Day Trip to Catalina Island
Day trips to Avalon
Catalina Island is just about an hour boat trip from the mainland of Long Beach, California. It makes for a perfect day trip or extended vacation stay. Over the years Avalon has built a host of annual activities that make for an entertaining visit for families, couples or team building get-a-ways. June kicks off a variety of reoccurring events that you can add to your topside itinerary when you need a surface interval. Diving on Catalina in June is beautiful, as the water is warming and bring new kelp forest growth. Plan ahead to enjoy the last month before the summer crowds hit our shores.
Travel Tips
There are a few different ways to get to Catalina for a day trip or overnight visit. No matter what your plans, always book early. On June 7th the Catalina Express will begin its new extended schedule. Boats departing from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point will then have even more times from which to choose. Check out the Groupon offer and book in advance if you want to travel from Newport Beach on the Flyer. If you are in a hurry try the Island Express helicopter service from Long Beach.
Special Events
June 2, 2019 you can come experience “Catalinaland” with Charles Phoenix. Be prepared for your Catalina loving’ spirit to SOAR when Charles sweeps us away on a time travel storytelling and retro slide show adventure exploring the island’s classic landmarks, legends and lore. Learn the ABCs, 123s of Catalina history in the historic Avalon Casino Theatre with the Ambassador of Americana. The presentation will be followed by a book signing with Phoenix at the Catalina Island Museum. Get your tickets online
Reoccurring Events
For the Foodie
Summer kicks off a series of repeat events you can catch if you plan your day trip accordingly. If you love food head out to the Island in the first week of June. Avalon Restaurant Week is in its 7th year, showcasing some of Avalon’s most popular restaurants. This foodie celebration runs from Friday, May 31st through Thursday, June 6th. A great opportunity to indulge in a variety of specially created prix fixe menus awaits.
Entertaining History Buffs
June 7th is another monthly event known as First Fridays at the Museum. This is an opportunity to explore the museum’s galleries, digital theater, open-air plazas and shop in the Museum Store after dark. Each month features a themed program and a specialty cocktail, wine and beer. Movies lovers can enjoy some Catalina history and a show with the monthly Movies at the Museum events. June 26th will be the first film, “Easy Come, Easy Go”. Experience the museum’s outdoor amphitheater and Avalon’s beautiful summer nights in style. The first selection stars Elvis Presley as a former Navy frogman who is now a deep-sea diver by day and a singer by night.
Family Fun
The City of Avalon is always working to provide fun family friendly activities. Beginning June 18 through August 29, 2019 you can catch a game of beach bingo. Recurring weekly on Tuesday and Thursday at the South Beach Lifeguard Stand from 6:00-7:00pm. Bring your beach chair and some friends, Bingo cards are only $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes. Be sure to check out the Avalon Library for weekly/monthly programs for your little ones!
Another fun and Free activity hosted by the City of Avalon is the Kid’s Fishing Derby. Starting June 19 through August 21, 2019 every Wednesday at 7:00-9;00am on the Green Pleasure Pier. You can bring your own rod & reel or dropline (or purchase on the pier from Jay’s Rent-a-boat) and join the local fishing guide! Prizes awarded every week following the derby. Bait & gear also available on the Pier.
Nature Lovers
Recurring weekly on Thursday throughout the entire year the Catalina Island Conservancy provides volunteers access to the interior of the island. Visiting the James H. Ackerman Native Plant Nursery in Middle Ranch is an excellent opportunity to gain access to become more familiar with Island ecology and plant species while helping the nursery reach its goals. The CIC is also a great resource for bird enthusiasts. Bird life on Santa Catalina Island is an interesting mix of familiar mainland species. Catalina’s most common hummingbird while the Anna’s Hummingbird and the Orange-crowned Warbler, reaches its highest densities on the Island. Check in with their new Trail Head location as you enter town to get more information or try out the new restaurant, Toyon Grill.
Marine Life
Shore dives at the Casino Dive Park are perfect for a day trip on Catalina. The diversity of life is noticeable and the fish are friendly as with most marine preserves. Keep an eye out during the channel crossing for marine mammals. Blue whales swim and feed off the California coast from mid-June through October when krill is abundant. At that time, thousands of them can be found off the California coast.
June Gloom
Do not let the overcast skies deter you from visiting Avalon for a day trip or an extended visit. Air temperatures in June range from 67 to 53 Fahrenheit. Ocean temps will be on the rise averaging 65+F. One effect of cloud cover can be a plus to photographers. Rather than sun beams highlighting particulates in the water column, you get even light disbursement.
Dive and Snorkel Services
Day trip or multi-day adventure, Diving Catalina has you covered. Just bring your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen; Diving Catalina will provide all you need to enjoy an underwater experience full of memories you won’t be able to keep to yourself. Diving Catalina offers guided SCUBA and snorkeling tours as well as equipment rentals for licensed divers. No certification? No worries, mate! You can book an introductory SCUBA dive with no experience needed. This allows you to explore the beautiful Casino Dive Park with an instructor by your side.
Certification Courses
SCUBA certification classes for those who are ready to take the next step. Dive course academics can be completed on your own online from the comfort of your home! Just four days on the island allow you to master your skills in a beautiful open ocean training area. Check out our home page for all your Snorkel and SCUBA needs on Catalina Island.
Advanced Diver Classes
Already SCUBA certified and ready for a new adventure? In just 2 days you can complete the Advanced Open Water Diver course! Best part is you don’t have to be “advanced” to take it. This course is designed to advance your diving, so you can start right after earning your Open Water Diver certification. The lessons help build confidence and expand your scuba skills through different types of dives. The dives you log help develop capabilities as you find new ways to have fun SCUBA diving.
Diving Catalina is Avalon’s top rated dive service by both Yelp and Tripadvisor. Come experience our top-notch customer service for yourself. We love building relationships with our clients that last well beyond their island experience.