Explore on your own rating
A small, walkable town once you are ashore.
Where ships dock
- Tender: ships anchor in Avalon Bay and land at the Cabrillo Mole
Getting to town
From the Cabrillo Mole, the pedestrian Crescent Avenue waterfront starts right away; the Green Pleasure Pier is about 5 minutes north and the Catalina Casino about 15 minutes farther.
Avalon is walkable. There are no rental cars; golf carts can be rented by the hour but must stay inside city limits. Tours go into the island's interior.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: U.S. dollar.
Top sights nearby
- Catalina Casino
- Crescent Avenue waterfront
- Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
- Glass-bottom boat or snorkeling at Lovers Cove
Beaches
- Descanso Beach
- Avalon Harbor beach
Safety & tips
- Tender service depends on the weather.
- Head back to the Cabrillo Mole early: tender lines build up.
- Golf carts can't go into the interior.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
Be in the tender line at least 45 minutes before the last tender.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Catalina Island (Avalon)? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Catalina Island (Avalon) shore excursions on Viator ↗
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Quick answers
Can you explore Catalina Island (Avalon) on your own?
Yes, it is rated Easy. A small, walkable town once you are ashore.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Catalina Island (Avalon)?
From the Cabrillo Mole, the pedestrian Crescent Avenue waterfront starts right away; the Green Pleasure Pier is about 5 minutes north and the Catalina Casino about 15 minutes farther.
When should I head back to the ship in Catalina Island (Avalon)?
Be in the tender line at least 45 minutes before the last tender.
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