So Many Activites and Things To Do On Catalina Island!
There are so many things to do on Catalina Island that guests have a hard time choosing. From submersible water tours through a kelp forest, to jeep tours of the island, to zip-lining above Catalina’s unique flora, there’s something for everyone. The Casino and Museum offer a look back into the Island’s history and ocean sports like snorkeling and swimming offer a magical view of our Pacific waters. Catalina Island has unique shopping in Avalon, sunning at Descanso Beach and great walks with ocean and mountain views. After a full day, guests can dine on the pier or sample Catalina Island’s many fine restaurants.
Start at the Catalina Island Visitors Bureau to plan your day, or wander about town and check out the various offerings then decide. Below, we’ve catalogued just a few of the great Catalina Island activities from Descanso Beach to Eco Tours to fun at the Three Palms Avalon Arcade. There’s so much to do you’ll be happy to return to the St. Lauren at the end of your day to relax and plan tomorrow!
Note About Reviews:
The Catalina activities listed below are just a few of those available and are not owned or sponsored by St. Lauren Hotel. The reviews are 5-star reviews taken from TripAdvisor and are for informational purposes only and are not the opinions of the St. Lauren Hotel. We encourage our guests to research any tour they choose and make sure it fits your personality and budget.
Catalina Island Visitors Bureau
#1 Green Pier, PO Box 217, Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1520
“Good Information”
These people are very helpful. I have called them on the phone and been there in person many times.
There are always thing to ask about and they really don’t mind helping you out.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Descanso Beach
#1 Descanso Canyon Road, Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-7410
“Great venue”
¬This place is very nice – beautiful setting, nice bar areas and staff; wonderful cabanas.
They are almost done with an addition, and I can’t wait to see it when it’s done.
Definitely worth the walk past the Casino to visit.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Descanso Beach Club
1 Descanso Ave, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(310) 510-7410
“Relaxing at Descanso’s”
This is a nice beach which you do have to pay ($2) for but it’s really pretty. You can enjoy the other free beaches just as well with fabulous views of the casino but if you feel like splurging then Descanso’s is nice. We rented 2 chairs but they were super comfy, you get towels and bottled water. Someone also comes around if you want to place orders for food and drink. It was considered fall/ winter season so we paid $40 for the 2 chairs. It’s pricey but we had such an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon so it was a nice treat.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports
Descanso Beach, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(310) 510-1226
“Eco Tours”
We took the Willow Cove 1/2 day expedition and had a nice time. We love to kayak and had a great and informative guide with us. After a nice paddle we stopped at the cove and enjoyed a picnic lunch. Visibility wasn’t that great so we chose to snorkel back at the dive center. All our gear was included (kayak, snorkel gear, lunch and guide). It was great and saw a lot of fish and sea life.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Massages By the Sea
1 Casino Way, Descanso Beach, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(310) 510-3331
“Amazing”
You have to get the massage sampler, it was amazing! 50 minutes of peaceful bliss by the pacific ocean……who wouldn’t want this right? Brian Malloy was great and he is good at what he does. The sampler gives you a little sweedish, hot stone, etc…. so for the price it is great!
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Rock Climbing Wall at Descanso Beach Club
1 Descanso Canyon Drive, Avalon, CA
(800) 626-1496
“Husband loved this”
My husband loved the Rock Climbing Wall. He took advantage of the one free rock climb on his birthday. Perfect gift. He went three times.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Three Palms Avalon Arcade
225 Crescent Ave., Avalon, CA
(310) 510 0967
“Great service, a lot of fun”
Perfect pit stop when going to and from the beach. I think my kids stopped and played a game of mini bowling and had potato skins or a piece of sushi every time they walked to or from the beach. Super convenient, inexpensive and a lot of fun.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Island Water Charters
20 Pleasure Pier, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(310) 510-9280
“No anxiety- total relaxation”
Wow- These guys make this too easy. Everyone is a bit nervous at first but the crew is so good that you relax immediately. This is one of the most relaxing and tranquil thing I have done. Highly recommend it!
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Afishinados Charters
203 Crescent, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(310) 510-2440
“Top notch experience”
We’ve been to Catalina many times but this was our first Afishinados experience and it won’t be our last. The sunset cruise was fabulous. The route Captain Lance took was extremely interesting and totally unavailable to the casual tourist. He also regaled us with interesting facts about the sea life and the surrounding area. The boat is beautiful and immaculately maintained as well. In my opinion this is the best sea cruise group on the island.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Catalina Island Casino
1 Casino Way, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(310) 510-8687
“Take the tour, it is worth it!”
We took the half hour tour while in Avalon and it was definitely worth it! Our tour guide was amazing and so much fun. Only $10 for a great experience.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Catalina Sea Trek Undersea Adventure
1 Descanso Canyon Rd, Avalon, CA
(800) 626-1496
“Great time on Sea Trek”
I am not a fan of underwater activities – specifically snorkeling. Get panicky worrying about water getting in the mask, sucking in water, not being able to see (I wear glasses). However, the Trek was perfect. The helmet enabled me to wear my glasses and breathing was a breeze. Basically, the helmet is an updated diving helmet. Guide was fabulous….
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour
1 Descanso Canyon Rd, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(800) 626-1496
“Scary Fun, and Beautiful”
This was my first Zip Line experience and it was fantastic. Heights aren’t my thing, so this was a big step outside my comfort zone; It was a great experience. The guides (Ben and Ryan) did a great job of explaining how the equipment works and what safety measures are in place so that my only fear came from the first step off of the five platforms. The rest was pure enjoyment at a fast speed with fun conversation between zips. I’ve been going to Catalina for about 40 years and this eco-tour gave me a completely new view of Descanso Canyon and the island. Too fun!
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
Catalina Adventure Tours
1 Cabrillo Mole, Avalon, Catalina Island, CA
(877) 510-2888
“Yellow Submarine Tour”
First let me say .. I’m a very claustrophobic type person. So I’ve always been very skeptical of submarines. However, my fiancée really wanted to go. So hesitantly I agreed. Now I’m so glad I went. The submarine is very room, staff is great & very interactive the entire 45 minutes. Answering any & all questions. Will surely do another tour with them.
~ TripAdvisor 5-Star Review
