Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour

Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour: A Practical Guide to Exploring Avalon in Style

If you’re heading to Catalina Island and want a taste of its sights without committing to a full-day adventure, the Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour offers a charming, manageable way to see some of Avalon’s most iconic landmarks. For $45 per person, you’ll spend about 50 minutes riding in a sleek, open-air safari tram called The Eagle, with a naturalist narrating lively stories and fun facts about the island.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines spectacular panoramic views—especially from Mt. Ada, the former Wrigley estate—and a comfortable, guided ride that makes sightseeing easy and accessible. The naturalist guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, adding a layer of authenticity and local insight that enriches the tour. Plus, the relatively short duration makes it a great option for those with limited time or for families looking for a quick but memorable introduction to Avalon.

A potential drawback is that, according to some reviews, you don’t get out of the vehicle to explore or take photos at the key stops. If picture-taking and wandering around are your priorities, this might feel a bit restrictive. Still, if you’re after a scenic overview with expert commentary, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors, those eager for a quick orientation, or travelers who prefer a relaxed, seated experience over a more physically demanding sightseeing.

Key Points

• Affordable and concise: At $45 for 50 minutes, this tour offers good value without overloading your schedule.
• Expert narration: Knowledgeable naturalists provide engaging stories, history, and local insights.
• Breathtaking views: From Avalon’s skyline to Mt. Ada’s vantage point, the scenery impresses.
• Comfortable ride: The custom-built safari vehicle has open-air seating, ideal for sightseeing and photo ops.
• Limited stops: You remain mostly in the vehicle, which may limit opportunities for close-up exploration.
• Ideal for: Visitors seeking a quick, scenic overview and learning experience, especially those with limited time or traveling with children over age 5.

When planning a visit to Catalina Island, the challenge is balancing sightseeing with relaxation. The Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour offers a sweet spot—a half-hour journey that captures many of Avalon’s highlights without the fatigue of a full-day tour. It’s a well-designed, budget-friendly way to start your day or sit back after a morning of exploring.

The Tour Itself: A 50-Minute Ride in Style
You’ll board the brand-new safari tram, The Eagle, right from the ferry dock, which makes getting there straightforward. The vehicle is outfitted for open-air sightseeing, ensuring you get unobstructed views—and plenty of photo opportunities. Your guide is a naturalist, who will keep you entertained with stories about Avalon’s past, the island’s wildlife, and local secrets.

The tour’s route takes you past Avalon’s most famous landmarks—the Catalina Casino, the Wrigley Mansion, and Lovers Cove—and up to Mt. Ada, which offers sweeping views over the entire town and surrounding waters. A stop at Descanso Beach allows you to step out and breathe in the island’s natural beauty, but it’s a brief pause, not a long walkabout.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out
One of the highlights is the view from Mt. Ada, the former estate of William Wrigley Jr., which offers a fantastic vantage point. The naturalist’s commentary, often peppered with local lore and history, adds depth to what might otherwise be just a scenic drive. Reviewers have praised guides like David, calling him “phenomenal,” with “very knowledgeable” insights, which makes the experience more memorable.

Another aspect we appreciate is the value for money. At $45, it’s a modest investment for a good overview of Avalon’s main sights, especially considering the professional narration and the scenic vistas.

What Could Be Better
A couple of reviews note that you remain inside the vehicle most of the time, which can limit your ability to get out and take pictures or soak in the views at your own pace. If your main goal is to hop off and explore each site extensively, this tour might not be enough. Plus, some guests found the guide’s narration a bit mumbled or difficult to understand, which can be frustrating if you’re eager to catch every detail.

Suitability and Recommendations
This tour is best suited for first-time visitors, families with children over 5, or anyone wanting a relaxed, informative overview. It’s perfect for those who prefer seated touring over walking or for travelers with limited time on the island.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You’ll See and Experience

Start at the Ferry Docks
Your adventure begins right at the ferry plaza, where Catalina Adventure Tours check-in is straightforward. Look for the brick building labeled “Catalina Adventure Tours” and head to the last window. After a quick check-in, you’ll board The Eagle just a few feet away, in the parking lot.

The Landmarks and Highlights
Your naturalist guide will provide engaging commentary as the vehicle winds through Avalon’s roads. Expect descriptions of the Catalina Casino, an Art Deco marvel built in the 1920s that’s a hub of entertainment and history. You’ll see Lovers Cove, a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, and the Wrigley Mansion, an elegant estate with a storied past.

Scenic Ascents to Mt. Ada
The real highlight is the ascent to Mt. Ada, the former Wrigley estate, which offers breathtaking views of Avalon’s colorful houses, the sparkling harbor, and the distant ocean. From this vantage point, you’ll understand why Avalon’s natural beauty has drawn visitors for decades.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty
Your guide will point out local wildlife, perhaps spotting seabirds or early signs of island flora and fauna. For an additional fee ($6), you can rent binoculars for a closer look at wildlife or distant vistas—a small expense that can enhance your experience.

The Stop at Descanso Beach
A brief stop here allows you to step out, breathe in the sea air, and snap some photos. While it’s limited to a quick visit, it’s enough to appreciate the natural setting before returning to the vehicle.

The Value of the Experience

At $45, this tour offers an economical way to see Avalon’s highlights with minimal effort. You’re paying not just for transportation but for a guided narrative that adds context and stories to each site. The small group (or individual) feel in the open-air vehicle makes for an intimate experience, and the scenic views from the high vantage points make every dollar worthwhile.

Compared to other sightseeing options, this tour strikes a good balance—short enough to fit into a busy day, yet packed with enough sights and stories to satisfy your curiosity. The professional naturalist guides and well-maintained vehicle help justify the price, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want quality.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Take This Tour?

If your main goal is to get a quick, scenic overview of Avalon and its landmarks, then this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially recommended if you value expert narration and spectacular views without walking long distances. However, if you’re a keen photographer or want to stop and explore each site more thoroughly, you might find this ride somewhat limited.

Travelers who enjoy informative storytelling and comfortable, open-air rides will find this tour enjoyable and informative. It’s perfect for those visiting Avalon for the first time, families with older children, or anyone looking for a laid-back way to absorb the island’s charm and beauty in a short window.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes, making it a quick but thorough introduction to Avalon’s top sights.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from the ferry plaza, specifically from the Catalina Adventure Tours window in the brick building. The vehicle boards just behind the check-in area.

Is transportation to Catalina Island included?
No, transportation to Avalon (the ferry ride) is not included. You need to arrange your ferry in advance.

Can I get out of the vehicle during the tour?
No, most of the touring takes place inside the open-air safari vehicle. There is a brief stop at Descanso Beach, but the main route is a continuous ride.

Are binoculars available?
Yes, for a small fee of $6, you can rent binoculars to better view wildlife and distant vistas.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 5 due to the nature of the ride and safety considerations.

To sum it up, the Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour provides an engaging, scenic, and educational snapshot of Avalon. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, guided overview with excellent views and storytelling. It offers fantastic value and a chance to sit back, absorb some local history, and enjoy Catalina’s natural beauty—all in under an hour. For those seeking a quick, comfortable introduction to the town’s highlights, this tour hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here: