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A quick ferry ride from Long Beach drops you into Avalon’s sheltered harbor and a day that balances mellow coastal strolls with optional high‑adrenaline choices like ziplining or an undersea sub tour. Read on for what to expect, timing, and practical tips to plan your day efficiently.
A quick ferry ride from Long Beach drops you into Avalon’s sheltered harbor and a day that balances mellow coastal strolls with optional high‑adrenaline choices like ziplining or an undersea sub tour. Read on for what to expect, timing, and practical tips to plan your day efficiently.
The ferry eases away from the Long Beach landing and the Pacific opens up — cool wind that tastes like salt and kelp pushing at the hull as Avalon edges into view an hour later. On arrival, the town’s low-slung buildings and the rounded shoulders of Catalina’s hills frame a day that can be paced to the traveler: a relaxed stroll on the Green Pleasure Pier, a quick scenic loop to learn the island’s history, or an adrenaline pulse on the zipline course.
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Operated by Extreme Tours by Karmel · Avalon, California
The ferry eases away from the Long Beach landing and the Pacific opens up — cool wind that tastes like salt and kelp pushing at the hull as Avalon edges into view an hour later. On arrival, the town’s low-slung buildings and the rounded shoulders of Catalina’s hills frame a day that can be paced to the traveler: a relaxed stroll on the Green Pleasure Pier, a quick scenic loop to learn the island’s history, or an adrenaline pulse on the zipline course.
Santa Catalina Island sits about 22 miles (35 km) off the Southern California coast. The island’s geology is a mix of weathered granite and uplifted marine terraces; the interior rises to roughly 2,000 feet at Mount Orizaba, while Avalon occupies a sheltered crescent where boating and tourism have dominated since the early 20th century, when developer William Wrigley Jr. invested in infrastructure and botanical plantings. Indigenous Tongva ties to the island predate that modern era, and remnants of those cultural landscapes still shape local place names.
Practical guidance follows the narrative: expect a one‑hour ferry each way, roughly 9 hours out of your hotel with shuttle pickup windows early morning, and optional excursions that run 45–60 minutes (undersea sub, Avalon scenic tour, or zipline). Bring closed‑toe shoes for ziplines, layers for coastal wind, and a small daypack with water and cash for small vendors. Note the zipline enforces strict age and weight limits and restrooms aren’t available during the zipline segment. Book morning departures to maximize daylight on the island; summer schedules may offer later boat returns.
Catalina’s currents and cliffs will test your sense of tempo — move slowly where the shore invites it, and hold pace when the island’s topography pushes you upward.
The Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach typically takes about one hour each way; schedules vary seasonally.
Optional tours are often available as upgrades at booking; availability depends on season and capacity — reserve in advance when possible.
Yes — single riders must usually be at least 10 years old and meet minimum weight requirements; combined and individual weight limits are strictly enforced.
Shuttle pickup is provided from participating LAX and Anaheim area hotels as part of the package; confirm your pickup location at booking.
Extreme Tours by Karmel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The ferry eases away from the Long Beach landing and the Pacific opens up — cool wind that tastes like salt and kelp pushing at the hull as Avalon edges into view an hour later. On arrival, the town’s low-slung buildings and the rounded shoulders of Catalina’s hills frame a day that can be paced to the traveler: a relaxed stroll on the Green Pleasure Pier, a quick scenic loop to learn the island’s history, or an adrenaline pulse on the zipline course.
The ferry eases away from the Long Beach landing and the Pacific opens up — cool wind that tastes like salt and kelp pushing at the hull as Avalon edges into view an hour later. On arrival, the town’s low-slung buildings and the rounded shoulders of Catalina’s hills frame a day that can be paced to the traveler: a relaxed stroll on the Green Pleasure Pier, a quick scenic loop to learn the island’s history, or an adrenaline pulse on the zipline course.
Santa Catalina Island sits about 22 miles (35 km) off the Southern California coast. The island’s geology is a mix of weathered granite and uplifted marine terraces; the interior rises to roughly 2,000 feet at Mount Orizaba, while Avalon occupies a sheltered crescent where boating and tourism have dominated since the early 20th century, when developer William Wrigley Jr. invested in infrastructure and botanical plantings. Indigenous Tongva ties to the island predate that modern era, and remnants of those cultural landscapes still shape local place names.
Practical guidance follows the narrative: expect a one‑hour ferry each way, roughly 9 hours out of your hotel with shuttle pickup windows early morning, and optional excursions that run 45–60 minutes (undersea sub, Avalon scenic tour, or zipline). Bring closed‑toe shoes for ziplines, layers for coastal wind, and a small daypack with water and cash for small vendors. Note the zipline enforces strict age and weight limits and restrooms aren’t available during the zipline segment. Book morning departures to maximize daylight on the island; summer schedules may offer later boat returns.
Catalina’s currents and cliffs will test your sense of tempo — move slowly where the shore invites it, and hold pace when the island’s topography pushes you upward.