Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island, California

United States

Glide through crystalline waters to spot playful sea lions and kelp forests teeming with colorful marine life.

Currency United States Dollar (USD)
Language English
Time Zone PST (UTC-8)
Best Time to Visit Mar–May
Typical Duration 4 nights
Price Range $149-$2,266.50 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

A scenic island destination off the California coast offering pristine beaches, marine wildlife viewing, and a charming small-town atmosphere for cruise passengers on Pacific itineraries.

Cruises that visit Santa Catalina Island, California

Build Your Day in Santa Catalina Island, California

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
The Lobster Trap Can't recommend this place enough if you're looking for dinner on Catalina! Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 3k
Bluewater Avalon Waterfront seafood standby with a deck Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 3k
Santa Catalina Island There are plenty of activities to fill your day on Catalina Island. Island · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Submarine & Land Tours -Catalina Adventure Tours Onsite services·Online appointments Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Descanso Beach Club Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Original Jack's Country Kitchen Diner-style eats & a lively, homey space Breakfast · ★ 4.1 · 1k
The Pancake Cottage Bustling breakfast & lunch mainstay Breakfast · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour Onsite services Adventure sports center · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Luau Larry's Harbor-side Tiki bar with Hawaiian menu Grill · ★ 4.4 · 1k
The Sandtrap Casual Mexican & American eatery Mexican · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co Snug spot for java, baked goods & fro-yo Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Catalina Casino New releases in the Catalina Casino Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
NDMK Fish House Dine-in·Takeout Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Maggie's Blue Rose Relaxed setting for Mexican fare Mexican · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Avalon Grille American menu & bayside dining Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Buffalo Nickel Inc Comfort foods in a laid-back environment Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
El Galleon Restaurant & Bar Beachfront American eats & karaoke American · ★ 3.9 · 1k
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden Art deco memorial amid plants & cacti Garden · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Steve's Steakhouse & Seafood Hearty American plates amid bay views Steak · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Catalina Island Company Ticket Booth Singing, fish-finding, and sight-seeing was a great thing to do today. Tour operator · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Wrigley Memorial Grand views & a focus on native plants Memorial · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Catalina Museum For Art & History Center dedicated to the island's history Museum · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar Casual place for seafood & American fare Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Catalina Island Conservancy Trailhead Onsite services Store · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Scoops Catalina Creamery Onsite services Ice Cream · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Catalina Island Brew House Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Brewpub · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Cafe Metropole Indoor/outdoor spot for light fare Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Naughty Fox Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery New American · ★ 4.2 · 0k
3 Palms Scenic Overlook Onsite services Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open now
Three Palms Avalon Arcade Video arcade · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Catalina Island Company Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Marlin Club Stalwart bar with a maritime theme Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Catalina Island Visitor Center Things are expensive here but it’s All worth it ❤️⛰️🏝️⛴️🏔️🤿👙🩳🤩☀️🌻🦋🌷🌎🐳 Tourist information center · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Flx Biergarten Dine-in·No delivery Beer Garden · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
The Locker Room Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
M Restaurant & Events Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Italian · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Topside by NDMK Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4 · 0k
Catalina Chimes Tower Local institution with panoramic views Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open now
Pier 24 The views were just as spectacular as the food and the service. American · ★ 4.2 · 0k
IMMERSED Relaxing experience like a planetarium for the ocean Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
DC3 Gifts & Grill Classic daytime fare & panoramic vistas Grill · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour Onsite services Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Harbor Sands Public restroom·Good for kids·Picnic tables Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Catalina Island Horseback Adventures And Catalina Island Horseback Adventures made sure we all had a great time. Horseback riding service · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Airport in the Sky Restaurant Super casual place with friendly staff, bar games, and great food. American · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Chi Chi Club No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 PM
Eric's On The Pier Bustling open-air spot for casual eats Fish & Chips · ★ 3.3 · 0k
Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook Fun walk, with one of the best views of the island. Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Lover's Cove Scenic Vista Great place to snorkel with wildlife. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 0k
CHILL at Descanso Beach Club Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports ... experience snorkeling off the Casino Park and Descanso Beach. Adventure sports center · ★ 4.4 · 0k
South Beach Amazing beach with rocks shell and weird looking creatures . Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Step Beach Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Sunset Bar and Grill Amazing food, service is superb, the atmosphere is perfect for the island! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Bistro at the Atwater Dine-in·No delivery Cafe · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closes soon · 12 PM
Middle Beach Good place to swim… very busy on weekends Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Knabe Park Small seaside park with a playground Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Public Showers Always clean, always hot and always good water pressure. Public bath · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Old Ben Park nice little statue next to the water, can take great pics at Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open now
West End Galley Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery American · ★ 3.6 · 0k
Three Palms Bar & Grill Dine-in·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Front Street Eats We took our food to eat on the beach across the street, lovely setting. Fast Food · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tres hermanas coffee co Dine-in Coffee stand · ★ 5 · 0k
Avalon Cave Tourist attraction · ★ 2.5 · 0k
Button Shell Beach Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Bannings Beach Beach · ★ 5 · 0k
Cottonwood Beach Beach pavillion · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Santa Catalina Island, California

About Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island serves as a popular port of call for cruise passengers exploring Southern California's Pacific coastline. Three major cruise lines—Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line—regularly call here, offering travelers over 180 upcoming cruise opportunities. Most voyages feature 4-night itineraries that combine Santa Catalina with nearby ports like Long Beach, San Diego, Ensenada, and Cabo San Lucas. The island experiences peak cruise traffic during the spring and summer months, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warm-weather getaways.

Once ashore, cruise passengers discover a charming island community with a distinctly Mediterranean character. The picturesque waterfront invites exploration, while the island's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities provide memorable experiences during your port visit. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Santa Catalina Island delivers the quintessential Southern California cruise experience.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Avalon's Historic Charm

Wander through Avalon's picturesque downtown, where Victorian architecture meets Mediterranean vibes along the waterfront. Visit the iconic Casino building, a 1929 Art Deco masterpiece offering panoramic island views and fascinating tours that reveal Santa Catalina's glamorous past as a 1920s resort destination.

2

Fresh Seafood at the Harbor

Savor locally-caught fish and lobster at harborfront restaurants serving authentic California coastal cuisine. Try the island's signature swordfish or enjoy fish tacos at casual waterfront spots where you can watch fishing boats unload their daily catch while dining with ocean breezes.

3

Snorkel in Crystal-Clear Waters

Dive into Santa Catalina's pristine marine environment through guided snorkeling tours departing directly from Avalon. Encounter vibrant kelp forests, colorful garibaldi fish, and stunning underwater rock formations in some of Southern California's most spectacular and accessible snorkeling destinations.

4

Shop Local Artisan Markets

Browse Avalon's charming boutiques and galleries featuring local artists, handcrafted jewelry, and island-inspired souvenirs. The pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with unique shops selling everything from nautical décor to locally-made ceramics and artwork celebrating Santa Catalina's natural beauty.

5

Ride the Iconic Zipline

Experience an adrenaline rush on Santa Catalina's thrilling zipline course soaring above the island's rugged terrain and ocean vistas. This unique adventure offers unparalleled aerial perspectives of the island's coves, canyons, and coastline while providing an unforgettable rush for cruise visitors seeking active exploration.

Cruise Lines at Santa Catalina Island, California

Cruises Departing From Santa Catalina Island, California

Cruises Visiting Santa Catalina Island, California

Ship Schedule at Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island, California Location

Other Cruise Ports in United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Catalina Island?

Santa Catalina Island is a small island off the coast of Southern California and a popular tourist destination.

How can I visit Santa Catalina Island?

You can reach the island by ferry from Long Beach, Dana Point, or Avalon, or by private boat.

What activities are available on Santa Catalina Island?

Snorkeling, hiking, glass-bottom tours, and scenic drives around Avalon and the island's interior.

Where is Santa Catalina Island located?

It lies in the Channel Islands off the coast of California, United States, near Los Angeles.