Soar above the canyons of Avalon on this thrilling adventure.
Just the Facts
- Duration: 2 hours (add 20 minutes for pre-flight paperwork)
- Aerial based tour, heights trigger warning
- Fitness level mild: walk, stand, and wear a body harness
- Weight requirements 80-240 lbs – ages 5 – 9 or those less than 80 lbs must ride together, 235 lbs for Tandem
- Clothing requirements: closed toe shoes
- Tickets $$$ are per person
- All ages 5+
- Frequent departures
- Cancelled by severe weather
Zip Line Eco Tour
Flying high above the eucalyptus trees with the fresh ocean breeze. That is what you’ll be doing if you are brave enough to take a Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour. This is not the place to conquer your fear of heights, that is what therapy is for! This is an aerial experience for the adventurous and fit traveler. Just like scuba diving, you should be heathy and in reasonably good shape to avoid any possible negative experiences with this tour. You will be in a harness which wraps tightly around each thigh and shimmies up into your unmentionables. So, if you’re too modest for that, go grab a cabana and a cocktail at Descanso Beach club, the private beach adjacent to the training area for the zip line. Book a zip line experience here.
Descanso Beach
One of the many benefits to vacationing in Avalon, Catalina Island is the size of the town. The main downtown where the majority of businesses, hotels, restaurants and the main harbor are located is just about a square mile. The next bay towards the northwest is Descanso and that is only about a 20 minute walk from the heart of town if you take your time. Descanso is a private beach, one of the last in California. That is why they are allowed to have a restaurant and bar right on the sand. This really is a resort style experience compared to any day at the beach elsewhere in California. You can also go all in with the upgraded seating, either lounge chairs with an umbrella for two or cabanas seating up to six comfortable, both including hosts to provide food and beverage service directly to you. If you have the funds, this is highly recommended as a part of your visit to the island. There are also other amenities at the beach like snorkel and kayak rentals or tours and the other aerial activities offered at the canyon like the climbing wall and ropes course.
Words of Wisdom
This is a reoccurring theme in all of our reviews and recommendations. Planning is everything. You cannot come to Catalina Island on a whim in the middle of summer and think everyone is waiting with open arms and empty tables and hotel rooms. The town will sell out, guaranteed on every major holiday and for most of the summer. You must book your boat or helicopter transportation to the island with as much notice as possible. Once you have your transportation secure move on to your tours. If you are planning to stay the night check the boat scheduled and then find your ideal hotel and see if they offer a boat and room package. This way you have your two key components locked in and can move on to the fun stuff. Tours are a great way to explore the island and learn about the culture and lifestyle. The two hour guided golf cart tour is our highest rated tour and a perfect way to kick off your stay. It will help you get oriented to all the island has to offer in ways of food and activities as well as enjoy the insight of a true local who can answer every question you ever had about Catalina. When it is time to start planning your next adventure, make it to Catalina Island!
