Discover Catalina Island
Catalina Island provides crystal-clear waters with visibility often exceeding 60 feet, protected coves perfect for freediving and SUP, calm conditions ideal for learning new skills, excellent spearfishing opportunities, and a unique island environment that feels worlds away from the mainland. The island’s leeward side offers shelter from prevailing winds, creating ideal conditions for multi-sport ocean adventures.
Catalina’s unique geography creates a microclimate with calmer, clearer water than the mainland. The island sits 22 miles offshore, far enough to escape coastal runoff and pollution, resulting in visibility that often exceeds 60 feet—some of the clearest water in Southern California. The leeward (east) side of the island offers protection from prevailing northwest winds, creating glass-calm conditions perfect for freediving, SUP, and learning new skills. Water temperatures range from 58-70°F, making it the warmest of our three locations.
The island’s kelp forests are less dense than Monterey but equally vibrant, home to garibaldi (California’s state fish), calico bass, sheephead, and occasional encounters with dolphins and sea lions. Spearfishing is excellent for those with proper licensing, with abundant calico bass, white seabass, and yellowtail. The island’s coves—Two Harbors, Emerald Bay, and Little Harbor—offer protected environments for multi-day adventures. Limited surf breaks exist on the windward side, accessible by boat for experienced surfers seeking uncrowded waves
What We Do at Catalina Island
Based on conditions and your interests, here are the activities we offer at Catalina Island:
FREEDIVING
Explore underwater with 60+ foot visibility. Dive into kelp forests, encounter garibaldi, calico bass, and sea lions in some of Southern California’s clearest water.
SPEARFISHING
Hunt calico bass, white seabass, and yellowtail in pristine conditions. Learn ethical harvesting, fish identification, and sustainable hunting practices. (Valid California fishing license required)
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING (SUP)
Paddle glass-calm coves and explore hidden beaches. Perfect conditions for beginners or those wanting to refine technique in protected waters.
FREEDIVING
Experience Catalina’s underwater world on the surface. Perfect for those new to ocean exploration or wanting to relax and observe marine life.
FISHING
Learn sailing fundamentals or refine skills in protected island waters. Navigate between coves, understand wind patterns, and experience island cruising.
When to Visit Catalina Island
SPRING
(March-May)
- Water Temperature: 58-62°F
- Conditions: Improving visibility (40-60ft), calm seas, warming water
- Best Activities: Freediving, snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, sailing
- What to Expect: 3mm wetsuit sufficient, spring weather, fewer crowds
- Highlights: Wildflowers on island, baby sea lions, excellent visibility
SUMMER
(June-August)
- Water Temperature: 65-70°F
- Conditions: Warmest water, excellent visibility (50-70ft), calm conditions, peak season
- Best Activities: All activities, perfect for beginners, spearfishing
- What to Expect: Warmest water of year, crowded on weekends, ideal learning conditions
- Highlights: Warmest water, best for multi-day camping, peak marine life activity
FALL
(September-November)
- Water Temperature: 65-68°F
- Conditions: Best visibility (60-80ft), warm water, fewer crowds, ideal season
- Best Activities: Freediving, spearfishing, all activities
- What to Expect: Best overall conditions, Indian summer warmth, less crowded
- Highlights: Clearest water of year, yellowtail and white seabass season, perfect conditions
WINTER
(December-February)
- Water Temperature: 58-62°F
- Conditions: Good visibility (40-60ft), occasional storms, cooler water
- Best Activities: Freediving, sailing, wildlife watching
- What to Expect: 5mm wetsuit recommended, solitude, dramatic weather
- Highlights: Gray whale migration, lobster season (Oct-Mar), uncrowded island
Year-Round Opportunities:“Catalina Island offers ocean adventures 12 months a year with consistently good conditions. The island’s protection from mainland weather creates a reliable ocean playground.
A Day at Catalina Island
Here’s what a typical day might look like. Remember, we adapt to real-time conditions, so this is a flexible framework, not a rigid schedule.
Planning Your Catalina Island Adventure
- Mainland Departure Points
Mainland Departure Points
- San Pedro: Catalina Express (most frequent, 1 hour crossing)
- Long Beach: Catalina Express (1 hour crossing)
- Dana Point: Catalina Express (90 minutes, seasonal)
- Newport Beach: Catalina Flyer (75 minutes)
By Air
- Island Express Helicopters: 15-minute flight from Long Beach or San Pedro
- Private charter: Small planes to Catalina Airport (Airport in the Sky)
- Where to Stay
Avalon (Main Town)
- Budget: Hermosa Hotel ($150-250/night)
- Mid-Range: Hotel Atwater ($200-350/night)
- Luxury: Mt. Ada ($400-800/night, historic mansion)
Two Harbors (Remote Side)
- Banning House Lodge: ($200-400/night, only hotel at Two Harbors)
- Camping: Two Harbors Campground ($20-30/night per person)
Backcountry Camping
- Little Harbor: Beach camping ($20-30/night)
- Parsons Landing: Remote beach, boat-in only ($20-30/night)
- Permits required: Reserve through Catalina Island Conservancy
Recommendations
- Stay in Avalon for amenities and nightlife
- Stay at Two Harbors for adventure and solitude
- Camp for true island wilderness experience
- Book 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends
- Best Time to Book
Peak Season (June-September)
- Book 2-3 months in advance
- Warmest water, best for beginners
- Crowded on weekends
Shoulder Season (April-May, October-November)
- Book 1-2 months in advance
- Best visibility, fewer crowds
- Ideal conditions
Off-Season (December-March)
- Book 2-4 weeks in advance
- Cooler water, excellent visibility
- Solitude and whale watching
Have questions? Check our FAQ page
Ready to Explore Catalina Island?
Join us for a crystal-clear island adventure just 22 miles from the mainland. Experience California’s clearest water, abundant marine life, and island paradise.