About

Discover Catalina Island

Catalina Island (officially Santa Catalina Island) is near the southern end of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It is part of Los Angeles County, and is a popular day trip and vacation destination for locals and tourists. Catalina is a world unto itself, a distant asylum from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Southern California. 88% of the island is owned by the Catalina Conservancy which is chartered with protecting its environment.

Explore

What to Experience in Catalina Island

Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, #1 Descanso Canyon Rd (At Descanso Beach Club), toll

bird's-eye view of marina near mountains

4th Of July Yacht Club at 4th of July Cove (island

aerial view of city near body of water during daytime

Balboa Island Yacht Club has club facilities at Whites Landing

a night view of a harbor with boats and a bridge

Balboa Yacht Club has club facilities at Hen Rock

Off the coast of Avalon

Blue Water Cruising Club at Big Geiger Cove

a harbor filled with lots of boats next to a lush green hillside

California Yacht Club in Catalina Harbor(Cat Harbor) at Ballast Point

Catalina Island

a view of a harbor with boats in the water

Del Rey Yacht Club in Catalina Harbor (Cat Harbor)

white boat on sea near mountain during daytime

Fourth of July Yacht Club at Fourth of July Cove

a large body of water filled with lots of boats

Isthmus Yacht Club at Two Harbors (island

a body of water surrounded by palm trees

Cuisine

Taste of Catalina Island...

Not available

Weather

Climate

"City" is a relative term on Catalina - neither Avalon nor Two Harbors are particularly large. Avalon became a city in 1913 and has about 4,000 permanent residents. Two Harbors is considerably smaller with about 150 residents. Two Harbors is primarily a boaters' destination, the company manages 720 moorings around the west end of the island along with campground, restaurant, dive and recreation rentals, 12-room bed and breakfast and a general store. There are Bison on the island which were brought over for a 1920s film and left behind. Some of the island's tours will take you to see them. Catalina is a haven for SCUBA divers in Los Angeles area. The main SCUBA diving site from Avalon is Casino Point, right next to the Casino building. Concrete steps have been created, so divers (and snorkelers) can step down a few steps and enter the water. Since Casino Point is north-pointing dive site, it is mostly protected from the heavy surf and waves most of the year.

Plan Your Trip

Essential Information

Getting There

Multiple Options

There are Bison on the island which were brought over for a 1920s film and left behind. Some of the island's tours will take you to see them. Catalina is a haven for SCUBA divers in Los Angeles area. The main SCUBA diving site from Avalon is Casino Point, right next to the Casino building. Concrete steps have been created, so divers (and snorkelers) can step down a few steps and enter the water. Since Casino Point is north-pointing dive site, it is mostly protected from the heavy surf and waves most of the year. Casino Point is a protected area and nothing can be removed from the area. There is an air refill station and tank/weights rental right next to the entry point. Common sightings are garibaldi, bat rays, octopus, giant black sea bass, kelp bass, lobsters and horn sharks. Additional snorkeling can be done at Lovers' Cove, south of the ferry terminal. Dives are by harbormaster's permit only....

Travel Tips

Getting Around & Staying

Getting Around

There are Bison on the island which were brought over for a 1920s film and left behind. Some of the island's tours will take you to see them. Catalina is a haven for SCUBA divers in Los Angeles area. The main SCUBA diving site from Avalon is Casino Point, right next to the Casino building. Concrete steps have been created, so divers (and snorkelers) can step down a few steps and enter the water. Since Casino Point is north-pointing dive site, it is mostly protected from the heavy surf and waves most of the year. Casino Point is a protected area and nothing can be removed from the area. There is an air refill station and tank/weights rental right next to the entry point. Common sightings are garibaldi, bat rays, octopus, giant black sea bass, kelp bass, lobsters and horn sharks. Additional snorkeling can be done at Lovers' Cove, south of the ferry terminal. Dives are by harbormaster's permit only.

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