
Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 48 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island worth booking?
Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island is a 1-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $74 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 48 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (48)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $74 per person
Explore the captivating marine life of Catalina Island on this Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour. Set sail from Avalon on a six-passenger boat to encounter playful Common Dolphins and majestic sea lions in their natural habitat.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the captivating marine life of Catalina Island on this Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour. Set sail from Avalon on a six-passenger boat to encounter playful Common Dolphins and majestic sea lions in their natural habitat. During whale migration season, the tour also ventures to spot Grey, Blue, and Fin Whales, along with other coastal wildlife like Harbor Seals and resident Bald Eagles. With a dedicated Captain on board, the adventure promises an engaging experience filled with local insights and wildlife spotting. Ideal for families and nature lovers alike, this tour lasts up to one hour and is suitable for ages 4 and up. - Up to 1-hour tour searching for dolphins and sea lions - Maximum capacity of 6 passengers for a personalized experience - Opportunity to see various whale species during migration season - Departure from Avalon, accommodating small bags and cameras
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Life Jackets
- Information about Catalina Island and its Sea Life
Not included
- Tips (Gratuity Appreciated)
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Catalina Island
This Catalina Island dolphin and sea lion excursion takes full advantage of Catalina Island’s abundant wildlife and scenic coastline. Our six Passenger boat will take you from Avalon out into the Pacific Ocean in search of our favorite species, the Common Dolphin. During whale migration season we will also travel out to the local hang out for the whales as they migrate through the nutrient rich waters of Catalina Island. Frequent visitors to our coast include Common Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Grey Whales, Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, resident Bald Eagles, and sometimes even a Buffalo along the coastline. Although we cannot guarantee we will see dolphins on each trip, we can guarantee the Captain will work his hardest to locate them and use all of our local connections to find their whereabouts!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catalina Island
-Check In 30 minutes before departure time -Walk down the Green Pleasure Pier all the way past "Fish & Chips" and down to the "End Float"
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
-Check In 30 minutes before departure time -Walk down the Green Pleasure Pier all the way past "Fish & Chips" and down to the "End Float"
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Catalina Xtreme Parasail
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 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
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun experience
Had a great experience with Catalina Tours. Thank you to Janet and Emily for helping us with our booking and to Captain Aiden for taking us on a great trip out to see the sea lions and search for dolphins.
via Tripadvisor
Frank was a great driver!...
Frank was a great driver! We saw so many sea lions lounging and a big pod of dolphins being playful!
via Viator
Santa Catalina Island
From Joelle at the front desk to David, who drove the boat, everything was perfect. The sights we saw from the dolphins, harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, and seagulls everything was fantastic. The water was beyond beautiful. We highly recommend people take this tour. They will not regret it.
via Viator
Would Recommend!
Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed but we got lucky! Our tour guide Carson was knowledgeable and friendly! We got to see lots of different marine wildlife. The saddle-seats made it feel like a ride too! Super fun! Worth the splurge for animal lovers.
via Viator
Highlight of Our Trip! Thrilling Ride, Amazing Dolphins, & Top-Notch Guide
Highlight of Our Royal Caribbean Trip! Thrilling Ride, Amazing Dolphins, & Top-Notch Guide Meeting Spot Tip: If you book this, head to the green pier in the middle of the harbor and walk all the way to the very end. We had a little bit of trouble finding it at first, but once we were on board, it was smooth sailing! The boat itself is private, fast, and pure fun. It features unique "pony" seats that you ride saddle-style, plays great music, and delivers the perfect dose of adrenaline for older kids. Honestly, even if we hadn't seen a single dolphin, the boat ride alone was worth every penny. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the island and local sea life. He was upfront that dolphin sightings aren't guaranteed, but after driving around and checking out some cool fish and sea lions, he spotted a family of dolphins out of nowhere! He was so patient, giving us plenty of time to linger, watch the dolphins play around the boat, and take amazing photos. This was one of the most exciting adventures our family enjoyed on our entire trip. I would recommend this tour without hesitation to anyone visiting Catalina Island!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 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
- 17
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.
How much does Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island cost?
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Prices start at $74 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 Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island take?
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Plan for about 1 hour 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 Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 48 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 Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island?
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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 Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island?
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Around 17 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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island 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.
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