Catalina Island Water Adventures

One of Southern California's Best Destinations for Things To Do On the Water

Located Twenty-two miles from the Southern California shoreline, Catalina Island is home to some of the Pacific’s standout ocean experiences. Sheltered coves, remarkably clear water, and abundant marine habitats make the surrounding sea feel central to the visit rather than simply part of the scenery. For both day trips and overnight getaways, Catalina Island water activities offer adventures that are hard to match elsewhere in Southern California.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Around Catalina Island

Underwater, Catalina Island reveals an exceptional marine world. Kelp beds move with the current, bright orange garibaldi, California's official state marine fish, weave among the rocks, and sea lions pass through the coves with easy curiosity. Catalina Island scuba diving has attracted divers from around the world for decades, with dive sites that range from calm beginner coves to advanced open-water locations. At Lover's Cove, Catalina Island snorkeling brings visitors close to marine life in shallow, peaceful water that nearly anyone can enjoy, with no experience required.

Catalina Island Mermaids creates a truly distinctive way to enter the water, offering mermaid classes, underwater photoshoots, and SCUBA experiences designed to make the day feel magical for both kids and adults.

Visitors who would rather remain dry can still experience the underwater world through Catalina Island glass-bottom boat tours and semi-submersible undersea expeditions. These trips travel above the kelp gardens and offer a memorable look at the life beneath Avalon Harbor.

Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and More on the Water in Avalon

Above the surface, Catalina Island water activities are equally inviting. Catalina Island kayaking and paddleboarding through quiet coves give guests a relaxed way to see the shoreline at their own pace. Both activities are beginner-friendly, with rentals available in Avalon. Visitors can rent a boat to seek out hidden coves on their own or choose a sailing charter and leave the route to someone else.

For a bigger rush, Catalina Island parasailing rises up to 800 feet over Avalon Harbor, with sweeping views of the Casino, the coastline, and the Pacific extending in every direction. Catalina Island jet ski rentals let visitors explore the coast with more independence, while Catalina Island sport fishing charters continue a classic tradition that has brought anglers to these waters for well over a century.

Plan Catalina Island Water Activities

From snorkeling and scuba diving to parasailing and fishing, Catalina Island offers on-the-water experiences for a wide range of ages, abilities, and adventure styles. However visitors choose to enjoy it, the ocean here has a way of making everyday life feel far away. That is part of the appeal.

Water Activity Options

Boat Tours

Catalina Island offers many boating tours and charters, including glass-bottom boats, semi-submersible submarines, and other ways to explore by sea.

Diving & Scuba

Catalina Island has dive options from easy to advanced, with numerous locations around the island for underwater exploration.

Fishing

Fishing near Catalina Island can mean chasing massive game fish or dropping a line from the pier for calico bass.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

With 52 miles of Catalina Island coastline to explore, kayaking offers a close-up way to experience the shore. New paddlers can quickly discover how approachable it is.

Parasailing

High above Avalon Harbor, parasailing gives adventurers a birds’ eye view of Catalina Island.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling offers an accessible way to observe Catalina Island’s undersea wildlife, with both guided and self-guided options available.

Watercraft Rentals

Visitors can rent a boat, jetski, or other watercraft and head out across the clear waters surrounding Catalina Island.