- Signature fish
- Garibaldi
- Gentle giant
- Giant sea bass
- Whale season
- Grays, winter–spring
- Best snorkeling
- Lover’s Cove
The water around Catalina is some of the clearest in California, and the kelp forests just off Avalon are full of fish. People have been peering at them through glass-bottom boats since the 1890s.
The kelp forest
Giant kelp anchors to the rocky bottom and grows toward the light, sometimes more than a foot a day. The forest shelters hundreds of species, and the best place to see it is the Casino Point Dive Park, where the kelp starts a few kicks from the steps.
Fish you’ll see
GaribaldiHypsypops rubicundus
The bright orange fish everywhere around Avalon, and California’s official state marine fish. It’s protected: no taking them. Males guard nests of red algae and will chase off much bigger fish.
Giant sea bassStereolepis gigas
Up to seven feet long and hundreds of pounds, and protected in California. Summer divers at Casino Point sometimes meet them.
California sheephead
Big-toothed fish that start life as females and later turn into males, with black-and-red stripes.
Kelp bass, opaleye, halfmoon and blacksmith
The everyday crowd of the kelp forest, along with señoritas, rockfish and the occasional moray eel peering out of the rocks.
Bat rays, horn sharks and leopard sharks
Harmless bottom dwellers you might spot over sand.
Flying fish
On summer nights boats run searchlight tours to watch them skim across the water, a Catalina tradition for more than a century.
Marine mammals
California sea lions haul out on rocks around the island, especially toward the east end, and harbor seals are common. Common and bottlenose dolphins often ride the ferries’ bow waves. Gray whales pass in winter and spring on their migration, and blue, humpback and fin whales feed offshore in summer and fall.
Marine protected areas
Several parts of the coast are protected, including Lover’s Cove and Casino Point in Avalon, Blue Cavern near Two Harbors, Long Point, Farnsworth, Cat Harbor and Arrow Point to Lion Head Point. Rules vary: in most of them you can look but not take. Check the signs before you fish.
Fishing
Catalina is where big-game sport fishing grew up. The Tuna Club of Avalon, founded in 1898, set rules for fair-play angling on light tackle. Today charters go out for yellowtail, white seabass, calico bass and, in good years, tuna. Anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license.
Quick answers
What is the orange fish at Catalina?
The garibaldi, California’s state marine fish. It’s protected, so look but don’t touch.
Can you see whales from Catalina?
Yes. Gray whales migrate past in winter and spring, and blue, humpback and fin whales feed offshore in summer and fall. Dolphins are common year-round.
Do you need a fishing license on Catalina?
Yes, a California fishing license for anyone 16 or older, and some coastal areas are marine reserves where fishing is restricted.
Diving & snorkeling on the island
See all →No photo yet Avalon11 min from the ferry- Opens Sat 8amAvalon6 min from the ferry4.1(56)
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Boat & kayak rentals on the island
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Tours & activities on the island
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No photo yet Avalon6 min from the ferry- Avalon7 min from the ferry
