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Planning a Group Trip to Catalina Island? Here’s How to Reserve Activities in Avalon Without the Stress

Boat named Catalina Flyer on water near a large white building with hills in the background.

It’s the Island of Romance, the perfect place for couples. It’s a great destination for families with kids. But can we also talk about how wonderful Catalina can be for group trips? Whether you’re traveling with your company, gathering a group of students, convening as a family or a big bunch of friends, this island paradise is ideal for traveling groups for so many reasons. Because of its unique geography, everyone assembles in Avalon, making it their home base. And because of its gorgeous geography, Catalina offers so many different options for activities on land, by sea, and even in the air. 

A traveling group can take advantage of the ocean-adjacent location by organizing some water adventures like boat rides or dives. Or, travelers can experience some of the natural island terrain by ziplining, hiking, biking, touring, or taking on an obstacle course. Catalina has just the right mix of fun and relaxation, of history and culture; it just depends on what your group wants to do! Catalina Tours–with local guides and plenty of experience–is a great resource to help you with the logistics for your group activities on the island. Are you planning a group trip to Catalina Island? Read on to learn how to reserve activities in Avalon without the stress. 

The Catalina Flyer, a blue and white ferry, travels quickly across the water with passengers on board.

 

Getting there together. There are large ferry boats that can carry your group to Catalina all together. You just need to plan ahead. Catalina Tours can help. Your journey can start in San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point or in Newport Beach and arrive in Avalon. Along the way, you may see pods of dolphins, migrating whales, and other sea life. Aboard the boat, you can enjoy snacks and drinks as you take in the ocean views.  

Set students up to learn. Is marine biology your aim, or are you bringing a group of scholars for some opportunities to bond over shared experiences? Let Catalina Tours know what your travel goals are for your students, and they can help customize an itinerary that’s just the right fit for your group. 

  • In the morning, take your students on an undersea submarine expedition or a glass bottom boat voyage. On both of these adventures, passengers will get to see giant kelp forests, schooling silvery fish, and some California state marine fish–garidbaldi. 
  • In the afternoon, get a history lesson. Take a behind the scenes Casino tour, and see one of the grandest ballrooms and movie theaters–built back in 1929. 
  • Do your students need to get some phys ed time in? Send them on a Catalina Aerial Adventure, an obstacle course that is set up through a canyon of eucalyptus trees. This is a great team-building activity, complete with rope ladders, balance elements, log bridges, and plenty of opportunities for encouraging classmates along the way. 

Collaborate outside of a corporate setting. Bring your company to Catalina, and let Catalina Tours set up some great group activities. 

  • Check out the island’s dining scene and bond over eats and drinks with a Catalina Food Tour.
  • Start your day with an exclusive Catalina Falconry experience. A professional falconer will teach your team some history and tricks of the trade during this thrilling group activity. 
  • Journey to Land’s End as you tour through the island’s rugged interior in an open-air Hummer. Along the way, you may see some island fox, eagles, or bison. 
  • End the night with some fun in the Casino as you skate the Wrigley Ballroom. Lace up some vintage roller skates for a spin around the room with the best view in all of Catalina. 

Private Group of people seated at Topside by NDMK outdoors at tables under string lights and umbrellas, with the mountains and palm trees of Catalina Island in background.

Make memories with family and friends. Reunions, girls’ or guys’ trips, or big family vacations can all use a little extra help with planning. Catalina Tours has got you covered when it comes to a crowd-pleasing plan for your Catalina trip. 

  • Get around Avalon with the town’s preferred mode of transportation group: golf carts! A Guided Avalon Golf Cart Tour allows for some amazing hilltop views and photo ops.  
  • After a beach day, have a round of friendly competition with your crew at Catalina Mini Golf Gardens. 
  • If you’re there during the summer season, treat everyone to a most spectacular island evening tradition: the Flying Fish Voyage. Watch as these amazing creatures glide over the water. 

These ideas are just a sampling of all the fun that can be had–and planned ahead of time–with Catalina Tours. Include some up-high adventures like parasailing or helicopter tours. Dedicate a day to full relaxation with a cabana at Descanso Beach. No matter what you want to put on your itinerary for your group trip to Catalina Island, Catalina Tours can ensure you will have some unforgettable experiences. Don’t just get off the boat without a plan. Catalina Tours will work with you to schedule and coordinate all the details for your group activities. 

Ready to plan your group trip to Catalina? Work with our Catalina Tours team to create a personalized travel program for your group. Be sure to plan ahead, as tours and bookings can be extra busy during peak seasons. Reach out to Catalina Tours by phone at 310-510-0211, or learn more at the Catalina Tours website.

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