When it comes to exploring Avalon on Catalina Island, the options are as diverse as the island itself. Whether you’re after a quick inland adventure, a scenic helicopter flight, or a spooky ghost tour, Avalon offers something to match every interest and energy level. We particularly like the Avalon, Catalina Island: 2-Hour Inside Adventure Tour for its rugged scenery and wildlife spotting, especially if you enjoy getting a little off the beaten path. This tour takes you into Catalina’s unspoiled interior—perfect for nature lovers eager to see canyon views and coastal landscapes without leaving Avalon’s vicinity.
Avalon’s best tours combine breathtaking scenery, local history, and a touch of adventure. Whether you prefer exploring by golf cart, peering underwater from a semi-submarine, or soaring above the island in a helicopter, the options are rich and varied. This list will help you navigate these choices, highlighting what makes each one special.
1. Avalon, Catalina Island: 2-Hour Inside Adventure Tour
At number 1 we have the Avalon, Catalina Island: 2-Hour Inside Adventure Tour, which scores a strong 4.6 out of 5 from 155 reviews. This guided inside tour immerses you in Catalina’s rugged interior, away from the busy promenade. The tour focuses on the island’s spectacular canyon views, scenic coastline, and unspoiled countryside, making it ideal for travelers eager to see Catalina’s natural beauty firsthand. Keep in mind, transportation by ferry isn’t included, so plan your arrival accordingly.
The tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature seekers. You might spot some of Catalina’s native animals while enjoying the scenery. The guide provides insights into the island’s geography and ecology, making each stop educational as well as scenic. It’s a good choice for those who want an active, outdoorsy experience without the hassle of organizing their own inland excursions. The two-hour format makes it manageable even if you’ve got a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a focused, nature-centered experience that’s perfect for visitors who love exploring unspoiled landscapes and spotting local wildlife.
2. Catalina Island: Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon
Next, the Catalina Island: Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon earns a very high 4.9 out of 5 from 64 reviews. For $275 per group (up to five people), this tour provides a personalized, flexible way to see Avalon’s most iconic spots in two hours. The real advantage here is the customization—your guide can tailor the route to your interests, whether it’s visiting Pebbly Beach, the pet cemetery, or the historic Inn at Mount Ada.
What makes this tour stand out is its pet- and kid-friendly approach, making it suitable for families and travelers with furry friends. The golf cart makes it easy to access locations that are spread out, and your guide shares local stories and landmarks along the way. It’s more intimate than larger tours, giving you the chance to ask questions and take photos at your own pace.
Guests often appreciate the flexibility and the local insight from their guide. It’s an especially good choice if you want a relaxed way to explore Avalon’s neighborhoods and landmarks without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families, pet owners, and those who want a customized, private tour experience in Avalon.
3. Avalon: Private Golf Cart Tour with Driver-Guide
At number 3, the Avalon: Private Golf Cart Tour with Driver-Guide scores a perfect 5 out of 5 from 18 reviews. This two-hour tour emphasizes a personalized approach with a local driver-guide who shares insights about Avalon’s history, culture, and hidden gems. You’ll visit over 25 sites, including the Wrigley Memorial, with stops at scenic spots for photos.
The tour’s main strength is its local perspective — your driver-guide is well-versed in Avalon’s story and can answer questions in real time. The private nature allows for a more relaxed experience, and the route can be customized if you have particular sights in mind. Guests rave about the “fun and unique way to explore” the city, emphasizing the value of having someone who can make the experience come alive.
If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of Avalon’s history combined with sightseeing, this tour fits well. The only downside might be the higher price, but for a private, guided experience, many consider it worth the cost.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a detailed, personalized tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
4. Catalina Island: Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise
For those intrigued by marine life, the Catalina Island: Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise is a 45-minute adventure rated 4.5 from 73 reviews. This tour takes you aboard the Nautilus, a custom-built semi-submarine, which offers a close-up view of Catalina’s underwater marine sanctuary. It’s a uniquely educational experience, especially since you can feed the fish right from your seat using the specially designed feeding system.
The semi-submarine cruise is ideal for families and anyone interested in marine wildlife. The tour showcases kelp forests and frequent sightings of colorful fish and marine mammals. It’s a quick, engaging tour that makes the most of Catalina’s protected waters. The main draw is the up-close view of underwater ecosystems without getting wet or diving.
The value is high considering the 45-minute duration and the interactive elements. Keep in mind, transportation by ferry is not included, so plan accordingly. This tour suits travelers who want a memorable underwater experience without spending hours on a boat.
Bottom Line: A fun, educational short tour perfect for families or marine life enthusiasts.
5. Avalon: Haunted Golf Cart Tour
A different kind of adventure, the Avalon: Haunted Golf Cart Tour earns a perfect 5-star rating from 14 reviews. This 1.5-hour tour explores Avalon’s eeriest spots on a golf cart, with an emphasis on paranormal stories and ghostly history. It’s a lively mix of spooky tales and sightseeing, perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of the supernatural.
Your guide shares chilling stories of Avalon’s haunted sites, including landmarks with known paranormal activity. The tour is lively and fun, especially around Halloween or for those interested in ghost lore. It’s an engaging way to combine sightseeing with ghost stories that bring Avalon’s spooky side to life.
The tour’s value lies in its unique theme—combining history, mystery, and entertainment. It’s best suited for adults and older teens who enjoy a spooky twist on their sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in ghost stories and the mysterious side of Avalon’s history.
6. Avalon: Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour
The Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour offers a 1.5-hour stroll through Avalon’s haunted streets, rated 5 out of 5 by 5 reviews. This tour dives into ghostly legends and unexplained phenomena that haunt Avalon’s historic sites. As you walk through town, your guide recounts eerie tales that have been passed down through generations.
Walking allows a more intimate look at Avalon’s architecture and hidden corners, adding to the spooky atmosphere. If you’re a fan of ghost stories and historical mysteries, this tour provides a deeper dive into Avalon’s haunted past. It’s a quieter, more reflective experience compared to the golf cart ghost tour, and perfect for history buffs with an interest in the supernatural.
The tour’s strength is its focus on storytelling and atmosphere, making it ideal for those who prefer walking explorations. The main consideration is the limited number of reviews, but the high rating indicates strong approval.
Bottom Line: Great for ghost story enthusiasts who enjoy exploring Avalon on foot.
7. Avalon: Haunted EMF Detection Walking Tour, Age 12 & Up
For the brave and curious, the Haunted EMF Detection Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour adventure rated 5 out of 5 by 3 reviews. Using EMF detection readers, you search for spectral energies lurking around Avalon’s haunted sites. This tour combines science and mystery for an interactive experience.
This tour is suitable for older kids and adults who want a more investigative approach to ghost hunting. Your guide shares chilling stories while you use the EMF meters to see if you can detect paranormal activity yourself. It’s perfect for those interested in the scientific side of ghost stories and for anyone who enjoys hands-on experiences.
The value lies in its interactive format, allowing participants to engage directly with the supernatural phenomena. It’s a unique way to explore Avalon’s haunted locales and adds an extra layer of excitement for thrill-seekers.
Bottom Line: A great pick for scientifically curious ghost enthusiasts and older kids ready for a paranormal thrill.
8. Avalon: Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour
The Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour is a 20-minute flight rated 5 out of 5 from just one review, making it a premium experience. Soar over Avalon and Catalina’s untouched landscapes, including iconic landmarks like the Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and Hamilton Cove.
This helicopter ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the island’s natural beauty and historical sites. You’ll glide past Middle Ranch, El Rancho Escondido, and Wrigley Memorial, capturing stunning photos as you go. The short duration makes it ideal for travelers wanting a quick but unforgettable sightseeing experience. The exhilaration of flying combined with panoramic views makes this a highlight for many visitors.
Though more expensive, the helicopter tour provides a perspective impossible to get from land. It’s suited for those looking to splurge on a special, memorable experience that showcases Catalina’s stunning coastline and rugged terrain from above.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a quick, high-impact adventure and incredible photo opportunities.
$249 per person
9. Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour
Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 16 reviews, the Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour combines city sightseeing with panoramic views. Riding in the new open-air safari vehicle The Eagle, a naturalist narrates your 50-minute journey through Avalon and up to Mt. Ada.
This tour emphasizes scenic vistas from high above, offering impressive views of Avalon harbor and Catalina’s rugged terrain. The naturalist shares insights into the island’s flora, fauna, and development, enriching the experience. Visitors appreciate the modern vehicle and the combination of city highlights like the casino with the natural beauty from above.
Ideal for travelers who want a concise, scenic overview of Avalon plus some background on the island’s natural environment. It’s a good introduction for first-timers or those with limited time who still want a meaningful snapshot of Catalina.
Bottom Line: A quick, scenic overview that combines city sights with breathtaking views from Mt. Ada.
10. Catalina Island: Sunset Summit Tour
Closing our list, the Sunset Summit Tour offers a 1-hour journey rated 4 out of 5 by four reviews. Climbing aboard the safari tram The Falcon, you ascend to the 1,500-foot summit for sweeping sunset views and photo opportunities.
This tour is perfect for a romantic evening or anyone wanting to experience Catalina’s natural beauty at dusk. The guide shares tidbits about the island’s wildlife and history while you soak in the changing colors of the sky and the coastline below. The hour-long trip is manageable for most travelers, and the views during sunset are typically spectacular.
While it’s a shorter tour, the awe-inspiring vistas and peaceful atmosphere make it a memorable way to end a day in Avalon. It’s especially recommended if you’re visiting during the golden hour, capturing those perfect photos.
Bottom Line: Great for sunset lovers and those seeking a peaceful, scenic end to their day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Avalon Tour
When selecting a tour in Avalon, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. For those who love wildlife and nature, the 2-Hour Inside Adventure Tour offers a quiet, scenic inland experience. If you want a flexible, personalized exploration, the Private Guided Golf Cart Tour or the Private Golf Cart Tour with Driver-Guide are excellent choices.
For underwater lovers, the Semi-Submarine Cruise provides close views of marine life, while those craving adrenaline or a touch of the supernatural might opt for the Haunted Golf Cart Tour or the Ghost Walking Tour. And for a quick thrill with high views, the Helicopter Tour offers an unforgettable bird’s-eye perspective.
Think about whether you prefer land or water, daytime or evening, active or relaxed. Booking early is advised, especially for helicopter rides or private tours during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Avalon offers a broad spectrum of tours designed to match nearly any taste or preference. From wildlife encounters and scenic drives to haunted tales and aerial vistas, you’ll find options that make your trip memorable. For travelers who want a nature-focused outing, the inland 2-Hour Inside Adventure is hard to beat. History buffs and those curious about Avalon’s stories will enjoy the personalized Golf Cart Tours.
If a splash of excitement and spectacular views appeal, the Helicopter Tour and underwater Semi-Submarine Cruise are top picks. And for those who love stories with a spooky twist, Avalon’s haunted walking and golf cart ghost tours are perfect.
No matter your choice, booking early guarantees a spot on these popular experiences, especially during the busy summer months. Avalon’s tours provide a fantastic way to see the island’s highlights and secret corners—so pick one that suits your style and start counting down to your Catalina adventure.