Best things to do on Catalina Island

From glass-bottom boats and zip lines to the Casino and the Wrigley Memorial, here is everything to do on the island, ranked by visitors’ Google ratings and weighted so the most-reviewed favorites rise to the top.

Updated October 19, 2026 · Ranked from 5,938 Google reviews

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   1. Catalina Falconry Experience

   5.0(483)·Beaches & nature · Avalon

   Opens Sat 9:45am·16 min from the ferry

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   2. Catalina Xtreme Parasail

   5.0(238)·Tours & activities · Avalon

   Opens 8am tomorrow·6 min from the ferry

   For Catalina Island Parasailing rides, you won't find a better choice than Catalina Xtreme Parasail. We are a fully locally owned and operated company offering a first class parasail experience over the Islands pristine coastline. Our professional USCG licensed captains and experienced crew assist you through the whole process. Enjoy safe and amazing views 600 or 800 feet above the crystal clear waters! With USCG approved vessels, we can hold up to 12 people on board and is great for larger groups and families! Please visit our website or socials for early bird, birthday, military & first responder discounts!

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   3. Avalon Local Tours

   5.0(161)·Tours & activities · Avalon

   Opens 8am tomorrow·28 min from the ferry

   See everything Avalon has to offer in this two-hour private tour by golf cart with one expert driver guide. Want to see our city through a local's eyes? Join Avalon local tours for the island's most unique golf cart tour. Take a joyride with us. Don't worry about wasting time getting lost or trying to figure out what you're looking at; we'll tell you all about it. A friendly Avalon local drives you around the city for a true insider's perspective. Always capturing a full spectrum of all the Instagram-worthy spots! We stop for photo opportunities at the most picturesque locations. Visit over 25 sightseeing locations on this super fun golf cart tour. You will get to see, touch, and smell your way through Catalina Island.

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   4. Catalina Adventure Sailing

   5.0(126)·Tours & activities · Avalon

   Open now·5 min from the ferry

   Our 5-star TripAdvisor rated sailing trips offer you a memorable Catalina Island experience whether you want to just want to relax on deck or go for a paddle or swim. Catalina Adventure Sail currently offers sailing charters for up to 6 passengers. Your excursion will be guided by a knowledgeable and friendly, fully certified USCG licensed Captain.

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   5. Catalina Adventure Tours

   4.9(2,014)·Tours & activities · Avalon

   Opens 7:30am tomorrow·5 min from the ferry

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   6. Eco-Tours Catalina Island Conservancy

   4.9(863)·Tours & activities · Avalon

   Opens 8am tomorrow·5 min from the ferry

   Eco Tours on open air vehicles into the interior of Catalina Island. See the Wild Side. Your Adventure Starts Here. Go where no other tour company can take you.

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   7. Discover Avalon Tour

   5.0(32)·Tours & activities · Avalon

   Opens 9am tomorrow·9 min from the ferry

   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 century. Postcard views abound on this open-air narrated bus tour through the streets of historic Avalon. Have your camera ready.

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   8. An IMMERSED Experience

   4.9(155)·Arts & culture · Avalon

   Opens 10am tomorrow·9 min from the ferry

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   9. Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour

   4.9(143)·Tours & activities · Avalon

   Open until 11pm·7 min from the ferry

   Explore Avalon's spooky history in this hour and half walking tour with our local historian.

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    10. Catalina Backcountry

    5.0(24)·Beaches & nature · Avalon

    11 min from the ferry

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    11. Avalon Diving History Exhibit

    5.0(21)·Arts & culture · Avalon

    Opens 10am tomorrow·11 min from the ferry

    Catalina Island is one of the premier diving destinations in all of America. Nearly all the early diving pioneers frequently dove the island’s coastline. The Avalon Diving History Exhibit is a celebration of those times and those people. Offering one of the most complete and varied Vintage dive gear collections in the nation on display.

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    12. Bison Expedition

    4.9(59)·Tours & activities · Avalon

    Opens 9:30am tomorrow·9 min from the ferry

    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 through Middle Ranch and up Cape Canyon to a scenic overlook on Black Jack Mountain, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of rugged canyons and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

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    13. Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour

    4.8(1,149)·Tours & activities · Avalon

    Opens 9am tomorrow·17 min from the ferry

    Get ready for two hours of adrenaline-fueled fun on TripAdvisor's top-rated Catalina Island adventure. After a brief safety session, you'll gear up and climb aboard a shuttle that will take you to the ridge top 600 feet above Descanso Beach Club. From there, you'll enjoy sweeping ocean views as you zigzag down and across the canyon and through a grove of towering eucalyptus trees on five separate lines at speeds approaching 35 mph.

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    14. 3 Palms Scenic Overlook

    4.8(272)·Sights & landmarks · Avalon

    10 min from the ferry

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    15. Catalina Scuba

    4.8(198)·Diving & snorkeling · Avalon

    Opens 9am tomorrow·11 min from the ferry

    Catalina Scuba specializes in scuba diving Catalina. We are instructor owned with over 2 decades of professional experience in the beautiful Channel Islands. If you want to try scuba diving Catalina, freediving or try snorkeling Catalina, we have the Catalina Island tour for you. Catalina Scuba tours are fun for the whole family with no experience needed. Looking for things to do in Catalina Island? Planning your next adventure or vacation to Catalina? Scuba dive Catalina or snorkel Catalina at Catalina Scuba. Certified? Book a guided scuba dive at Casino Point Dive Park with Catalina Scuba. Our expert scuba instructors will guide your dive through California's giant kelp forests. Dive Catalina with Catalina Scuba today! Dive shop Catalina.