Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure in Long Beach, United States
Long Beach, United States

Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure

Outty Ranking 44 3.0 · 3 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $198
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Outty Ranking

44/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure worth booking?

Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure is a 12-hour experience in Long Beach, United States, from $198 per person. It scores 44 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
44 / 100
Rating
3/5 (3)
Duration
12 hours
From
$198 per person

Spend a day on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. Get picked up from your hotel. Transfer to the Catalina Express terminal and check in. You'll enjoy a smooth 1-hour ferry ride to the island where you will have free time to explore the island. You will also enjoy a 45-minute undersea adventure. Discover Catalina's abundant sea life! This tour does not have a private guide when you are on the island. You are free to explore. The only scheduled tour will be the Undersea Adventure. tour time will be provided with final confirmations from Operator.

What you get

    About this experience

    Spend a day on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. Get picked up from your hotel. Transfer to the Catalina Express terminal and check in. You'll enjoy a smooth 1-hour ferry ride to the island where you will have free time to explore the island. You will also enjoy a 45-minute undersea adventure. Discover Catalina's abundant sea life! This tour does not have a private guide when you are on the island. You are free to explore. The only scheduled tour will be the Undersea Adventure. tour time will be provided with final confirmations from Operator.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Undersea Adventure
    • Round-trip ferry transfers

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Soak up vistas of the sprawling Southern California coast on your smooth 1-hour ride to the island. Located 22 miles (35 km) off the coast, Catalina Island (formally Santa Catalina Island) is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, a picture-perfect destination full of charming beaches, palm trees and rolling hills. When you arrive in Avalon, the island’s largest city, you will walk over to the pier for your Undersea Adventure!

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Go below the surface of the Pacific Ocean on this 45-minute underwater excursion and come face-to-face with Catalina's abundant marine life as you cruise five feet below the surface in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin. There is also a live guide who will highlight points of interest along the way. Everyone has their own seat and port hole but you are also free to move about the cabin as much as you like for different viewpoints. You will have free time after your tour to explore beautiful Catalina Island and enjoy some lunch on the promenade. After your day on Catalina Island, you'll board the ferry for the ride back to Long Beach, where you’ll be picked up and taken back to your hotel for drop-off.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Descanso Beach Club

      Dine at the most beautiful outdoor beach front. Snorkel, rent Kayaks, have cocktails and more. Items not included in your package and are at your expense.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Long Beach

    If you do not require pick-up you will go to Catalina Express Long Beach Landing to depart to Catalina Island

    Meeting point

    Long Beach

    LAX area hotels are within 3 miles of the property.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    If you do not require pick-up you will go to Catalina Express Long Beach Landing to depart to Catalina Island

    Ends at

    LAX area hotels are within 3 miles of the property.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Extreme Tours by Karmel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
    • Total tour duration is inclusive of hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip ferry ride and activities on Avalon.

    Photos

    Hotel transfers, Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure in Long BeachTransfer to Catalina Express terminal, Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure in Long BeachUndersea Sub starts from the Green Pier, Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure in Long BeachRoomy and comfy, Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure in Long BeachTour the Harbor, Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure in Long BeachSee all types of Marine life, Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure in Long Beach

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    0
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Martin_J · April 2024

    too much time waiting around

    The starting out instructions were wonderful for the entire day. But unfortunately the driver they had come pick us up came way too early and we sat around for over an hour waiting for the boat. Once we made it to the island we never received our inbound tickets to go home later that afternoon so I had to go back up to the ticket booth and request a set from them. More time wasted that could have been spent roaming the island which is beautiful.

    via Viator

    Dan_M · June 2021

    Misleading

    We felt the package was very confusing and a little misleading. While looking at what to expect on the tour, we thought we were getting a guided tour of Avalon along with the underwater adventure. We found out when we got there that was not included. Also, the instructions were not real clear. Ourselves and another family on the tour had no clue what to do when we got to Catalina and there was no one around from the company to help us. The shuttle to Long Beach was great and the driver was on time. The pickup shuttle from Long Beach back to hotel was a little confusing too. We got a text of instructions for the pickup after we were already on the shuttle. And the driver did not want to take back the other family with us. Catalina and Avalon is beautiful but overall the tour was disappointing and not what we expected.

    via Viator

    JAMEELA_W · March 2021

    The excursion was good. I...

    The excursion was good. I love to introduce new adventures to my family so this worked well for a homeschooling mom. I do think that thety gave a false sense of being COVID-19 compliant. There was nothing keeping people 6 ft apart and there was no mention to encourage it on the ferry rides and the undersea excursion. I do feel that they are more focused on making money than the safety of the public. During the undersea excursion, one person didn't have her mask on the entire ride until we returned. One of the staff clearly saw it because she spoke to him closely at least 3 times.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Extreme Tours by Karmel, who run 8 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.3.

    See everything Extreme Tours by Karmel runs

    Why this scores 44

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)53
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)79
    Local standing (8% weight)25
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Long Beach.

    How much does Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure cost?

    +

    Prices start at $198 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Long Beach 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 Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure take?

    +

    Plan for about 12 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 Long Beach is not rushed.

    Is Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 44 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Long Beach, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure?

    +

    Around 1 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach?

    +

    Long Beach runs whale watching out of Rainbow Harbor, Queen Mary tours and ghost walks, harbour cruises, Catalina ferry connections and coastal bike rides. On Outty we rank every Long Beach experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach, Queen Mary Glory Days Historical Tour, Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket. 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 Long Beach?

    +

    Year-round whale watching; May to October for the best harbour weather. 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 Long Beach?

    +

    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 Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure?

    +

    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Undersea Adventure; and Round-trip ferry transfers. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 442 listed pickup locations in and around Long Beach. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure?

    +

    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 Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 3.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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