Located just 22 miles off California’s coast, Catalina Island is California’s only island resort. William Wrigley Jr. (the chewing gum millionaire) purchased the island in 1919 and his descendants continue to have involvement in Catalina Island Company.
After cruising to Catalina Island for the very first time, I learned 5 Surprising Facts About Catalina Island Cruise Port that you will want to know before you go:
1. Cruise Ships Cannot Port on Catalina Island
All cruise ships that go to Catalina Island cannot dock at Catalina Island. All cruise ships must tender. When a cruise ship must tender, it means that the cruise ship will anchor in the middle of the ocean and transport cruise passengers via smaller boats to shore.
The tender boats are not that small though. Each tender boat can hold around 250 people. Most cruise ships will tender to the Cabrillo Boat Terminal in Avalon.
Here are a few Questions & Answers about Catalina Island:
There are two ports on Catalina Island: Avalon and Two Harbours.
Avalon is the best port for shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and activities.
Most cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean, tender to the Avalon port.
Yes, there is a 9-hole golf course as well as a mini-golf course near the Avalon port.
2. You Cannot Book a Direct Reservation for “Catalina Aerial Adventure Park” on Cruise Port Days
If you want to go to the Catalina Aerial Adventure Park, you MUST book through your cruise line before you arrive. The Catalina Aerial Adventure Park does not take online reservations on cruise port days nor will they accept walk-up reservations on those days either.
If you book an excursion to the Aerial Adventure Park with the cruise line, your excursion includes one-way transportation to the Aerial Adventure Park. Walking back to the Avalon Port is a lovely 15-20 minute stroll past Descano Beach.
Here is a link to a printable map of the Avalon Port in Catalina Island.
- Cruise Tip: If you take a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can save up to 30% off the regular price of excursions. Pre-book your excursions to Catalina Aerial Adventure Park at least several weeks before you set sail to save money. Plus, Canadians can pre-pay for excursions in Canadian dollars!!
3. The Beaches are Small
Another surprising fact about Catalina Island Cruise Port is that the beaches are small. Do not expect large sandy beaches like Venice Beach or Laguna Beach when you go to Catalina Island. There are more rocky shelfs than sandy shores. Nevertheless, the atmosphere in Catalina Island is divine. There is an upscale serenity about the place.
4. Descano Beach is FREE
Going to the beach is the cheapest activity you can do in Catalina Island because it is FREE!!
Descano beach is a great place to snorkel. Bring along your own snorkel sets to save money. Alternatively, you can rent snorkel gear, life jackets, kayaks, paddle boards, and more right at Descano Beach. Bring a pair of beach shoes since the ocean floor is rocky.
How to get to Descano Beach from the Avalon Cruise Port?
Walking to Descano Beach from the Avalon Port in Catalina Island is a lovely 10-15 minute stroll along the ocean pathway. Head towards the large white round building with red roof (shown in the photo below). This iconic landmark building in Catalina Island is called the “Casino” even though, ironically, there is no casino inside.
When making your way to Descano Beach, continue to walk along the boardwalk past the “Casino” until you see a beach. The pathway stops at Descano Beach Club so you cannot miss it. There is a set of stairs that leads right to Descano Beach.
A concrete wall (shown in photo above) separates Descano Beach from Descano Beach Club. The area from the ocean to the concrete wall is public property and is free to use. Lay your towel in front of the concrete wall and relax on the beach for free.
Descano Beach is rocky! If you prefer to sit on a beach chair under an umbrella, the Descano Beach Club offers an all-day pass for visitors for a fee.
- Cruise Tip: Descano Beach is free. Descano Beach Club is NOT free. If you want to use the washrooms or change room facilities at Descano Beach Club, there is a fee of $2 per person.
5. There are more Golf Carts than Cars on Catalina Island
You will see golf carts everywhere on Catalina Island. You can also rent a golf cart by the hour to tour the town. Bring cash as the golf cart rental places operate in cold hard cash. Expect to pay around USD$60 per hour for a golf cart rental. Most people rent a golf cart for a period of 2 hours.
- Cruise Tip: Renting a golf cart requires a Driver’s License and a credit card deposit. If you exceed your initial one hour rental period, your credit card will be automatically charged for the additional time by the hour. (i.e. Don’t be late!)
Have you been to Catalina Island? What surprising facts about Catalina Island Cruise Port did you discover?
What’s Next on your cruise? Check out:
Ensenada Cruise Port Itinerary that doesn’t break the bank.
Until next time,
Shelley