The 15 best things to do in Catalina Island (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Catalina Food Tour

   Outty Ranking87

   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. Exceptional at 87/100, 4.9/5 from 492 traveler reviews, 2.5h from $176, free cancellation.

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2. 

   2. Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour

   Outty Ranking80

   Tour the historic Village of Avalon with our local historian. Together you will walk through Avalon while exploring the spooky history and paranormal mysteries of Catalina. Learn the difference between a spirit or a ghos. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.7/5 from 158 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $40, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour

   Outty Ranking76

   Descend Catalina Island's Descanso Canyon by zip line, dropping from 600 feet above sea level, including one run that is 1,100-lineal feet long. You will travel close to three-quarters of a mile over five consecutive zip. Strongly Recommended at 76/100, 4.9/5 from 384 traveler reviews, 2h from $156.

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4. 

   4. Catalina Island Bison Expedition

   Outty Ranking73

   Head out for an exciting expedition through favorite grazing grounds of Catalina’s American Bison, which are descendants of a small herd that was left on the island by a movie crew in the 1920s. This tour also passes thr. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.8/5 from 255 traveler reviews, 2h from $110.

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5. 

   5. Dolphin and Sea Lion Tour of Catalina Island

   Outty Ranking73

   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. Strongly Recommended at 73/100, 4.9/5 from 48 traveler reviews, 1h from $74, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Yellow Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon

   Outty Ranking72

   Come aboard Catalina Island's newest semi-submarine, the SS Nautilus, and enjoy a deep sea adventure 1,000 leagues beyond your imagination. The main attraction of this unique vessel allows six feet underwater viewing whi. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 4.4/5 from 611 traveler reviews, 0.8h from $61, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Parasailing in Catalina Island: Soar Above The Stunning Coastline

   Outty Ranking72

   Catalina Xtreme Parasail thrives to ensure our customers have a safe and amazing experience in the air.. we pride ourselves with also giving back to our community with partnering with the Susan G. Komen foundation to giv. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 4.8/5 from 58 traveler reviews, 1h from $59, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Walking History Tour on Catalina Island

   Outty Ranking72

   Avalon History Tours is a small family-owned business located on Catalina Island. We offer an authentic and immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides who are local residents. Our hour-and-a-half-long tour covers a. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 5.0/5 from 23 traveler reviews, 0.8h from $40, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Discover Avalon: Catalina Scenic Tour

   Outty Ranking72

   A post office that doesn’t deliver? A house that used to be a boat? A bird park without any birds? It’s all part of the unique charm that’s been attracting visitors of all ages to this quaint island town for more than a. Strongly Recommended at 72/100, 4.6/5 from 361 traveler reviews, 0.8h from $31.

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10. 

    10. Catalina Summit and Bison Safari

    Outty Ranking71

    Spectacular canyons, a scenic coastline, and an unspoiled countryside alive with native plants and wildlife will take your breath away on this two-hour guided eco-land excursion. As you venture ten miles into the rugged. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 4.3/5 from 502 traveler reviews, 2h from $89, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Journey to Island's End

    Outty Ranking71

    A Backcountry Hummer Adventure! See the "real" Catalina. There’s nothing like an exciting journey through Catalina's pristine wilderness aboard a rugged, open-air 4x4 Hummer H1. You’ll get an intimate feel for Catalina’s. Strongly Recommended at 71/100, 4.8/5 from 133 traveler reviews, 2h from $110.

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12. 

    12. Ocean Wonders: Catalina Island's Immersive Movie Experience

    Outty Ranking69

    More than 15,000 happy guests and counting! Experience the oceans like never before! This truly unique immersive experience takes you on a thirty minute virtual "scuba dive" through the world's oceans. Our flagship expe. Solid Choice at 69/100, 4.6/5 from 68 traveler reviews, 0.5h from $30, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Catalina Island Aerial Adventure

    Outty Ranking67

    People are taking to the trees on Catalina Aerial Adventure, a unique and challenging outdoor experience at Descanso, SoCal’s favorite island entertainment and adventure destination. Catalina Aerial Adventure is just a s. Solid Choice at 67/100, 4.7/5 from 53 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $31.

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14. 

    14. Casino VIP Backstage Tour

    Outty Ranking67

    Take a trip down memory lane to the days when bands were big and movies were just beginning to talk. The Catalina Casino epitomizes everything glamorous about Catalina Island. You'll see the extraordinary Art Deco murals. Solid Choice at 67/100, 4.8/5 from 57 traveler reviews, 1h from $40.

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15. 

    15. Haunted Catalina EMF Detection Walking Tour - 12 years and older

    Outty Ranking66

    Tour the historic Village of Avalon with our local historian. Together you will walk through Avalon while exploring the spooky history and paranormal mysteries of Catalina. Learn the difference between a spirit or a ghos. Solid Choice at 66/100, 4.6/5 from 16 traveler reviews, 1.8h from $50, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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