Santa Catalina Island, California, USA
Twenty-two miles from the Los Angeles coast, Avalon is California's quirky island getaway — golf carts, wild bison, Art Deco splendor, and sea-clear water that turns neon orange with Garibaldi fish.
Twenty-two miles from the Los Angeles coast, Avalon is California's quirky island getaway — golf carts, wild bison, Art Deco splendor, and sea-clear water that turns neon orange with Garibaldi fish.
There is no cruise ship dock at Catalina — all ships anchor in the outer harbor and tender passengers to the Cabrillo Mole pier.
💡 Pro move: Golf-cart rentals are first-come, first-served and sell out on busy cruise days — head there immediately after landing if that's your plan.
All cruise ships anchor and tender; there is no berth for large vessels at Catalina.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| All cruise lines (Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Disney, HAL, Norwegian, Seabourn, Lindblad) | Anchored in Avalon outer harbor → tender to Cabrillo Mole📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition ships (National Geographic Quest/Venture) | Avalon Harbor tender📍 | Tendered |
Most of Catalina is DIY-friendly — skip the ship packages and book direct for a fraction of the price.
The 1929 Art Deco Casino (a gathering place, not a gambling hall) houses the world's largest circular ballroom and a 1,184-seat movie theater. Guided tours reveal vintage dressing rooms and a rooftop terrace with sweeping harbor views.
Book Casino tours →Rent a golf cart and follow the provided map up to Buena Vista Scenic Overlook for postcard views of your ship. Drivers must be 21+ with a valid license; reserve first-thing as carts sell out on cruise days.
Find golf cart rentals →A herd of ~150 American bison roams Catalina's rugged interior — stranded since 1924 when a Hollywood film crew left them behind. Guided Hummer or Jeep eco-tours take you into the backcountry to spot them.
Find bison eco-tours →Explore the Lovers Cove Marine Preserve without getting wet. Spot neon-orange Garibaldi (California's state fish), leopard sharks, giant kelp forests, and harbor seals through the glass hull.
Book undersea tours →The island's premier beach club just beyond the Casino. Small entry fee (~$2) grants access to the sand; rent lounge chairs, kayaks, or SUPs, then order cocktails delivered straight to your towel.
Find Descanso Beach info →Five ziplines launching 600 feet above Descanso Beach with sweeping Pacific views. The island's most thrilling excursion — book ahead as spots fill on big cruise days.
Book Catalina zipline tours →Avalon is exceptionally walkable — the entire harbor curve is flat and scenic.
Walk the full arc of Avalon Bay from the Cabrillo Mole tender pier to the Catalina Casino. Pass the Green Pleasure Pier (look for Garibaldi fish below), Crescent Avenue shops, and the tiled fountains before reaching the Art Deco Casino at the far end.
Follow Avalon Canyon Road uphill to the Wrigley Memorial — built from island stone and hand-painted Catalina tile — and the botanic garden featuring plants found nowhere else on Earth. Take the Garibaldi Bus ($2) back down if your legs are tired.
Climate normals for Santa Catalina Island, California, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62°F / 17°C | 54°F / 12°C | 5 | 6:57 AM | 5:08 PM |
| Feb | 61°F / 16°C | 54°F / 12°C | 4 | 6:36 AM | 5:38 PM |
| Mar | 62°F / 17°C | 55°F / 13°C | 5 | 7:03 AM | 7:01 PM |
| Apr | 64°F / 18°C | 57°F / 14°C | 2 | 6:22 AM | 7:24 PM |
| May | 64°F / 18°C | 58°F / 14°C | 2 | 5:53 AM | 7:46 PM |
| Jun | 67°F / 19°C | 61°F / 16°C | 1 | 5:43 AM | 8:04 PM |
| Jul | 71°F / 22°C | 65°F / 18°C | 0 | 5:55 AM | 8:03 PM |
| Aug | 73°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 1 | 6:16 AM | 7:38 PM |
| Sep | 73°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 1 | 6:37 AM | 6:58 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 64°F / 18°C | 1 | 6:58 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Nov | 67°F / 19°C | 59°F / 15°C | 2 | 6:25 AM | 4:50 PM |
| Dec | 63°F / 17°C | 55°F / 13°C | 6 | 6:50 AM | 4:47 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Avalon is extremely walkable — the ferry/tender pier is steps from shops, restaurants, and the Casino. Most cruise passengers explore entirely on foot.
White 7-passenger vans meet arriving tenders at the pier. Fares start at $5.95 with a $3 road fee; call 310-510-0025 or flag one down at the dock.
On-demand point-to-point shuttle within Avalon city limits. Book via the Ride Circuit app; runs 7 AM–9 PM daily.
A Catalina Island classic — rent by the hour and cruise Avalon's hillside streets. Several rental shops are within a short walk of the pier.
50-minute guided bus tour of Avalon's waterfront, hillsides, and the iconic Casino Building — a good option if you want commentary without renting a cart.
Upcoming cruises that call at Santa Catalina Island, California, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.