Catalina Island (Avalon)
A Mediterranean-style island getaway 22 miles off the California coast — no car needed, golf carts optional.
Overview
Catalina Island is the odd one out on a Mexican Riviera itinerary — it's not in Mexico at all, but a short hop from the Southern California coast that regularly gets paired with Ensenada on short getaway cruises. Ships anchor in Avalon Bay and tender passengers to the Green Pleasure Pier, dropping you directly into Avalon's compact, walkable waterfront. The town has a distinct Mediterranean-resort feel — the 1929 Art Deco Catalina Casino anchors one end of the bay — and everything from beaches to hiking trails to snorkelling is within a short walk or golf-cart ride.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Climate
- Mediterranean — mild, dry, and sunny most of the year, with the warmest weather June through September.
- Best Months
- April–October
- Pier to Town
- Ships anchor in Avalon Bay and tender passengers to the Green Pleasure Pier, right in the middle of Avalon's waterfront. The compact town is entirely walkable from there; golf cart rentals near the pier cover anything further afield.
DIY Port Logistics: "From Pier to Town"
The first 30 minutes can make or break your port day. Use this quick plan to exit the terminal fast and avoid overpriced transport mistakes.
- Is it walkable?
- Usually walkable: Ships anchor in Avalon Bay and tender passengers to the Green Pleasure Pier, right in the middle of Avalon's waterfront. The compact town is entirely walkable from there; golf cart rentals near the pier cover anything further afield.
- Water taxi or cheap local shuttle?
- This is a tender port. After the tender dock, use local shuttle or bus options first, then taxis for longer distances.
- Expected taxi rate to the main beach
- Expect about $2 to reach Step Beach; confirm if that is per person or per vehicle before boarding.
- Are ride-shares legally permitted at the pier?
- Ride-shares are inconsistent at cruise terminals. Pickup is often restricted inside secured pier zones, so plan to meet drivers at the public gate if app pickup is blocked.
Top Beaches
Step Beach
A small beach directly at the harbourfront, the closest sand to the tender pier.
Descanso Beach
About three-quarters of a mile north of the pier, with a $2 entry fee and better facilities — walkable or reached by a free summer shuttle.
Must Eat
Fresh Local Seafood
Avalon's harbourfront restaurants serve locally caught fish and shellfish, with patio seating overlooking the bay.
Buffalo Milk Cocktail
A sweet, creamy Catalina original — despite the name, no actual buffalo milk involved — served at bars around town.
Avalon Chocolates
A long-running local chocolatier on Crescent Avenue, good for a sweet stop while wandering the waterfront.
💡 DIY Tip
Walk the waterfront to the Catalina Casino for a look at its Art Deco interior, then rent a golf cart or walk to Descanso Beach for the afternoon — the whole loop is easy to do without booking anything in advance.
🚢 Ship Excursion Verdict
Skip it for the town and beaches — Avalon is small and entirely walkable from the tender pier. Book an excursion for snorkelling at the Casino Point Dive Park or a glass-bottom boat tour of the kelp forests, since both benefit from gear and local knowledge of the best spots.