Catalina Island

This island paradise, 22 miles from the California coast is an adventure lover’s paradise. If you’ve come looking for some fun outdoor – or underwater – activities, you’ve come to the right place.

Trip time: 3 days

Day 1:
Start with a smooth ride from the mainland across the water on the Catalina Express , arriving in the Mediterranean charm of Avalon. Check out the newly-renovated Pavilion Hotel . Spend some time strolling quaint streets, grab a bite to eat at one of the town's restaurants like the new Avalon Grille , located on the water. Don’t worry about traffic, cars are not allowed on the streets of Avalon. But don’t take too long, your adventure is about to begin.

To get a lay of the land, why not try a Segway tour through Avalon ? Or a new GPS Walking Tour . You could also take sightseeing to new heights with a parasailing trip high above Avalon Harbor. Keep your eyes open (if you can), you’ll get a birds’ eye view of the coast.

How about a bit of history? Take the new Behind the Scenes Casino Tour and go back in time to the glamorous days of big bands and classic movies.

What’s next? How about a Zip Line Eco Tour ? Travel from Descanso Canyon over five consecutive zip lines, at speeds of up to 45mph, experiencing the beauty of the island as you zip down through the canyon, ending up at Descanso Beach.

Day 2:
Today is all about the water.

Underwater

Explore Catalina by land…and sea with an “Outback Tour and Beach Picnic ”. Journey through the island’s rugged interior, and see where the buffalo roam. Buffalo were brought to the island in 1924 for the filming of “The Vanishing American.” After filming wrapped, the buffalo remained on the island and today, they thrive, living off the land.

Now it’s on to Little Harbor Beach and some fun-in-the-sun. Lunch, kayaks and beach equipment is provided, so gear up and enjoy! If that’s not your thing, take an Adventure Rafting Trip aboard the island’s “Fun Boats.” Snorkel, play with dolphins, and visit Two Harbors. Along the way, watch for bald eagles, flying fish, seals, and sea lions. From January to March, you can also go whale watching.

Can’t get enough of the water? You can rent any number of watercraft , from jetskis and motorboats to kayaks, pedal boats or paddle boards. The choice is yours.

For even more ways to see the island, take an exciting, narrated ride on the Skyline Drive Tour . Along the trip you’ll see spectacular vistas, deep canyons, quiet coves and an endless blue ocean.

Day 3:

Go beneath the waves and come face-to-face with Catalina’s abundant marine life – from bright garibaldi, spotted calico bass, bat rays, and more – as you snorkel in the clear waters and coastal reefs surrounding the island.

If you would rather watch from a distance, step aboard a semi-submersible for an undersea tour . You may even see a shark or two. For an added bonus, take the nighttime tour and see a whole new world that only comes out at night.