Spend the day exploring Catalina Island via zipline. During this full-day tour from Anaheim, ride a ferry to the quaint island. You also have the option to upgrade to a variety of different adventures to ensure your day in Avalon is packed full of fun! Round-trip transportation from select hotels in Anaheim is included.

Day trip to Catalina Island from Anaheim
Enjoy views of the Southern California coast on a smooth ferry ride along the Gulf of Santa Catalina
Take an optional zipline tour over the breathtaking hills and canyons near Avalon
Option to include an Undersea Adventure or Ocean Runner tour
This is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city!

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Round-trip ferry transfers
Scenic Tour of Avalon (if option selected)
Undersea Adventure (if option selected)

Gratuities
Food and drink

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

Anaheim
Anaheim, CA, USA

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

08:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Pick-up from Anaheim Resort Hotels (Includes Buena Park and Garden Grove hotels) and LAX area hotels

What To Expect

Following morning pickup from your Los Angeles or Anaheim hotel, board a shuttle for transport to the Long Beach Landing Terminal to catch the ferry.

Aboard the ferry, enjoy the smooth ride to Catalina Island, just 22 miles (35 km) off the coast. As the boat sails away from the mainland, check out the fabulous views of the Southern California coastline receding in the distance.

Upon arrival in Avalon, the island’s largest city - if you have purchased an optional upgrade, you will make your way to that tour's departure point.

Avalon Scenic Tour

Take this guided scenic tour of Avalon and see the sights on a 50-minute, 7.5-mile (12-km) excursion that takes you up the hillsides, along the waterfront and through the center of town. The nonstop ride provides panoramic views and gets you oriented with Avalon and the attractions so you can better enjoy your time on Catalina Island. Learn about the island's history and heritage from your knowledgeable guide.

Undersea Expedition

Go below the surface of the Pacific Ocean on this 45-minute underwater excursion. Come face-to-face with Catalina's abundant marine life as you cruise five feet below the surface in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin with a live guide who will highlight points of interest along the way. Everyone has their own seat and port hole but you are also free to move about the cabin as much as you like for different viewpoints.

Ocean Runner Experience

Head out into the Catalina Channel on a sturdy Ribcraft boat for an adrenaline-fueled one-hour tour. You may be able to spot dolphins and sea lions in the Pacific Ocean and along the coast! Learn about Catalina Island's history, heritage and landmarks from your knowledgeable guide. This will be a fast, fun and informative ride that offers another perspective on the natural beauty of Catalina Island.

Zipline Adventure:

Meet your expert adventure guide for a short safety briefing and orientation, then get fitted for a harness and helmet. Clip in and zip away, starting at the Hog's Back gate in the hills above Avalon. Travel on 5 consecutive lines, some at heights of 300 feet (91 meters) above the floor of Descanso Canyon. You'll reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 kph), stopping at several eco-stations to learn about the island's history and ecology from your guide. End your 2-hour zipline adventure ends at Descanso Beach.

After your day ion Catalina Island, you'll board the ferry for the ride back to Long Beach, where you’ll be picked up and taken back to your hotel for drop-off.

Catalina Express

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Catalina Island Company Ticket Booth

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Green Pleasure Pier

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Descanso Beach Club

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Catalina Island Casino (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Zipline Requirements:
Not wheelchair accessible
Closed-toe shoes are required
Single passengers must be at least 10 years old and weight at least 80 lbs (36 kg)
Children ages 5 to 9 must ride with a parent or guardian who is at least 18 years old

Individual and combined weights on zipline cannot exceed 240 lbs (109 kg)
Restrooms are not available while on Zipline tour
Please note: passenger and weight restrictions are strictly enforced. Failure to meet these restrictions may result in cancellation without refund
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Joanne_R

Great day out, thanks for the experience and great hospitality we enjoyed the day out. Great car pick up and drop off

Reviews

3.5

23 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 23 reviews

Great day out, thanks for...

Joanne_R, Nov 2022

Great day out, thanks for the experience and great hospitality we enjoyed the day out. Great car pick up and drop off

The trip was nice and...

Mahalingam_P, May 2022

The trip was nice and enjoyable. Only disadvantage was if you want to change ship they charge extra money. That should be avoided

Response from Host, May 2022

Thank you for the nice review. The island is like paradise. FYI - You can change the ship return time at the time of check in when departing to the island at no charge. If you have already checked in and received your boarding passes, then wish to change the return time while on the island, there is a small $5 fee per ticket.

Disappointing

Amarjit_K, Mar 2022

The transportation portion of the trip was very stressful, giving little time to get from one place to another. Didn't even get to do the "island tour" because then we wouldn't have had time to eat between the undersea expedition and getting back on the ferry back and we never got information of how to do the tour once we returned from the undersea expedition. It said the tour would be 12 hours, but in reality, it was 8am-5pm. Disappointing to say the least.

Response from Host, Mar 2022

We are so sorry for the timing of the schedule. During the winter season, the boat schedule is limited. Come Spring it will add another boat, which makes the tour times easier to work with. Also, you should have received an email with directions and links to check in for each tour you purchased while on the island.

Disappointed

Valerie_R, Oct 2021

I was told we would have a tour guide when when we got to the island which was not the case. I was also told that I would be given partial refund which has not happened yet.

My experience was so wonderful we had a blast

David_K, Feb 2021

My EXPERIENCE was awesome we had a blast however we had time changed on us and we missed our under sea tour. This is why I’m giving a 2 star. We called and Catalina express (who changed our time) and they said it should of all been in the email which it was not. The Arabian man over the phone was extremely rude did not want to help and basically blamed us. They just did not want to help at all and told us there was no more space. I ended up speaking to one of the tour guides from Catalina and she was soooo helpful squeezed into another time and got to experience

Tour was cancelled when we arrived .

Regina_B, Nov 2020

Unfortunately when we got to Catalina Express Ferry , they told us that ferry trips to Catalina had been cancelled for the day. We had to go back home and we’re not able to do excursion. I called the tour operator and they talked to the ferry company. Ferry company said there was nothing they can do. Can Viator help me ensure I get a full refund from the tour operator???? Please keep me informed. Thanks, Regina Batista

Not enough time, dont take the local bus.

Jason_H, Nov 2019

So our arrival and than wait for the local bus (40 mins wait), than subsquenat not telling us when the stops where coming up and just flying by it. So did round the island we went.... Also leave 2 days to explore say trip was not enough time.

Catalina Island Day Trip from Anaheim with Optional Upgrades

STEPHEN_S, Aug 2019

A absolutely fabulous day out, one of the best ever day trips. The pick up from Disneys Grand Californian Hotel was spot on time, the tickets were ready at the Catalina Express Terminal , the staff were very helpful and welcoming.. The boat was very clean, boarding and disembarking was quick and efficient, the crossing to the Island was smooth and enjoyable. The scenic tour of the Island was fabulous with a very welcoming and informative driver and guide all in one, once again ticketing was simple and easy, everything on time, The Island was beautiful and scenic, lovely walks along the front, plenty of places to eat, we had sword fish caught locally. Return journey by boat equally efficient and superb. The only downside to the whole day was the fact that the return transport to the hotel was not there waiting for us when we disembarked . Fortunately we had bought a American sim for our UK mobile and were able to ring the shuttle to report that no one was there to greet us. They apologised and said they would send some one. After 45 minutes the shuttle arrived. Because the rest of the day had been so perfect, this failure did not spoil the day. Yet it was uncomfortable waiting there outside the terminal when everyone else who got off the boat had long gone, the Catalina office was closed and no one around, very lonely and empty waiting for that shuttle that should have been there waiting for us.

Response from Host, Aug 2019

Thank you for your review. We appreciate your feedback. We hope to see you on your next adventure

Ripped off

Ellen_T, Jun 2019

As a family vacation we booked a trip to Catalina for the day through Viator. As we were checking in my sister had a heart attack. She was rushed to the emergency room. We tried multiple times to work with Viator to get a refund. They refused! I would not recommend booking with this company as they will rip you off!!

First class

PHILIP_H, Jun 2019

Picked us up from the hotel early and dropped us off right outside the ferry terminal. We had a great day ,a lovely tour and when we got back to LA he was waiting outside where he dropped us off to take us back to the hotel

I was picked up at a hotel at 7:50...

Christine_W, Apr 2018

I was picked up at a hotel at 7:50 a.m. and taken to where the boat leaves in Long Beach. My boat arrived in Catalina at 11:00 a.m. I had to be in line for my scenic drive at 11:45 a.m. The drive was beautiful and was from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m. I had to be in line for the boat to go back at 3:20, so I really only had 2 and a half hours to look around after the drive. I shopped, had a quick bite to eat and went to the museum. I wouldn't have been able to fit in the casino as the casino tours interfered with the drive and would have taken up a lot of time. If I could do it again, I'd take an Uber to the Long Beach and buy my own tickets for everything I wanted to do ahead of time. I found the time too short and it is such a beautiful place.

I thought it was a tour but ended up...

Pamela_T, Feb 2018

I thought it was a tour but ended up as a shuttle service to Catalina island. We had to find the upgrades on our own, which was quite confusing. Nevertheless, the beautiful scenery surprised us and made up for all the hassle.

Since we were there in January, some...

Evelyn_R, Jan 2018

Since we were there in January, some of the shops were closed. The underwater sub excursion was good, we saw lots of fish. I felt we wasted some time as it was too short of time for two excursions, but too much time with the shops being closed.

Catalina Island was a perfect day...

SharonR_J, Oct 2017

Catalina Island was a perfect day trip. Zip lining with two fun guides was definitely the highlight! Eating at a seaside restaurant was so relaxing afterwards. With a little extra time before heading to the ferry, we were able to do some shopping and rent a golf cart to explore on our own. Looking forward to next year's trip and another adventure.

Great tour - the boat ride and scenic...

William C, Sep 2017

Great tour - the boat ride and scenic tour were great

The ferry fide to Catalina was...

Leslie B, Jan 2017

The ferry fide to Catalina was convent and comfortable. Parking at the marina was easy. We added a Jeep tour from the Island conservancy and a fabulous lunch at the Bluewater Avalon Seafood restaurant. Loved eating on the deck enjoying the sun. Tuesday is a Cruise ship day so you might want to visit on a different day of the week.

Great trip. Everything from the Van...

Brian I, Oct 2014

Great trip. Everything from the Van pickup in Santa Monica to the Boat ride, Zipline experience and Tour of the island were perfect. Excellent Tour and I highly recommend it!!!

Another great day out. It was great...

Alexis B, Oct 2014

Another great day out. It was great to get away from the craziness that is LA. Our driver arrived in time and was extremely friendly. Catalina was beautiful, great swimming, kayaking and exploring before our Zipline adventure. Great guides, super friendly and they made the experience very memorable!