 Check out blue whales to 80 feet, finback whales, dolphins, seals, killer whales, sharks, and many other marine creatures (310) 622-2830
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The boat drops you at Catalina Island around 9:00 AM and picks you up around 6:00 PM. Nine hours on the island, zero rushing — plus island experiences you can pre-book as add-ons.
Trip inspiration — not a live listing. The Catalina Day Tripper is how we'd build your perfect island day: a private boat drops your group at Avalon in the morning and brings you home in the evening, while island partner experiences — snorkeling, golf carts, the zip line, beach clubs, waterfront lunch — can be pre-sold as add-ons when you book.
Exact boats, schedules, inclusions, and pricing vary by partner operator and season. Tell us your date and party size and we'll put the whole day together — that's what we do.
No ferry lines, no fixed tour-bus schedule — your boat, your day. Here's the shape of a typical Day Tripper:
Not included: island partner experiences (pre-sold add-ons, priced separately), meals and drinks unless arranged in advance, and a California fishing license if anyone wants to fish from shore while on the island.
We partner with island businesses so you can lock in your day before you ever leave the dock. Pick any of these when you request your trip and we'll arrange them through our island partners:
Kelp forests and garibaldi at Lover's Cove — gear delivered, guide optional.
The classic Avalon move. Cruise the town and the hills on your own schedule.
See the marine life without getting wet — great for mixed-age groups.
Five zips above Descanso Canyon with island views the whole way down.
Claim your spot in the sand — chairs, umbrellas, and food service steps away.
Skip the wait — we book your table at an Avalon waterfront restaurant in advance.
Want to fish while you're there? It's your call — add a half-day or full-day fishing trip around the island through our local partners and we'll have it lined up before you land.
Partner lineup varies by season and availability — we'll confirm every add-on when we build your trip.
The public ferry gets you there, but it runs on its schedule, not yours — and it doesn't include a thing once you land. The Day Tripper flips that: your group travels together on a private boat, your island experiences are pre-booked and waiting, and the ride home is a sunset cruise instead of a crowded terminal. It's the difference between visiting Catalina and doing Catalina.
We're relaunching as a concierge and aren't booking yet. Join the Plan a Trip waitlist or call (310) 622-2830 — tell us your date and party size and we'll put the whole island day together, boat plus any pre-sold island partner experiences.
The concept is a 9:00 AM departure from the mainland and a 6:00 PM pickup at Avalon — about nine hours on the island. Exact times vary by partner operator, season, and conditions; we confirm your schedule when we match your trip.
No — island partner experiences (snorkeling, golf carts, zip line, beach clubs, lunch reservations and similar) are pre-sold add-ons, priced separately. You pick them when you request your trip and we arrange them through our island partners in advance.
No. We partner with island businesses — they run their experiences, we arrange and pre-sell them as part of your day so everything is locked in before you leave the dock.
It depends on the boat we match you with — from small groups to larger parties. Tell us your headcount when you request the trip and we'll find the right vessel.
Sunscreen, swimsuits, towels, a light jacket for the evening crossing, comfortable walking shoes, and anything you want for the beach. Coolers with ice are on the boat; food and drinks can be arranged or enjoyed at island restaurants.
Ready for your island day? Plan your trip — we match you with the best boat and captain for it. Or call (310) 622-2830.
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