Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets — an island 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles that feels impossibly removed from the city’s energy. No traffic, no chain restaurants, no sprawl — just the small resort town of Avalon, extraordinary water clarity, endemic wildlife, and the specific beauty of a California island that has been largely protected since William Wrigley Jr. bought it in 1919 and made it his personal paradise. VV’s West Coast sailings stop here and it is a genuinely outstanding port day.
Avalon
Avalon is a small, walkable town of about 4,000 people built around a curved harbor. The iconic Casino Building — not a gambling casino but a social club and ballroom, built in 1929 in Moorish Revival style — dominates the harbor waterfront. The town is pedestrian and golf cart transportation. The beaches of Crescent Avenue are immediately accessible. The restaurants, shops, and cafes are genuinely good.
The Water
Catalina’s underwater environment is one of the finest accessible from any California port. The water clarity, the kelp forest diving, and the wildlife — garibaldi (the California state marine fish, a brilliant orange), sea lions, leopard sharks, and rays — make snorkeling and diving here extraordinary. Snorkel tours from Avalon and Two Harbors are available through VV Shore Things.
The Inland
Catalina’s interior is a protected nature reserve accessible via guided eco-tour or zip line. The Catalina Island Conservancy protects 88% of the island. Bison — left over from a 1924 film production — still roam freely in the interior. The island fox, endemic to the Channel Islands, is found throughout. Zip lining across the island’s interior canyons is the most dramatic Shore Things option.
Two Harbors
The island’s other inhabited area, accessible only by boat or hiking trail, offers even more seclusion than Avalon. The Isthmus Cove is a sailing and kayaking paradise. Some VV West Coast sailings stop at Two Harbors rather than Avalon — both are excellent, with Two Harbors offering a more remote and adventurous atmosphere.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- The zip line is extraordinary. The Catalina zip line tour crosses the island’s interior with views over both coasts. Book it immediately through VV Shore Things.
- Snorkeling at Casino Point is free. The Casino Point Underwater Park is an accessible, no-cost snorkel site in Avalon Harbor with excellent kelp forest visibility.
- Golf carts are the Avalon experience. Rent a golf cart and explore the coastal road beyond town. The views of the Pacific from the island’s south-facing cliffs are extraordinary.
Ready to Explore Catalina?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. The Brilliant Lady West Coast sailings include Catalina Island and offer some of the most distinctive port days in the entire fleet.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and discover California’s island paradise
