Skip the Crowds: How to Explore Catalina Like a Local with a Private Tour

On the surface, a summer visit to Catalina appears quite simple: Relax by the ocean. Stroll the downtown streets. Enjoy the charm, cuisine, and culture of a small island town. And you can do all of that on a visit to Avalon. However, what many island visitors soon discover is that there is so much more to Catalina than just beach days, shopping, and happy hours. The island holds plenty of history, natural beauty, and adventure as well. The summertime is when Catalina gets its largest influx of visitors. While it can make for a fun and bustling scene downtown and in the harbors, it can also get pretty crowded. If you’re looking for a way to really explore and get away from the crowds on Catalina, your best bet is to book an adventure with Catalina Taxi and Tours. From private picnics to hidden beach trips, there is something exciting to see once you hop on a tour. Make your escape to the island’s interior or another hidden gem around Avalon. Read on to learn more about how to explore Catalina like a local with a private tour.

Travel off the beaten path. Take the Picnic with the Wildlife Tour.  This tour is for up to 6 passengers, and you can add a lunch for $25 per person. On this 1.5 hour tour, you’ll make your way to the secluded Haypress Park on Catalina Island. Along the way, you can stop by the Summit for some great views and photo ops. Once you’ve picnicked, your kids can play at the park’s playground, and your family can take a little hike around the small lake. While you’re there, be on the lookout for local Catalina wildlife like Catalina Island fox or even an American bison.

Celebrate something special. Infuse your island trip with some romance and beauty. The Toast to Catalina Tour can take 2 passengers on a 2.5 hour trip to one of the most gorgeous vistas on the island. Not many visitors get the chance to see the views from the scenic overlook of this tour, and it truly shows some of the natural wonders of the island and the surrounding ocean. A private toast tour with Catalina Taxi and Tours is decidedly romantic; it includes an option for a bottle of champagne or wine as well as a fresh charcuterie board from a local Avalon restaurant.

Get to know Avalon—like a local. Up to 7 passengers can take the Private City Tour, which takes you on a 1 hour tour of Avalon. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, it’s a great way to get to know our island town. Catalina has so much interesting history and culture, and the guides at Catalina Taxi and Tours are happy to share local lore as well as restaurant and activity recommendations.

See all of the island. Catalina Taxi and Tours offers a number of different Private Eco Tours that stop at some fun destinations around the island. The 1.5 hour tour takes you to the marvel that is the Airport in the Sky. Check out the nature center nearby, and be sure to have one of the world-famous cookies at the airport’s café. On the 2.5 hour tour, you’ll see the airport in addition to Rancho Escondido and the Eagle’s Nest Lodge—both are glimpses of Catalina’s storied history. On this tour, you’ll also see the rocky beaches of Shark and Little Harbors. Make a whole day of it on a 3.5 hour tour, and see the airport, the ranch, and the harbors; in addition, you’ll make a stop at the island’s other town: Two Harbors, a true slice of island paradise.

Make it your own. If you know that you want to adventure and explore your own way, you can work with Catalina Taxi and Tours to create a custom tour option. Would you like to hike, kayak, and snorkel all in one day? We can help you get to the best spots for that. Some custom tour options can include activities such as: snorkeling at Little Harbor, seeing the sunset at a secluded beach, bird watching all around the island, or hiking the interior and the Isthmus.

Come and explore the island with us! Summer is such a busy and beautiful season on Catalina. Reservations for our tours are highly recommended during the summer months, and our website does not allow for same-day bookings. Plan ahead, and make your trip to Catalina and unforgettable one! Be sure to reach out to us at 310-510-0342 to book your special tour of the island. Catalina Taxi and Tours can help you with your transportation and food delivery needs during your stay as well. Learn more about all of our tour options at our website.