Santa Catalina Island feels a world away from Los Angeles, just 22 miles offshore. Ships anchor off the little town of Avalon, where golf carts outnumber cars and the Art Deco Avalon Casino crowns the bay.
Ships anchor off Avalon and tender passengers to the Pleasure Pier area, right in the middle of town.
Tenders land at the waterfront in the centre of town.
Shops, cafés and the beach line the harbour.
Explore the hills above town for views.
Tender port — no cruise pier.
| Cruise line / ship | Typical berth / arrival | Dock or tender |
|---|---|---|
| All lines | Anchor in Avalon Bay, tender to Avalon | 🚤 Tender |
Typical arrangements only — your ship's berth is confirmed in the daily planner.
These typical arrangements are retained from the supplied port guide and have not all been independently reverified. Map links are location searches, not live ship assignments. Confirm the berth, tender landing and boarding arrangements for your sailing. Read this port’s researched access notes →
These cruise lines typically include Catalina Island (Avalon) on their itineraries — tap one to see its sailings in the region.
Typical lines only — which ships visit changes every season. Live sailings and prices come from Cruise Travellers' booking engine.
Compare access requirements for this port before booking an excursion →
The shore excursions most worth your time in Catalina Island (Avalon).
Garibaldi fish and kelp forests in protected Lover's Cove.
Find tours →Tours booked through Viator, Cruise Travellers' excursion partner. Check the operator’s written return-to-ship policy; a guarantee is not assumed.
These are sightseeing suggestions. Distances and walking difficulty labels do not establish a step-free route. Read the port-specific access notes before choosing a route.
Along Crescent Avenue to the Casino, then Descanso Beach.
Best time: May–October. Mild, 70–76°F / 21–24°C in summer.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65°F / 18°C | 49°F / 9°C | 6 |
| Feb | 65°F / 18°C | 49°F / 9°C | 6 |
| Mar | 65°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 5 |
| Apr | 67°F / 19°C | 52°F / 11°C | 2 |
| May ⭐ | 68°F / 20°C | 55°F / 13°C | 1 |
| Jun ⭐ | 71°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 0 |
| Jul ⭐ | 75°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 0 |
| Aug ⭐ | 76°F / 24°C | 63°F / 17°C | 0 |
| Sep ⭐ | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 1 |
| Oct ⭐ | 73°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C | 2 |
| Nov | 69°F / 21°C | 53°F / 12°C | 3 |
| Dec | 65°F / 18°C | 49°F / 9°C | 5 |
⭐ = best months to visit. Approximate long-term averages — check the forecast before you sail.
Licensed drivers 25+.
Town and beaches.
Loops around Avalon.
Prices are typical ranges and change — confirm before you ride.
Other port guides close to Catalina Island (Avalon).
Tours, prices, transport fares and pier assignments change. Always confirm with the operator, your cruise line and your ship's all-aboard time before relying on anything here.
A Mediterranean-feeling island off LA — the Avalon Casino, golf carts and glass-bottom boats.
Avalon transport has an on-request adapted shuttle option, but that does not establish access to a cruise tender, golf cart or interior-island tour.
Published sources reviewed October 17, 2026. This is desk research, not an on-site access audit. Access can change with the ship, berth, equipment and operating conditions.
Request ADA vehicle through the app
Catalina Island Company says ADA-accessible Circuit shuttles are available on request through the app. This is distinct from an ordinary golf-cart rental; arrange the vehicle suited to your device.
Tour-specific boarding remains unverified
The island company lists walking, shuttle, golf-cart and guided-tour options, but its transport page does not give wheelchair dimensions or a step-free guarantee for each tour. Obtain a written answer for a Casino, interior bus or boat excursion before paying.
Planning suggestion: After the cruise line confirms tender suitability, plan a short Avalon outing with the requested adapted shuttle instead of depending on a standard golf cart.
Detailed access-planning questions · Save these arrangements in your day plan
Discuss my access needsTurn the interests in this guide into a private shore-day brief. These are ideas to discuss with Melody, not confirmed bookable products.
Before booking, request the named operator, inclusions, vehicle specification, entry tickets, cancellation terms and a written return plan. Private access, special entry and availability must be confirmed.
Request a Curated Ashore proposal Book a consultationSave a personal checklist on this device, then print it or share your brief with Melody. Times are your inputs in ship time; this tool does not calculate travel times or guarantee return.
Plans stay in this browser when storage is available. Email opens your own mail app; nothing is submitted automatically.
Confirm piers, fares, transfers, admission, tour duration and assistance with your cruise line and the relevant operator. Weather tables are inherited indicative averages, not a forecast. Report a correction.
