FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Are there public showers?

A: Public showers are available on Casino Way. Hours vary by season – please contact our Visitor Center on the Green Pier for current operating hours.

What is the water/drought situation?

A: After nearly 7 years of drought, Catalina Island has exited mandatory water conservation. Southern California Edison is still encouraging all residents, businesses and visitors to the island to continue their great conservation efforts. Please help us be “water wise."

Do any Catalina Island hotels allow smoking?

A: Some properties offer designated smoking areas. Please contact your chosen lodging property for more information.

What Catalina Island hotels or tours are handicap accessible?

A: Many of our lodging properties offer handicap-accessible rooms. Please contact your chosen lodging property for more information. Accessibility information is listed under the amenities tab within the hotel listing on this website. Some tours are handicap accessible – please inquire when purchasing tickets.

How much are Catalina Island hotels?

A: Prices vary. Many hotels offer packages that include boat transportation. Please visit our online booking engine to get current rates and pricing.

Are there electric scooter or wheelchair rentals?

A: Wheelchair rentals are available at Brown’s Bikes on Pebbly Beach Road. Please call for availability – 310-510-0986. There is also a Dial-A-Ride program available through the City of Avalon

Are there lockers to store my stuff?

A: Lockers are available at the Cabrillo Mole (where the boats arrive) and at Descanso Beach Club (near the Zip Line, Climbing Wall & Aerial Adventure). Limited lockers are also available at the Casino Point Dive Park.

Where can I access WiFi?

A: WiFi is available through Catalina Wifi, starting at .99 cents per day, based on the package purchased. Additionally, most hotels provide WiFi for paying guests. Complimentary wired internet access is available at the Avalon Library.

Is there public transportation on the Island?

A: Public transportation is available in Avalon through the City’s Garibaldi Bus. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes on a fixed route. The fare is $2 per person, per ride (children under 5 are free). For more information, pick up a schedule at our Visitor Center on the Green Pleasure Pier. The Catalina Island Co. operates a free shuttle during summer months between the Via Casino Way Arch and Descanso Beach Club.

Is there Uber or Lyft on the Island?

A: Uber and Lyft do not currently operate on the Island. A taxi service is available. Avalon is very pedestrian friendly and easily walkable.

Are dogs allowed on the Island/boat/tours? Hotels? Is Avalon dog friendly?

A: Pets are allowed on Catalina Express, but they must wear a muzzle or be in a pet carrier.

Pets are not allowed in certain restricted areas: Crescent Avenue between Clarissa and Metropole including paved areas on lower Sumner and lower Catalina, Avalon public beaches, on the Green Pleasure Pier and the Cabrillo Mole (boat landing). While transporting a dog through a restricted area, a leash and muzzle must be used. Some hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants are pet friendly. Check the amenities tab on our member listings to see if they are pet friendly. Click for a list of pet friendly hotels.

Do I need a passport to travel to Catalina Island?

A: No, a passport is not required – Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County in the state of California. ID is not required to board the ferry

Can I rent a golf cart for multiple days?

A: Golf cart rentals are by the hour only. Some vacation rentals include use of a golf cart for the duration of your stay.

How can I move to Catalina Island?

A: Year round housing is very limited on Catalina Island. There is a 25 year + waiting list for a full-size vehicle. For information on current employment opportunities, please view current employment opportunities. Please click for a list of local realtors.

How do I get to Two Harbors from Avalon?

A: The Catalina Island Company runs the Cyclone boat between Avalon and Two Harbors. The schedule varies by season. The boat ride is approximately 40 minutes. Campers and hikers can also take the Safari Bus, which runs daily between both destinations. The bus trip is approximately two hours each way. Other access is via private or chartered boat. Transportation is also available via taxi.

What types of tours are offered?

A: A wide variety of land and sea tours are offered. For more information, see all of the things to do.

Which airport should I fly into? Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Long Beach (LGB)?

A: Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest airport to the port with most Island ferry departures, while LAX offers access to the area with a greater number of airlines and daily flights. John Wayne Airport (Orange County or SNA) is a third option. For more detailed information, visit our Getting to Catalina Island page.

When is the best time to travel to Catalina Island?

A: All four seasons offer their own appeal for travel to Catalina Island. Spring offers exciting events and beautiful weather. The summer season is the busiest, with warm sea conditions that invite a wide variety of water activities. Fall is known as the “secret season” among locals – the temperature is still warm, but the crowds are gone. Winter is the quietest time of year on the Island – a great opportunity to get away from it all.

Where should I stay on Catalina Island?

A: Vacation rentals, hotels, and bed and breakfasts are all available in Avalon. Campsites are located throughout the Island. Two Harbors offers one bed and breakfast inn, and two vacation rental homes. For more information on hotel and lodging options, please visit places to stay

How do I get to Catalina Island? What is the best port?

A: Transportation to Catalina Island is via boat (ferry), helicopter, private plane, or private vessel. Scheduled ferry service is available on the Catalina Express from Long Beach (most frequent departures), San Pedro, or Dana Point, and on the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach. Helicopter service is available via IEX Helicopters, with departure points in Long Beach, San Pedro, Santa Ana, and Burbank.

What is there to do on Catalina Island?

A: A wide variety of land and ocean based activities – from cultural to adventure are available on the Island. There’s something for everyone! For more information, please visit things to do.

Is there a Casino on Catalina Island?

A: The Catalina Island Casino was built in 1929, as a dance hall and movie theater. "Casino" means "gathering place" in Italian. There is no gambling here. The Casino boasts the world's largest circular ballroom. Tours of the building are available daily.

Where do you see bison?

A: Bison or the American Buffalo wander the 42,000 acres of protected land of the Catalina Island Conservancy within the island's interior. Bison are not in Avalon, but may be spotted in Two Harbors. Several companies offers tours of the interior or you may encounter them while hiking or camping. While wonderful to spot, be sure to keep your distance as they are large and dangerous animals.

Is there horseback riding?

A: Horseback riding, as an activity, is not currently offered.

Need more answers?
Ask Lina! Email asklina@catalinachamber.com