Catalina Island Visitor Data, Profiles, and Strategic Planning

Visitor Statistics

Catalina Island receives over 1 million visitors each year by ferry, helicopter, private boat, and plane. Arrival activity tracked in Avalon is presented below. Visitor-generated revenue—including taxes on hotel and vacation rental stays (TOT), attractions, and sales tax—is also monitored and reported by the City of Avalon and made available for download. Reports are generally refreshed about once a month.

• Avalon Visitor Driven Revenues - June 2016 - June 2026
• City of Avalon Sales Tax Update - Q1 2026 (January - March)
• Avalon Passenger Counts by Month, Year and Type 2012-2026 (through September 2026)

Monthly Visitor Counts

The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau (d.b.a. Love Catalina Island) commissioned Lauren Schlau Consulting to develop a visitor profile study for Catalina Island. Conducted in phases, the research drew samples from visitors arriving by passenger ferries, cruise ships, private boats, helicopters, and aircraft. Findings are organized by seasonality, weekdays versus weekends, event attendance, and transportation mode, and also address economic impacts.

• Visitor Profile Study Phase One Results
• Visitor Profile Study Phase Two Results
• Visitor Profile Study Phase Three Results
• Visitor Profile Study: Final Report
• Visitor Profile Study: Summary Report

Tourism Capacity and Demand

The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau (d.b.a. Love Catalina Island) retained SMG to assess Catalina Island’s capacity in relation to visitor needs. The phased study examines island visitor data, stakeholder interviews, infrastructure systems and their capacity or limitations, and visitation demand during peak and off-peak periods. To help prevent over-tourism, it recommends attracting more visitors when infrastructure demand is low and reducing demand during periods of peak travel.

• Tourism Supply and Demand Analysis and Strategy: Final Report
• 2017 Catalina Island Strategic Marketing Plan
• Member Capacity Study
• Member Hotel & Transportation Capacity

Sponsored Offers

$5 Off Submarine & Inside Land Tours

Catalina Adventure Tours offers multiple tours each day. Submarine tours leave from Green Pier, while Inside Land Tours depart from the Mole. Use Code 5OFF.

$10 Off Catalina Island Ferry

The Catalina Flyer provides daily ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island in just over 1 hour.