Overview Catalina Island, also known as Santa Catalina Island (or simply just Catalina), is a rocky island off the coast of California (22 miles). It's a part of the Channel Islands of California archipelago, and is a part of Los Angeles County. Almost 85% of the island's population lives in its only city, Avalon. This island is particularly great for dining, shopping, fishing, (marine) wildlife watching and beaches.
The use of motor vehicles on Catalina Island is quite restricted, so many of the locals use golf carts to get around. Tourists often hire taxis or rent a bicycle or golf cart if their desired destination isn't within walking distance.
Two Harbors, also known as "The Isthmus," is the (much) smaller resort village in Catalina, for those that have been to Avalon a bunch and want to see the western part of the island. There's only one restaurant, one hotel and one general store in Two Harbors.
Destinations Catalina Island is included on select Mexican Riviera cruises.
Cruise Lines Departing Here
Catalina Island is not a cruise departure port.
Currency The official currency of the United States is the dollar.
Language The official language is English.
Tourist Attractions You're dropped off by your ship's tender at Green Please Pier. This area has a bunch of shops and restaurants, as well as places where you can rent a land or water vehicle. Right by this area is South Beach, with plenty of sand and lifeguards (during the summer).
The 12-story Catalina Island Casino is a gorgeous building, featuring a dance floor that can accommodate up to 6,000 people and a 1,150-seat movie theater (named the Avalon Theater). Also located inside this building is the Catalina Island Museum. This museum showcases over 100,000 historic items, many which focus on the long history Native Americans in this area. Walking tours of Avalon, as well as lectures, are available through the museum.
Glass-bottom boat tours of the reefs and shipwrecks of the area are a popular activity to take part in while in Catalina. Scuba diving (at Lover's Cove and Descanso Beach) and snorkeling are also frequent activities in this area, as is relaxing at the beaches or even renting a kayak. Fishing, for sport fish such as yellowtail and white sea bass, is another popular thing to do in Catalina.
The 2,100-yard Catalina Island Golf Course, originally built in 1892, allows for 18-hole play and is the former home of the Bobby Jones Invitational Tournament. A PGA-certified pro is available on the premises.
Port Location Cruise ships anchor offshore and use tenders to transport their passengers between the ship and downtown Avalon (at the typically busy Green Pleasure Pier).
