalina Casino Ballroom is the largest circular room in the world without pillars for support. The outdoor promenade encircles the ballroom and overlooks the protected cove of Avalon Bay and Descanso Beach. Our tour passes by giving great views of this breathtaking landmark.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catalina Island
Welcome to Catalina! We are conveniently located at Catalina Avenue and 3rd Street. Walking Directions from the Green Pleasure Pier: Walk up Catalina Avenue approximately 1 block. Our tour departure area will be on your right, right after Chet’s Hardware and 3rd Street
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Welcome to Catalina! We are conveniently located at Catalina Avenue and 3rd Street. Walking Directions from the Green Pleasure Pier: Walk up Catalina Avenue approximately 1 block. Our tour departure area will be on your right, right after Chet’s Hardware and 3rd Street
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 22 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Catalina Adventure Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children Under 5 will need to be in a car seat and purchase a seat for the tour.
- We cannot store or hold wheelchairs, strollers or luggage.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 167 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
167 verified traveler reviews for Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent tour
Very informative .Jay gave a very good description of what we were viewing. He also gave us history and stories of the island.
via Viator
Tour canceled without notice
The tour operator did not show up at the meeting point. We waited for ~10 minutes with no notification. We had to call them ourselves to find out the tour was canceled, and only then we were moved to the next tour.
via Viator
must try experience for first timers !
Best experience for first timers at Catalina Island!! Meet up was easy to find and the tour lasted about 55 minutes. We got to see great views and the tour guide made it fun learning about island and how many people operate here at Avalon. We got to see deer during our tour which made the trip over the top, overall i would 10/10 recommend !!!
via Viator
Fantastic overview of the island
The meeting place was very easy from where our cruise ship tendered. Fantastic tour to get a feel for the area while learning of the history of the island. I enjoyed the open air tram which was great for taking photos.
via Viator
Great tour
Great tour guide and very informative and fun tour. It was about 50 minutes. Everything was on time.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 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
- 60
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Catalina Adventure Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.2.
See everything Catalina Adventure Tours runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.
How much does Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour cost?
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Prices start at $46 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 Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour take?
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Plan for about 0.8 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 Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 171 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Catalina Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour?
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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 Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour?
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Around 60 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?
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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 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Food Tour, Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour?
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Included: Amazing scenic views from high above Avalon; Tours onboard custom-built open air covered safari vehicle for most unique experience tour; Experienced driver sharing the best of Avalon with our guests; and Onboard narration by our naturalist. Not included: Travel To Catalina Island is not included. Transportation needed by Ferry to Island; and Transportation needed by Ferry to Island -Catalina Express or Newport Flyer to get to Isla. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour?
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Welcome to Catalina! We are conveniently located at Catalina Avenue and 3rd Street. Walking Directions from the Green Pleasure Pier: Walk up Catalina Avenue approximately 1 block. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour offered in?
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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 Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour?
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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 Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: We cannot store or hold wheelchairs, strollers or luggage. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Catalina Island City and Scenic Mount Ada Tour?
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Across 171 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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