Avalon Bay Paddle

While most who visit Avalon in Catalina Island might walk down to the water, or maybe take a tour on the glass bottom boat, the bay offers easy access to those who might want to bring or rent a kayak or paddle board and experience this unique perspective of the town.

Protected from larger surf by the mouth of the bay faces away from the open ocean, Avalon Harbor tends to have relatively easy waters. The most pressing danger would be from the numerous other boats and ferries moving throughout the harbor.

Easy kayak and paddleboard rentals can be coordinated at Wet Spot Rentals who maintain a location right next to the ferry docks. They operate April through September.

Ferries allow for bringing kayaks and paddle boards to the island for an additional fee, and we've found the best situation to bring an inflatable kayak in a pulling wagon. For those that bring their own paddle boards or kayaks, there are several easy put in points, including the sandy beach on either side of the pier, Step Beach near where Whittley Avenue reaches the water, and there is a dinghy dock next to the fueling station at the Casino building. 

Areas of interest would be Lover's Cove, a protected marine area just beyond the ferry docks, as well as the Casino Point and Dive Park, although watercraft aren't permitted within the dive park boundary.

In general, paddlers must pack life jackets, and should be aware of boat traffic and activity at all times. But getting into the harbor in a kayak and being able to paddle around offers the chance to see Avalon in a way that most others don't. And the ease of renting, or putting in your own equipment is especially easy on the waterfront here.