Fantastic Catalina Race in Catalina Island
Catalina Island, United States

Fantastic Catalina Race

Outty Ranking 59 4.3 · 15 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $55

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$55
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Fantastic Catalina Race worth booking?

Fantastic Catalina Race is a 1.5-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $55 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (15)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$55 per person

"A Truly Amazing Race"!! The Fantastic Catalina Race is a unique hybrid of a sightseeing tour and interactive mystery novel around Avalon. Our races are unlike anything you've ever done before, and we offer an experience

What you get

    About this experience

    "A Truly Amazing Race"!! The Fantastic Catalina Race is a unique hybrid of a sightseeing tour and interactive mystery novel around Avalon. Our races are unlike anything you've ever done before, and we offer an experience you will never forget. Great for the whole family! Great for Groups!

    What's included

    Included

    • The hunt is all-inclusive, and covers clues, goodies throughout, snack and beverage, and prizes.

    Not included

    • All-inclusive tour

    What you'll see and do

    1. Catalina Casino

      We don't want to spoil the fun but there are many sights in downtown Avalon that we will be exploring.

      15 minutes here

    2. The Fantastic Catalina Race

      We don't want to spoil the fun but there are many sights in downtown Avalon that we will be exploring.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Catalina Island

    NEW COVID PROTOCOLS: All players must contact us upon signing up. We will then send full registration materials including a contactless waiver form.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    NEW COVID PROTOCOLS: All players must contact us upon signing up. We will then send full registration materials including a contactless waiver form.

    Options you can book

    • Fantastic Catalina Race

      Fantastic Catalina Race

    • Fantastic Catalina Race

    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
    Mon, Tue
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Fantastic Race Worldwide

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    WTF?!Food and Drink at the Finish LineYou Are HereTeam #1 is in the lead!There! There!Explore the hidden mysteries of Catalina!

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

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

    Good for families

    3 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    15 verified traveler reviews for Fantastic Catalina Race. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    11
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    lorrieb129 · November 2025

    Great fun for fans of Amazing Race!

    We recently did this excursion on a Carnival cruise, and it was a blast! Our host was Big A, and she was a fantastic host that kept it fun and informative. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but the clues were the exact level of difficulty to make it challenging, but not frustrating, ha! You should definitely be prepared for lots of walking--I got nearly 18,000 steps this day! But it's all level and paved so no proper hiking involved. This was a super enjoyable way to spend time in Catalina, getting to see a lot of the offerings of the island and interacting with locals. This was a super fun way to spend time with my husband, and I think that it'd be a lot of fun for families, too. Can't recommend this enough. Do it; you'll have a great time!

    via Tripadvisor

    Voyager49744126455 · April 2024

    Winner!

    Had a great time competing in this Fantastic Race on Catalina island with my wife and two friends. Our host, Joseph, was great and enthusiastic. I’d recommend this excursion.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jack_C · March 2024

    Go with the flow

    We had a great time running around and solving the puzzles. Unfortunately our cell service (AT&T) went down completely, but that just meant we had to borrow a cell phone from some random strangers, just like the race on TV. We saw other teams arguing so just remember to keep your team(s) small, go with the flow and have a great time. It was super fun!

    via Viator

    jacobbQ9269EC · June 2023

    Fun Way to Explore the town

    It was really fun exploring the island race-style. We loved solving the clues and thought they were perfect in difficulty.

    via Tripadvisor

    melissalJ4783LI · May 2023

    Fun way to experience Catalina

    Such a fun way to see Catalina! Our kids (young adults) loved it and will always remember this trip. Be sure to wear athletic shoes, a lot of ground to cover. Challenged everyone in our group in different ways with an unexpected outcome of fun. We are still talking about it...

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 59

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)63
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)88
    Listing quality (10% weight)64
    Local standing (8% weight)33
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Fantastic Catalina Race: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.

    How much does Fantastic Catalina Race cost?

    +

    Prices start at $55 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 Fantastic Catalina Race take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 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 Fantastic Catalina Race worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 15 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 Fantastic Catalina Race?

    +

    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 Fantastic Catalina Race suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Fantastic Catalina Race?

    +

    Around 5 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Fantastic Catalina Race 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 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?

    +

    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.

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