FULLERTON BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Tours, One Day: Submerged Views and Cliffside Vistas on Catalina
A full‑day combo that pairs a climate‑controlled Undersea Expedition with the Discover Avalon Scenic Tour, including roundtrip hotel shuttle transfers and Catalina Express boat tickets.
Two Tours, One Day: Submerged Views and Cliffside Vistas on Catalina.
Adventure brief
Two Tours, One Day: Submerged Views and Cliffside Vistas on Catalina
From Fullerton you’ll join Karmel Shuttle’s EXTREME Tours for a day that moves from hotel lobby to harbor to island hillsides and back: morning shuttle to the Long Beach Downtown Landing, a Catalina Express passage to Avalon, an undersea cabin ride among Garibaldi and kelp, and a scenic land tour of Avalon’s harbor and the iconic Casino before the late‑afternoon return to the mainland.
Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Fullerton to Catalina Island with Karmel Shuttle's EXTREME Tours’ exclusive Combo Tours. This guided adventure offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, starting with a scenic ferry ride across the sparkling Pacific to the charming town of Avalon. Once on the island, you'll enjoy a comprehensive undersea expedition, where snorkeling through vibrant reefs reveals the rich marine life that makes Catalina so unique. Afterward, discover Avalon’s colorful streets and seaside vistas during a scenic bus tour, gaining insight into the island’s history and local culture. The tour also includes convenient roundtrip hotel transfers, making the experience seamless from start to finish. Whether you're a family, couple, or solo traveler, this adventure delivers stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and memorable photo opportunities. The chance to swim amidst colorful fish, explore hidden coves, and learn about Catalina’s ecology makes this trip truly special. Plus, expert guides ensure safety and fun throughout your journey, providing an enriching experience for all ages. Don't forget your camera and sense of wonder as you uncover the natural beauty and history of this island paradise — a perfect escape just a short drive from Los Angeles.
Route Schematic
Itinerary at a glance
Key stops and timing on the Fullerton → Avalon loop, with scheduled windows for the island tours.
Hotel pickup (Karmel Connect)
Karmel Shuttle picks up guests from their hotels between 8:00am and 8:15am (actual pickup within that window is based on hotel location).
Long Beach Downtown Landing — Catalina Express departure
Board Catalina Express at the Long Beach Downtown Landing for a 9:50am departure to Avalon.
Arrival in Avalon
Arrive in Avalon at approximately 11:00am and prepare for the scheduled island tours.
Undersea Expedition and Discover Avalon Scenic Tour
Tours are scheduled between about 11:45am and 2:15pm, allowing time for both the submerged cabin experience and the scenic land tour of Avalon.
Return voyage and shuttle home
Depart Avalon at 3:55pm and arrive back at the Catalina Express Downtown Landing terminal around 5:00pm; Karmel Connect shuttles return guests to their hotels.
Return boat times can vary by season, holidays, or special events; optional later return departures may be available but must be requested with the shuttle company at least 48 hours in advance.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
Expect an organized, linear day: a morning hotel pickup by Karmel Connect, a mid‑morning Catalina Express crossing, arrival in Avalon with time for the Undersea Expedition and the Discover Avalon Scenic Tour between late morning and early afternoon, then a scheduled late‑afternoon boat back to the Long Beach landing and shuttle return to your hotel.
THE OCEAN
Undersea Expedition: face‑to‑face with Catalina’s marine life
The Undersea Expedition seats you in a climate‑controlled cabin that cruises roughly five feet below the surface, putting you eye‑level with bright orange Garibaldi, kelp forests and rays — all the spectacle of diving with none of the gear.
THE LANDSCAPE
Discover Avalon Scenic Tour: postcard views and the Casino
Back on land the Discover Avalon Scenic Tour climbs into the hills above the harbor for sweeping, postcard‑perfect views of Avalon and the Catalina Casino, tracing the resort town’s distinctive Mediterranean feel and local history.
THE COMBO
One‑day combo with seamless transfers
This package combines both the underwater cabin experience and the land‑based scenic tour in a single day and includes roundtrip shuttle transfers from your hotel plus roundtrip boat tickets aboard Catalina Express.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this combo suits — and the booking constraints to note.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Service runs seven days per week outside listed blackout dates; expect a full‑day commitment (roughly 10–12 hours) including travel time to and from Avalon.
There is no special diving gear required for the Undersea Expedition (the cabin is climate‑controlled); bring standard day‑trip items and anything you need for walking the island.
Roundtrip hotel shuttle pickup is handled by Karmel Connect; boat transport to Catalina is aboard Catalina Express from Long Beach Downtown Landing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the total outing?
The full experience runs approximately 10–12 hours from hotel pickup to return.
Where and when is the hotel pickup?
Karmel Connect pickups from hotels occur between 8:00am and 8:15am, with the exact pickup determined by your hotel location.
Which ferry operates the crossing to Catalina?
Roundtrip boat transportation to and from Catalina Island is aboard Catalina Express, departing from the Long Beach Downtown Landing terminal.
Is there a minimum group size to book?
Yes — there is a two‑person minimum required to book this combo tour.
Are there blackout dates or holiday exclusions?
Yes — specific blackout dates include Memorial Day (5/25), Juneteenth (6/19), July 3–4, Labor Day (9/7), Columbus Day (10/12), Veteran’s Day (11/11), Thanksgiving (11/26), and Christmas (12/25).
Can I return on a later boat if I want to stay longer on the island?
An optional later boat departure may be available depending on season and scheduling, but any change to return on a later boat must be requested with the shuttle company at least 48 hours in advance.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-13T18:45:35.213Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.