Cruise port · United States · Pacific Coastal
Catalina Island cruise port guide
Catalina Island is a rugged, mostly protected island about 22 miles (35 km) off the Southern California coast, and cruise ships call at its only city, Avalon. It's a tender port with a walkable, car-light waterfront, and the draws are the art deco Catalina Casino, golf-cart rides with harbor views, snorkeling, ziplining and tours to see the island's wild bison.
- Walking
- Snorkeling
- Wildlife tours
- Scenic views
- Families
Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Pacific Coastal
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- U.S. dollar. Cards are widely accepted.
- Best time to visit
- April–October
- Average highs
- 64–75°F through the year
About Catalina Island
Avalon feels like a Mediterranean fishing village transplanted to California: a crescent harbor full of boats, palm-lined Front Street and hillsides of cottages, with the round, white Catalina Casino at one end. Cars are tightly restricted, so locals and visitors get around on foot, by bike or in golf carts.
Most of the island beyond Avalon is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy and remains wild, with canyons, ridges and a herd of bison descended from animals brought over for a film in the 1920s. On a port day you can walk the harbor, rent a golf cart for the hillside views, snorkel at Lover's Cove or join an inland tour.
Catalina suits couples, families and anyone who enjoys an easy, scenic day with outdoor options. It's small, so travelers seeking big attractions or major shopping may find a few hours plenty. Prices are higher than on the mainland.
Where cruise ships dock in Catalina Island
Catalina is a tender port. Ships anchor off Avalon and tender passengers to the waterfront near the Green Pleasure Pier, right in the middle of town. Everything in Avalon is within walking distance: Front Street's shops and restaurants are steps from the landing, the Casino is a 10 to 15 minute stroll along the harbor, and Descanso Beach is just beyond it. Golf carts and bikes can be rented near the waterfront. Inland and bison tours start in town. Plan on four to six hours ashore, and allow extra time for tender lines when the ship is busy.
Best things to do in Catalina Island on a cruise
- 1
Catalina Casino
history
Built in 1929, the Casino was never a gambling hall; its name comes from an older meaning of a gathering place. The art deco building holds a grand ballroom and the Avalon Theatre, with murals and a pipe organ. Guided tours explain its history, and the harbor walk to reach it is lovely in itself.
- 2
Golf cart tour of Avalon
scenery
Renting a golf cart is a Catalina tradition. Winding roads climb above Avalon to viewpoints over the harbor, the Casino and the coastline. An hour is enough to see the main lookouts; carts are usually limited to the town area.
- 3
Snorkeling at Lover's Cove or Casino Point
nature
Protected marine areas near town have kelp, rocky reefs and bright orange garibaldi, California's state marine fish. Lover's Cove is a short walk east of the landing, and Casino Point Dive Park sits beside the Casino. The water is cool much of the year, so rent a wetsuit.
- 4
Inland bison and wildlands tour
wildlife
Jeep and bus tours head into the island's protected interior to look for the free-roaming bison, along with native foxes and bald eagles, and to take in rugged canyon and ocean views. They're the best way to see the wild side of Catalina.
- 5
Descanso Canyon zipline
adventure
A series of ziplines descend through Descanso Canyon toward the beach, with ocean views along the way. It's a popular, family-friendly adrenaline option just beyond the Casino.
- 6
Glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine
family
These boat tours from the harbor show kelp forests and fish without getting wet, and are especially good with kids or non-swimmers.
- 7
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden
nature
About 1.5 miles up Avalon Canyon, the garden showcases plants native to California's islands, and the hilltop memorial to chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., who once owned much of the island, has wide views.
Catalina Island weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 6418 | 6418 | 6418 | 6518 | 6518 | 6921 | 7323 | 7524 | 7524 | 7423 | 6921 | 6518 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5614 | 5613 | 5614 | 5714 | 5815 | 6216 | 6519 | 6720 | 6820 | 6619 | 6116 | 5714 |
| Rain in (mm) | 3.385 | 2.871 | 2.768 | 0.614 | 0.49 | 0.01 | 0.12 | 0.26 | 0.26 | 0.37 | 0.923 | 3.076 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
What to eat and drink in Catalina Island
Catalina's signature drink is the Buffalo Milk, a creamy cocktail of vodka, liqueurs and whipped cream. Seafood restaurants along Front Street serve fish tacos, fish and chips and chowder. For a quick bite, look for ice cream, fudge and saltwater taffy shops on the waterfront. Prices reflect the island location, so expect to pay more than on the mainland.
Tips for your port day
- Pick up tender tickets early if you're going ashore independently, and head back well before the last tender.
- Golf carts sell out on busy days; reserve or rent first thing.
- Bring a light jacket; mornings can be cool and foggy even in summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes for Avalon's hills.
- Book bison tours early; group sizes are small.
Cruise lines that visit Catalina Island
Often on the same itinerary
Catalina Island cruise FAQs
Do cruise ships dock or tender at Catalina Island?
They tender. Cruise ships anchor off Avalon and tender passengers to the waterfront near the Green Pleasure Pier in the center of town.
Can you walk around Avalon from the cruise tender?
Yes. Avalon is compact, and the shops, beaches and the Casino are all within walking distance of the tender landing.
Are there really bison on Catalina Island?
Yes. A small herd roams the island's protected interior, descended from bison brought over for a film in the 1920s. Inland tours offer the best chance to see them.
What is the best thing to do on Catalina Island on a cruise?
Renting a golf cart for harbor views, snorkeling at Lover's Cove, and visiting the Casino are favorites. An inland tour is best for wildlife.
Can you rent a golf cart on Catalina Island?
Yes. Rental shops near the waterfront rent carts by the hour, though they're usually limited to Avalon's streets and viewpoints.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.