catalina island golf cart tour

Guided Golf Cart Tours

See Avalon through the eyes of a local!

See Avalon through the eyes of a local.

Welcome to Avalon’s local grown tour, that gets you a behind the scenes perspective of our Catalina Island home!

GET TO KNOW THE REAL AVALON

Your Catalina Tour Guide

Catalina Island’s custom guided golf cart tour! 

Our local guides make this tour special! Our knowledgeable and friendly drivers are all long term residents who love to share their home with their guests. You will also get some great photo ops from the best vistas in town. Our tours take you to locations some visitors never get to see!

Enjoy a private tour customized to show you the culture, history and lifestyle of Catalina Island. We will stop at points of interest that YOU want to see and share the local back story of these places. This is a great way to get the lay of the land when you arrive to make the most of your time in Avalon.

HELPFUL INFO

What to do on Catalina Island…

Summer on Catalina Island

Traveling to Catalina

Catalina Island Guided Golf Cart Tours

Come ride with us.

Looking for the best way to explore the scenic City of Avalon on Catalina Island? Look no further than Catalina Tour Guide’s 2 hour guided golf cart tour! With true local tour guides who have lived on the island for decades, you’ll get an insider’s view of this beautiful place and the people who call it home.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Avalon veteran, our guides will customize your tour to your interests, ensuring you get the most out of your experience. And with personalized service that includes pick-up from anywhere in Avalon, easy communication via text, and even drop-off at your desired location, you’ll feel like a VIP from start to finish.

Arriving by ferry or helicopter? No problem! As long as there’s street legal parking, we’ll come to you and make sure your tour is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Trust us, there’s no comparison to our locally guided, authentic sightseeing experience. Book your Catalina Tour Guide golf cart tour today and discover the best of Avalon!

FAQs – Frequently asked questions:

•   Capacity?  5 guests per cart – we have up to 3 carts per tour time!
•   Cost?  $260/+tax & fees per cart when booked direct on our website.  *recommended
• Cruise ship passengers allow for 1-2 hours from your arrival for tendering off the ship, we recommend the mid-day tours.
• Coming for the day? We can pick you up just off the ferry boat terminal, check your arrival time and allow for 15-20 minutes to disembark once you arrive in Avalon.
• Want to extend the fun? Book 2 consecutive tour times and make a day of your adventure with us!
• Book multiple carts at the same time for parties over 5 guests.
• Pick up point can be anywhere in Avalon, our guides will text you prior to the tour to set the closest street access to your desired location.

Check A vailability

RESERVATIONS

Trying to book within 2 hours of tour start time? Please call us 310.510.8575

All tours are subject to State Sales tax and 4% City of Avalon Admissions tax. Per Cart Rate: $260.00 per cart (1-5 guests) 2 hour duration.

Availability

Catalina Island Golf Cart Tours

See Avalon thru the Eyes of a Local

• Touring Avalon

The one must do tour allows you to see Avalon through the eyes of a local. Tour Details Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours) Golf Cart based tour Open air vehicle, possible sun exposure Fitness level required: low

• Travel to Catalina

Start your trip with the adventure of getting to Catalina Island, California! Traveling to Catalina Island Traveling to Catalina Island is part of the adventure and the majority of the offerings involve you using group

• Catalina Activities

There are a variety of activities and tours to choose from on Catalina Island. By far, the best way to start your vacation is by booking a guided golf cart tour with Catalina Tour Guide.

Useful Info

• Renting A Golf Cart On Catalina Island: A Local Explains

CA Girl Travels is reader-supported. Purchases made through links may earn a commission. Learn more > . 

WONDERING IF RENTING A GOLF CART ON CATALINA ISLAND IS WORTH IT?

Yes! Renting a golf cart on Catalina Island is worth it. My partner and I just rented a golf cart the last time we went to Catalina Island for the day ; it was not only worth the expense, but it’s the only way to cover all the landmarks in a short amount of time.

From the Author: We recommend Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals & Tours . Make a reservation in advance; they sell out of golf carts. It’s one of the more popular things to do on Catalina.

Cars are restricted on the Island . You can walk, and we did plenty of that too, but after we tooled around in the golf cart for two hours.

Two hours is all you need.

We rented our golf cart from Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals and Tours . But there are more golf cart rentals on the island.

Catalina Island is a beautiful destination, and renting a golf cart is one of the best ways to explore all it has to offer.

Before you decide, I have a lot of information for you in this guide. But if you don’t have time to read it all, I put the number one way to get around Catalina Island right at the top ⤵.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Book this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon which has a perfect 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Note : This tour is popular and likely to sell out. Please buy in advance, especially during the summer months.

Why Do People Rent Golf Carts on Catalina Island?

California enforces strict regulations on the number of vehicles within the city limits of Avalon, resulting in a limited presence of cars. This is one of the reasons that makes Catalina Islands worth visiting , in our opinion.

Instead, locals predominantly utilize golf carts for transportation, reflecting the unique landscape of this 76-square-mile island.

Uber and Lyft are not permitted in Catalina !

DO YOU HAVE THESE ITEMS FOR YOUR TRIP? Flights: I recommend Skyscanner ✈️ Car rental: I recommend Discover Cars 🚘 Travel insurance: I recommend Safety Wing ⛑️ Accommodations: Booking.com 🏨 Activities: Things you have to do 🥾 What to pack: Check out my packing list 👜

renting a golf cart on Catalina Island

Best way to get around catalina island.

⭐️  Rating : 5 Stars | ⏳  Tour Length : 2 hours | Check Rates

We highly recommend this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour ; it’s a low-hassle way to see the island.

You get to sit back and enjoy the ride with a personalized tour and guide.

Explore local hangouts and iconic landmarks like the Inn at Mt. Ada and “three palms,” Avalon Diving History Exhibit, and the Catalina Casino.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rating: 5/5 for 2 50+reviews – this tour is likely to sell out

The tour conveniently picks you up off the ferry or anywhere in town with legal street parking.

The reason we recommend this Private Golf Cart Tour of Avalon is to see the town in a fun, zippy way in two hours. Since Catalina Island is restricted to permitted vehicles, and golf carts, it’s a safe way to get around the island on wheels.

We all had a great time…Letti was so informative and knew a lot of history about the Island. Would definitely recommend. Such a fun experience. A+ —GIna ( see more reviews )

The town of Avalon is approximately 1 square mile, and all of the sights can be visited during this tour.

One reason we love this tour is that some of the golf cart rental companies are strict.

Island Rentals only takes cash and offers  a pre-planned 12-mile scenic route that may be completed in 1 hour without stops . You may go longer for a pro-rated amount.

It’s more enjoyable to have the time to stop and see the beautiful areas of Avalon with the expertise of a local from Catalina and not have the meter running, it’s a flat fee.

If you’re staying the night in Avalon, you can return to whichever locale you want to explore further, but with the Private Golf Cart Tour , you can get out and explore a bit more than renting a cart yourself.

In the map below, you can see how small the town of Avalon is ⤵ .

Where is Catalina Island?

Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California in the United States. It lies approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of Los Angeles and is part of the Channel Islands of California.

Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental Price

Golf cart rentals start at $60 per hour. The maximum time is 2 hours, $120. There are several places to rent golf carts on Catalina, but most require a deposit.

Best Places to Rent a Golf Cart in Catalina Island

There are two golf cart rental shops: Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental and Island Rentals . Read further for more info about each.

My partner and I used the  Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals and Tours , and we did go over by 15 minutes. We were charged a prorated amount, so renting a golf cart can be a bit pricey. 

If you have more people, the cheaper way to go is to take the Private Golf Cart Tour with driver/local guide.

We saw a lot of people taking this tour, so book it in advance, it’s very popular.

You can see the island in under two hours, but we took a hike at Wrigley Memorial because we wanted to see the top of the Memorial, and it’s worth checking out.

If you spend time at the stops, you’ll likely go over two hours and will likely be charged more.

Catalina Golf Cart Rentals ⛳️

• Book at least 24 hours in advance
• Drivers must be 25 years or older
• Maximum one child per cart
• 6 passengers per cart
• May pay with credit card

Island Rentals ⛳️

• No reservation required
• Located 500 ft from ferry terminal
• Open at 9:00 am
• $60 for the first hour + $60 deposit
• Toddler and infant seats are available (two per cart)
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license

Renting a golf cart allows you to explore the charming streets, unique shops, and delightful restaurants at your own pace.

Choose either a  4 passenger golf cart rental  or a  6 passenger golf cart rental , depending on the size of your group. Remember that rentals operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, so plan accordingly.

Should You Rent a Golf Cart on Catalina Island?

One of the primary benefits of renting a golf cart on Catalina Island is the freedom to explore the island at your own leisurely pace.

Navigating the island’s rugged terrain and meandering roads becomes significantly more convenient with a rented golf cart, surpassing the effort required for walking or cycling.

While alternative modes of transportation such as taxis or buses are available, the unique experience of traversing an island in a golf cart adds a touch of novelty.

However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of renting a golf cart on Catalina Island.

One notable disadvantage is the associated cost, as renting a golf cart can be relatively expensive compared to other transportation options, like walking.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that golf carts may have limited storage capacity, which could pose a challenge if you plan to bring along substantial luggage or other items during your exploration of the island.

Travel Tip: If traveling via the Catalina Express from Long Beach or San Pedro or the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach, there are lockers for baggage located at the ferry drop-off at Avalon Blue Line Baggage .

To learn more about the how to get to Catalina, check out out our guide, What’s the Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina?

What’s the cheapest way to get to Catalina? The Catalina Express Round-Trip Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon is the quickest and cheapest way to get to Catalina Island.

If you are coming to Catalina Island from Los Angeles for the day, which many people do, take this Private Guided Golf Cart Tour with a local and see Avalon in two hours, which gives you plenty of time after the tour to explore the island on your own with friends, have dinner and then head back on the ferry that night. This is doable – I’ve done it!

If you plan on staying overnight in Avalon, this Private Guided Golf CartTour can pick you up in town as long as there is street parking in the area or at any of the following Avalon hotels located on the map below ⤵ .

To maximize your trip’s enjoyment and convenience, I highly recommend booking this tour.

It offers an opportunity to explore more of the island’s attractions, surpassing what you could see on your own. By joining the Golf Cart Tour, you can devote more time to relaxation and less time concerning yourself with transportation logistics.

Other Modes of Transportation to Get Around Catalina

If golf carts aren’t your thing, there are other ways to get around the island. My second favorite way to see Catalina is via bike (which is my usual mode of transport in Catalina!)

🚲 Bike Rentals

Catalina Island is bike friendly, so this is a great way to see the island. There are several bike rentals:

• Bike Catalina
• Catalina E-Bike Rentals
• Brown’s Bike

Catalina is so small it’s possible to cover a lot of ground on foot. The Island is only 76 square miles.

Ride shares are not allowed on the island, but taxis are. Taxis are located as you exit the ferry terminal and the taxi stand (where Metropole Avenue meets Crescent Avenue).

🚍 Public Transportation

The bus is also available on Catalina Island. Two choices are:

• Wildlands Express Shuttle
• Catalina Transportation Services

How To Get To Catalina Island

The cheapest and easiest way to get to Catalina Island is via ferry. You can get the ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Newport Beach.

The Catalina Express runs from Long Beach and San Pedro to Avalon (there is one ferry, with fewer times slots, that goes to Two Harbors), and the Catalina Flyer runs from Newport Beach to Avalon.

Book a round-trip ferry to Catalina from San Pedro or Long Beach: Check availability.

🛫 If you’re coming to California and want to visit Catalina, the closest airport to jump on the Catalina Express is Long Beach Airport (code: LGB).

🚘 It’s usually much cheaper to fly into LAX (Long Beach is my favorite airport, but flights are on average $100 – $200 higher) then you’ll need to rent a car to drive to Long Beach or San Pedro to catch the Catalina Express.

🚁 You can always helicopter in for a price if you get seasick like me. You just have to open your wallet! Try IEX Helicopter Tours , which can fly you from mainland California to Catalina Island.

Where To Stay on Catalina Island

There are many hotels and accommodations to choose from on Catalina Island, here are some that I recommend:

Best Beach Access: Catalina Island Inn

Best Luxury : Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast (gorgeous views of Catalina!)

Best for families with little kids: Hotel Atwate r

Best Things To Do On Catalina Island

For a small island, there are many things to do in Catalina. If this is your first time, we’ve highlighted some favorite tours that will give you a good taste of Catalina Island life.

⛳️ Golf Cart Tour: As we’ve mentioned, this top-rated 5-star Golf Tour allows you to see a lot of Catalina at once. Since cars are restricted on Catalina, you’ll see many locals and tourists using golf carts to get around. It’s a ton of fun.

Note: this tour is very popular and likely to sell out. Please purchase tickets in advance.

⛵️ Glass Bottom Boat Tour : View what’s in the ocean without having to get in it! Discover life under the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Board the boat in Avalon and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail.

🤿 Semi-Submarine Tour: This is a great experience to do with children. The sub dives six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers’ Cove in Avalon.

🎰 Catalina Island Casino Tour : This small-group tour gives visitors to Santa Catalina Island a chance to see spaces in the Casino that were long hidden from public view, including the historic projection room and green rooms used by stars including Errol Flynn and Cary Grant.

Best Time To Visit Catalina Island

The ideal time to visit Catalina Island varies depending on what type of activities you’re most interested in. If you enjoy water activities, the summer months are recommended because it’s warmer.

Conversely, if you prefer to avoid large crowds, the winter season will suit you best.

Spring : Spring means fewer crowds and mild weather.

👉🏻 See also: Spring Weather Info For Catalina Island: March , April , and May .

Summer : Warmer temperatures, great for the many water activities on Catalina Island.

👉🏻 See also: Summer Weather Info For Catalina Island: June , July , and August .

Fall : Fall means fewer crowds and mild weather, and is one of the best times to visit.

👉🏻 See also: Fall Weather Info For Catalina Island: September , October , and November .

Winter : Winter means fewer crowds and a bit cooler weather. Great time to hike on Catalina Island.

👉🏻 See also: Winter Weather Info For Catalina Island: December , January , and February .

Renting A Golf Cart On Catalina Island: FAQs

How much does it cost to rent golf carts on catalina island.

Renting a golf cart on Catalina Island can vary in price, but typically you can expect to pay around $60 per hour. It is important to reserve your golf cart at least 24 hours in advance, and note that same-day rentals may only be available onsite.

Can you rent a golf cart for a whole day on Catalina Island?

Yes, you can rent a golf cart for a whole day on Catalina Island. However, availability for whole-day rentals may vary depending on the rental company, so make sure to check with the provider for their specific policies.

You can make an online reservation with Cartopia Golf Cart Rental.

How long does it take to golf cart around Catalina?

The time it takes to golf cart around Catalina Island will vary depending on your pace and the sites you choose to visit. Generally, a two-hour rental should give you enough time to explore and enjoy the scenic views on the island utilizing the designated golf cart routes.

This Private Guided Golf Tour is two hours and a local guide drives you around historic Catalina.

Do you need a license to drive a golf cart on Catalina Island?

Yes, you do need a valid driver’s license to drive a golf cart on Catalina Island. While navigating the island, make sure to adhere to traffic rules and respect the island’s surroundings for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Where can you drive golf carts on Catalina Island?

On Catalina Island, you can drive golf carts on designated roads and routes within the town of Avalon. Be mindful that cars are severely restricted on the island, making golf carts the preferred mode of transportation for visitors.

Are there any age restrictions for renting a golf cart on Catalina Island?

Yes, there are age restrictions for renting a golf cart on Catalina Island. The primary driver must be at least 25 years old, as stated by  Catalina Island Golf Cart’s rental policy . Make sure to check with the specific rental company for their age requirements before booking your golf cart rental.

The Wrap-Up: Renting A Golf Cart On Catalina Island

As you can see, there are a few options for getting around car-free Catalina Island, our most recommended one is zipping around in a golf cart .

It’s fun, you can see the whole of Avalon in a few hours, and take a tour with a local guide, who will share with you the interesting history of this beautiful island.

Read More Fun Things About Catalina Island

• Best Time to Visit Catalina Island: Insider Tips From a Local
• What’s the Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island? A Local Answers
• Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting? 17 Reasons Why It Is
• Is There Uber On Catalina Island? [A Local Answers]

California Travel Planning Guide

🚑 should i buy travel insurance for california.

100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

💦 Can you drink the water in California?

Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Californi a?

Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. ( read more )

🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?

For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.

🧳 What do I pack for California?

Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.

🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?

For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

Jessica Iler is the founder of CA Girl Travels. She is a writer and entrepreneur working in the creator economy since 2016, building websites, writing for Medium.com, and helping others become writers. She is on a mission to help entrepreneurs make money online and travel the world while doing it.

Similar Posts

Is California Safe for Travel Now (A Local Weighs In)

Bodega Bay in July: Weather Info & Travel Tips for 2024

Catalina Island Ferry: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Renting a Car in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know in 2024

Sunset Cliffs Sea Cave in San Diego

Is the Water at Venice Beach Cold?

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals Tours

Bikes & golf carts.

Once you arrive in Avalon, you’ll quickly discover that it has a very pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors enjoy exploring the hills surrounding Avalon and renting a golf cart, pedal bike or electric bike is the best way to do just that. Golf carts are rented by the hour and bikes can be rented by the hour, half day or all day.

Golf carts are only permitted to be used within the City of Avalon (please follow maps , and abide by the rules of the road). Pedal bikes and electric bikes are allowed into the interior with a bike permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy . Stop by the Conservancy's Trailhead building for more information.

Golf Cart Rental Companies

Catalina island golf cart.

Largest golf cart selection on the Island. Home of the CATALINA LIMO. Beach cruisers, mountain bikes for rent by the day or hour. At the corner of Crescent…

Island Rentals

ISLAND RENTALS Gas-powered Yamaha golf carts. Gives you a chance to see Avalon and its beautiful surrounding hills at your leisure. Open year round. Located…

Guided Golf Cart Tours & Tour Agencies

Avalon local tours.

Come take a golf cart joyride around town with a local. We cruise the scenic route around Avalon, sharing the most beautiful views, best Instagram worthy spots…

Guided Golf Cart Tours

Catalina Island's custom guided golf cart tour! Explore Avalon through the eyes of a local. With us you will learn about the history of Catalina Island and the…

Catalina Tours

We do all the work. You have all the FUN! Our motto says it all. Let us do the planning for your escape to the Island. We are Catalina's #1 activity booking…

Bike Rentals

Brown's bikes.

ELECTRIC BIKES, Mountain bikes, Beach Cruisers, Tandems (bikes built for two), wheelchair and stroller rentals plus children's bikes. For those too young to…

Catalina Electric Bike Rentals

We are proud to say that we have found the COOLEST way to explore the City of Avalon and all of its beauty with just the twist of a throttle, and that is on our…

Leyva's Electric Bikes and Jeep Eco Tours

Leyva's E-Bike Rentals & Jeep Eco Tours offers E-Bike Rentals, E-Bike Eco Tours and Jeep Eco Tours! Experience the best activity Catalina has to offer by…

Explore the Island

Things to Do

Wildlife & Ecology

Upcoming Events

Dining & Nightlife

Second Summer Buy 2 Nights, Get 3rd Free

$10 off catalina island ferry, onboard catalina flyer.

Hop onboard the Catalina Flyer for daily ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island in just over 1 hour.

Submarine & Inside Land Tours

Catalina adventure tours.

Book Direct & Save! Tours offered multiple times daily, Submarine tours depart from Green Pier & Inside Land Tours from the Mole.

Request Our 2024 Visitors Guide

Sign up for our free newsletter.

Come to Catalina and Head Out for Some Freestyle Touring. Our Safety Details >

310.510.0369 | [email protected]

Home   /  Golf Cart Rentals

Golf Cart Rentals

Avalon’s Favorite Activity! Cars are severely restricted on Catalina Island, so carts are the preferred mode of transportation. Our easy-to-use Golf Carts allow you to explore Avalon on your own own terms.

Golf Cart Rentals are operated daily and must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance of tour’s scheduled time.

4 Passenger Golf Cart Rental

Explore Avalon in our comfortable 4 passenger golf cart. A $60.00 Cash deposit is required at check-in for 4 Passenger Golf Cart rentals. Deposits will be refunded, less prorated charge (based at $60.00 per hour) for use over allotted time.

6 Passenger Golf Cart Rental

Explore Avalon in our spacious 6 passenger golf cart. A $80.00 Cash deposit is required at check-in for 6 Passenger Golf Cart rentals. Deposits will be refunded, less prorated charge (based at $80.00 per hour) for use over allotted time.

Child seats also available at no additional charge – state law requires children under age 6 or less than 60 pounds to be in a child car seat. All drivers must be 25 years or older. Maximum 1 child seat per cart. Reservations are guaranteed for the times selected. You must check in at the Cartopia Lot on the Corner of Crescent Ave. and Pebbly Beach Road (See Location Map) 15 minutes prior to your booking. Carts will not be held after your reserved time and will become available to walk-in customers. 1 hour rentals are available on a walk-in basis only. Subject to availability.