Catalina Island scavenger hunt: Interactive mystery race

A scavenger hunt that doubles as a walking tour of Avalon's downtown

The Fantastic Catalina Race is an interactive mystery hunt through downtown Avalon that combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving. You follow clues to explore local landmarks, collect goodies at stops along the way, and work toward prizes: all in 90 minutes with a live English-speaking guide. Snacks and beverages are included. The hunt suits families and groups of any size.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore downtown Avalon sights

• Explore downtown Avalon sights
• Continue exploring downtown Avalon sights

The experience

This is not a passive walking tour. You're given clues that send you to specific sights around downtown Avalon, and at each stop you solve a puzzle or complete a task to unlock the next location. The guide leads the group through the hunt, keeping the pace steady and the energy high. Along the way you collect goodies and snacks, with a beverage included as well. The whole thing wraps in 90 minutes, which means you can do this in the morning or afternoon and still have time for lunch or other activities on the island.

The race works for families with kids, groups traveling together, or anyone who wants more than a standard guided walk. Strollers and prams are fine for infants and small children. The route stays in downtown Avalon, so all surfaces and areas are wheelchair accessible, and the pace is moderate, not a sprint, but steady movement from one clue to the next. At the end, everyone gets a prize, so there's a finish-line moment that makes the hunt feel like an actual event.

What’s included

• Clues and puzzle tasks at each stop.
• goodies collected throughout the hunt.
• snack and beverage.
• prizes at the finish.
• live English-speaking guide for the full 90 minutes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday and TuesdayDeparts at 09:45

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Fantastic Race Worldwide

Is this one for you?At 90 minutes, the race fits into a half-day itinerary on Catalina, leaving your morning or afternoon open for other island activities or a meal. If you have only a couple of hours between ferry arrivals, this uses that window fully without eating up your whole day.

Traveler reviews

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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 exactly do we do on the Fantastic Catalina Race? Is it just walking and looking at sights?

You walk to different downtown Avalon locations using clues the guide gives you, and at each stop you solve a puzzle or complete a task to move forward in the hunt. It's part scavenger hunt, part walking tour, so you're actively solving rather than just observing.

How long does the Fantastic Catalina Race take, and will it leave time for other things on Catalina?

The race runs 90 minutes, so it fits easily into a morning or afternoon and leaves you free to explore other parts of the island, grab lunch, or relax before heading back to the mainland.

Can we bring young children or use a stroller on this race?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the downtown Avalon route is fully accessible with no steep terrain or difficult surfaces.

Is the Fantastic Catalina Race all-inclusive, or do we pay extra for food and drinks?

The hunt is all-inclusive: clues, goodies at stops, snacks, beverages, and prizes are all covered in the price.

Do we need to be in good physical shape to do this race?

The race involves 90 minutes of steady walking and moderate activity. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but anyone with a moderate fitness level can participate.