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:
Bluewater Avalon Spend the day at Catalina Island and ate here. Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 3k
The Lobster Trap One of the best restaurants on Catalina Island! Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 3k
Descanso Beach Club Highly recommend spending the day here if you’re on Catalina Island. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Santa Catalina Island There are plenty of activities to fill your day on Catalina Island. Island · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Submarine & Land Tours -Catalina Adventure Tours The yellow submarine is a must do while visiting Catalina Island. Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Zip Line Eco Tour Great way to spend a few hours on Catalina Island. Adventure sports center · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Luau Larry's My favorite place eating at Catalina Island. Grill · ★ 4.4 · 1k
The Sandtrap Great drinks and a wonderful open air atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Catalina Casino When you are on the Catalina Island, this is a must do! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
NDMK Fish House Amazing food and great service, a must eat while on Catalina Island Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Eco-Tours Catalina Island Conservancy We recently visited Catalina Island for the first time. Tourist information center · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Avalon Grille Had a great meal here our last night in Catalina. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden You must see if in Catalina Island. Garden · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Catalina Island Company Ticket Booth We recommend to visit Catalina Island. Tour operator · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 3 PM
Steve's Steakhouse & Seafood A must try if in Catalina Island. Steak · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Catalina Museum For Art & History Great little museum to get a feel for Catalina island. Museum · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar They have a great selection of beers and food. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 3 PM
Catalina Island Brew House A fun place to people watch while enjoying the local beers and food Brewpub · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Catalina Falconry Experience This is a must do activity on Santa Catalina Island. Wildlife and safari park · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:45 AM Sat
Naughty Fox Super great place to eat on Catalina! New American · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Three Palms Avalon Arcade They serve alcoholic beverages too Video arcade · ★ 4.3 · 0k
3 Palms Scenic Overlook I visited Catalina island for the first time and felt like I am in Italy. Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Open now
Marlin Club Great people, Stiff drink, Good music. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Catalina Island Visitor Center The island can be reach by taking a ferry from Long Beach, LA. Tourist information center · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Catalina Island Company Our first time at Santa Catalina Island & wanted to explore it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Flx Biergarten Delicious beers on tap and a great atmosphere. Beer Garden · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Locker Room Staff, atmosphere, drinks, all great!! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Catalina Chimes Tower Local institution with panoramic views Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Topside by NDMK Highly recommend this place for a nice dinner on the island Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
IMMERSED Definitely a must do when visiting Catalina. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Haunted Catalina Ghost Tour Learned so much about the history of Catalina Island and Avalon. Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Harbor Sands Had the best day relaxing, eating and drinking. Public beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 3 PM
Metropole Market Place A great collection of cute and unique stores and restaurants Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open now
Chi Chi Club Great chill spot 16$ for beer and high noon I’ll take it! Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Airport in the Sky Restaurant Cool fun place - and where else to enjoy a meal in the middle of catalina. American · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Buena Vista Point Scenic Overlook The iconic and stunning view of Santa Catalina Island!! Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Lover's Cove Scenic Vista You’ll see the colorful submarines go by and probably a few helicopters too. Scenic spot · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Catalina Aerial Adventure Totally recommend this Catalina adventure! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 3 PM
Two Harbors General Store Toiletries, clothing, gear, fresh fruit, non perishables, and souvenirs. Grocery store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Catalina By the Sea We shopped everywhere and this store had really cool stuff and great prices. Souvenir store · ★ 3.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7:30 PM
The Steamer Trunk Darling little shop with beautiful classy gifts and incredible jewelry. Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM
Sunset Bar and Grill We ate at Sunset Bar and Grill during our stay at Catalina Canyon Inn. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Island Threadz Great prices but not a lot of sizes available. Clothing store · ★ 3.7 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Buoys & Gulls In-store shopping Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Bay of Seven Moons I can't wait to go back here and buy more stuff. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM
Latitude 33 Bought ukulele here Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7:30 PM
Two's Co Of Avalon A nice selection of jewelry and gifts Gift shop · ★ 3.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM
Three Palms Bar & Grill Staff was friendly. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Catalina Souvenir Shop A must visit for the best gifts in town. Souvenir store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4:30 PM

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

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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.