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When it comes to Catalina Island marine science, this little island off the Southern California coast quietly shows up like the overachiever in a group project. Catalina does not just talk about environmental education. It lives it. For teachers and parents planning an educational trip, here are the big reasons why Catalina Island is such a powerful learning lab. 1. The ocean is the classroom Catalina’s surrounding waters are part of a protected marine ecosystem, which means students get access to real, thriving habitats. Through a variety of experiential lessons, students observe kelp forests, reef fish, invertebrates and predator-prey relationships in action. This is marine biology at eye level. Instead of memorizing species names, students see biodiversity, adaptation and food webs happening in real time. 2. Environmental science is everywhere Catalina is one of the best examples in…

Summer months on Catalina are magical. Avalon–a small island town–swells to many times its normal size with hundreds of thousands of visitors during busy summer months. The streets are busier, beaches are more crowded, and there’s a palpable, buzzy summer feeling that only an island community can provide. Something special about Catalina is that the…

When it comes to planning unforgettable Catalina Island student trips, few places check as many boxes as this small but wildly diverse island just 22 miles off the Southern California coast. Catalina manages to be equal parts outdoor classroom, living science lab and history book you can actually walk through. For teachers and…

Group trips can be such a blast, and Catalina is the perfect setting for a group adventure. The island is well known as a fun family destination, but there are great activities for bachelor or bachelorette parties, reunions, girls’ trips, golf getaways, student tours, corporate retreats, and more. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities…

You don’t have to go all the way to Hawaii to enjoy an amazing island getaway with your family. Book a boat ride for your family, and travel 26 miles across the sea from the Southern California mainland to the island town of Avalon. Catalina is the perfect place for families with kids. It is…

Catalina can be deceiving. When the ferry docks in Avalon, you might take a look at the harbor, the hillsides, and the little island town in front of you and think: Is this all there is? And we’re here to tell you: That’s not all. When you’re a first-time visitor to Catalina, Catalina Tours can…

A travel brochure from 1940 once boasted that Catalina has everything for your enjoyment: “hundreds of thrilling sights and diversions for fun-filled days and romantic evenings.” This vintage invitation to the island beckons, “For real living, come to carefree Catalina now!” On Catalina, the more things change, the more they stay the same. In 2026,…

Here’s the thing about winter on Catalina Island: it’s the island’s best-kept secret. While summer gets all the buzz, winter is when Catalina truly shines. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures and a slower pace that lets you actually enjoy the island instead of rushing through it. If you’ve ever searched for things to do on Catalina…

At Catalina Tours, we’re always on the lookout for new ways to help you discover the best of Santa Catalina Island. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler returning to your favorite getaway, we’re thrilled to unveil exciting additions to our lineup. From soaring above the island in a helicopter to peering beneath…

Planning a field trip that’s educational, safe, and unforgettable can feel like a big job—but Catalina Island makes it easy. Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina is a unique natural classroom with diverse ecosystems, history and activities that inspire learning across grade levels. As a proud member of the Student…

Planning a student trip to Catalina Island is an amazing way to bring classroom learning to life. From its rugged interior to its colorful marine habitats and rich history, Catalina is truly a natural classroom. But organizing a safe, smooth and memorable trip takes time and care—especially for teachers and group leaders juggling busy schedules….

We’re excited to share some big news: Catalina Tours is now a proud member of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA). As part of this national network of trusted travel professionals, we’re expanding our services to better support student trips to Catalina Island—from educational field trips to unforgettable graduation celebrations. Our team has long…