Avalon Dolphin & Sea Lion Tour: Small-boat Wildlife Spotting

One hour on the water hunting dolphins where locals know to look

A six-passenger boat tour departing from Avalon to search for Common Dolphins, sea lions, and seasonal whale species in Catalina Island's Pacific waters. The captain uses local knowledge to track wildlife. Life jackets and bottled water are included. Suitable for ages 4 and up, though not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin and sea lion wildlife tour

• Depart from Avalon harbor
• Sail on six-passenger boat
• Search for Common Dolphins
• Spot sea lions in natural habitat
• Look for whales during migration season
• Observe other coastal wildlife
• Return to Avalon harbor

The experience

The boat leaves Avalon carrying a maximum of six passengers: small enough that the captain can adjust course on the fly when dolphins or sea lions are spotted. You'll head out into the Pacific searching for Common Dolphins first, the species most reliably found in these waters. During whale migration season (roughly December through April and again in summer), the route extends to the feeding grounds where Grey, Blue, and Fin Whales pass through. The captain works the local network to track recent sightings and uses that intel to position the boat where wildlife congregates, though he can't guarantee dolphins will appear on every departure.

Beyond dolphins and sea lions, the tour regularly encounters Harbor Seals hauled out on rocks and resident Bald Eagles patrolling the coastline. Occasionally, buffalo graze the bluffs above the water: a quirk of Catalina's history that the captain will explain. You'll wear a life jacket throughout, have bottled water on hand, and bring small bags or cameras to document what you see. The whole outing runs up to one hour, keeping the pace steady without the fatigue of a longer boat day.

What’s included

• Life jackets.
• bottled water.
• information about Catalina Island and its sea life from a live English-speaking captain.
• use of the six-passenger boat with a dedicated captain who adjusts the route based on wildlife sightings.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:45, 12:15, 13:45 and 15:15

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Catalina Xtreme Parasail

Is this one for you?At one hour, this tour leaves the rest of your Avalon day open. You can combine it with a beach visit, a meal in town, or a hike without committing to a full-day excursion. The small six-passenger boat means you're not competing for sightlines with crowds, though the trade-off is that wildlife sightings depend on where animals happen to be that day, not on a guaranteed itinerary.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What dolphins and whales might I actually see on this tour?

Common Dolphins are the most frequent sighting, along with sea lions and Harbor Seals. During migration season (December through April and summer months), the boat travels to deeper water where Grey, Blue, and Fin Whales feed as they pass through Catalina's nutrient-rich waters. Resident Bald Eagles are also regular, though whale sightings are not guaranteed.

How does the captain know where to find the dolphins?

The captain maintains local connections and tracks recent sightings to position the boat where wildlife congregates. He works actively to locate dolphins using this network, though conditions and animal movement mean sightings vary from day to day.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

The tour is suitable for ages 4 and up. All passengers wear life jackets, and the one-hour duration keeps the time on water manageable for families. The boat's small size means children get a closer view and the captain can adjust the route if needed.

What should I bring on the boat?

Bring small bags and cameras to capture wildlife. Bottled water is provided, and life jackets are supplied and required. Avoid loose items that could fall overboard, and dress in layers since ocean conditions can shift quickly.

Does the tour operate year-round?

The tour operates regularly, with expanded whale-spotting opportunities during migration season. Specific seasonal schedules depend on weather and sea conditions, so check availability when booking.