Avalon attractions

This experience takes you along Long Beach’s coastline, where you’ll learn about the harbour’s history while enjoying coastal views. Along the way you’ll see the Long Beach skyline, California Sea Lions at play in the harbour, the world‑famous Queen Mary, large cargo and container ships from around the world, and the Long Beach oil islands. Commentary will add context to what you see so the sights are easy to follow. You can also choose a San Pedro departure, which provides scenic coastal views and maritime history, including the USS Iowa Battleship. A highlight of the San Pedro route is cruising alongside towering container ships — massive vessels of global trade that help make the harbour an industrial seascape. Either departure focuses on sightseeing and the working port environment so you’ll get a clear sense of the area’s maritime life.

In Long Beach's Rainbow Harbor, the Swan Boats on Rainbow Lagoon provide a peaceful way to take in the water and surrounding sights. As you move across the lagoon, you'll enjoy views of Rainbow Lagoon and the harbour and have a relaxed, close-up perspective on the area’s scenery. All boats come with shaded canopies to keep you comfortable while you glide. Larger swan boats include a roomy back seat for anyone who would prefer to forego pedalling and simply enjoy the view. You’re welcome to bring food and non‑alcoholic drinks aboard for a floating picnic, though no alcohol is permitted.

From Long Beach and Los Angeles, you will head out on custom-built, high-speed vessels that range north to Santa Monica and south to Newport Beach. The fleet is described as state of the art and operates under strict safety codes and regulations, so you and your group will be on boats maintained for safe trips. Highly trained captains will guide each excursion and provide informative narration about the wildlife and the local marine environment as you move through the water. Along the way you may encounter a wide variety of marine life. Sightings may include Gray Whales (November–April) and Blue Whales (May–November). Year-round you can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, rare Marine Birds and more. The route flexibility and vessel speed gives the captain range to visit productive waters and increase the chances of spotting different species during your trip.

At the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, you’ll take a journey through the world’s largest ocean. The attraction brings together more than 12,000 animals across over 100 exhibits, arranged to represent different marine regions. Galleries range from sunny Southern California to the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific and the colourful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. As you move through the aquarium, you’ll see a wide variety of species and habitats. Exhibits include sea otters, penguins, sharks, sea jellies and green sea turtles, among many others. Along the way, displays and tanks let you explore how different environments support distinct communities of marine life, offering a broad view of ocean diversity from local Pacific shores to tropical reefs.

This romantic swan boat adventure on Rainbow Lagoon is ideal for admiring the Rainbow Harbor sunset. You’ll climb into a novelty swan-shaped vessel with your favourite person and glide out onto the calm water, taking in views across the lagoon and toward downtown Long Beach. Along the way you can enjoy an onboard picnic, pedal at your own pace, or skip pedalling altogether and relax in the boat’s roomy back seat. As you drift, you’ll have clear sightlines to the harbour and the downtown Long Beach waterfront, making it easy to soak up the scenery and the atmosphere.

On Catalina Island, Catalina Xtreme Parasail offers a parasailing experience from a Coast Guard inspected vessel. You will enjoy a boat ride out around the island and, from high above, views of Catalina Island as you parasail. Flights operate with one, two or three flyers at a time, so you may fly solo or with companions. An experienced, friendly crew will assist you throughout the boat ride and parasail activity. The vessel can take up to 12 passengers per trip. You may choose to fly without getting wet, or ask the crew to dip your toes in the water for a closer feel of the sea. A photo package for your group is available and includes photos that are uploaded directly to your mobile device before the trip ends.

This ticket will grant you skip-the-line access to the Aquarium of the Pacific, where you’ll get the opportunity to explore wildlife inhabiting the Northern Pacific waters, the Tropical Eastern Pacific reefs and other areas of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be able to visit Shark Lagoon, discover over 150 sharks and touch some of them. In the Sea Otter Habitat, you’ll get to observe sea otters swimming and playing around. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy the 180-degree show at the Honda Pacific Visions Theater.

On board the legendary Queen Mary in Long Beach, you will explore one of the world’s most famous ocean liners. As you move through the ship, you will see its glamorous Art Deco design and learn about its rich maritime history. Along the way, you will encounter the stories of the people who travelled aboard—royalty, Hollywood icons and WWII heroes—and get a sense of the ship’s long and varied past. The attraction also offers a range of tours and experiences, including guided explorations that focus on history and the ship’s many stories, plus thrilling haunted encounters that probe the vessel’s more mysterious side. Whether you are interested in design, naval heritage or the ship’s legends, the Queen Mary in Long Beach provides a historic, iconic and memorable visit.

On Catalina Island, the SS Nautilus is a semi‑submarine that gives you a dry, below‑surface viewing experience. The vessel is modelled after America’s first nuclear‑powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, and its main attraction lets you look out from six feet underwater while staying dry inside the cabin. As the captain and crew carry out an exploratory mission to the undersea gardens of Avalon Bay, you’ll watch marine life up close through large viewing windows. Along the way you may see schools of fish drawn in by custom‑designed fish food torpedo buttons, which let passengers gently attract nearby fish for face‑to‑face views. The trip focuses on the underwater scenery around Avalon Bay and the hands‑on experience of observing sea life from within the SS Nautilus.

This cruise takes you around the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest harbour in the Western Hemisphere. Along the way you'll learn about the port's history and see California sea lions playing in the harbour. You will also view the world‑famous Battleship USS Iowa, large cargo and container ships from around the globe, and key landmarks such as the new West Harbor, the Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse and Pier 400, the world’s largest container terminal. The commentary will touch on how 95% of international trade is moved by ships and the port’s growing focus on sustainability, from clean electrical power to other green initiatives. If you want more time on land, you may choose a bundle that adds access to the Battleship USS Iowa. This is the only battleship museum open to the public on the West Coast, and with the add‑on you can walk the decks and explore naval history at your own pace. The experience is suitable for all ages and combines historical insight with an enjoyable boat ride through one of the busiest ports in the world.

With this ticket to Long Beach's Aquarium of the Pacific, you'll have a chance to get a closer look at what lives near and beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Inside, you'll be able to explore various habitats and seascapes dedicated to three aquatic regions – the Northern Pacific, the Tropical Pacific, and Southern California and Baja. As you walk between galleries, you'll get to see some of the aquarium's popular residents, including sea otters, sharks and Magellanic penguins. Your ticket also includes admission to the Honda Pacific Visions Theater, which showcases an eight-minute 4D film on a giant curved screen.

With this ticket, you’ll get admission to the Battleship USS Iowa Museum in Los Angeles. Once inside, you can take an audio-guided tour of the museum, using the mobile app. You’ll also get to view the museum's main artifact – the USS Iowa – the only US Navy battleship open to the public on the West Coast. During the tour, you’ll discover historical facts about the US Navy and the life of sailors at sea over the past 70 years. As you explore further, you’ll also see a number of historical exhibits. Additionally, you can join the Vicky the Dog scavenger hunt and discover why she is the museum's mascot.

You will board at the iconic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach and travel to Avalon, Catalina Island. The route serves as one of the most easily accessible boat links from the mainland for residents and visitors of Orange County, Greater Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and San Diego County. Along the way you may enjoy coastal views as you approach Avalon. The vessel is described as the largest catamaran to Catalina Island and is state of the art, with three decks. The first deck is enclosed and offers plentiful seating plus a snack bar. The second deck features a full bar and additional indoor seating. The third deck is open air, with seating in the California sunshine and wide views of the coastline and island. The service aims to combine Speed – Service – Comfort throughout your journey.

Catalina Xtreme Parasail offers a parasailing experience that aims to give you a safe and enjoyable time in the air. No prior experience is needed, and you can choose to stay dry or dip into the water depending on what you prefer. Along the way you will be accompanied by a crew focused on safety, and a digital photo package is available to purchase if you want photos of your flight. Observer (non-flyer) seats are also offered for friends or family who want to join the boat without going airborne. The company partners with the Susan G. Komen foundation and donates a percentage of parasail flights to support research and raise awareness in the local community and for those who have been affected. You can expect an experience that balances safety, choice and community support while you enjoy time above the water.

On this Harbor Breeze cruise into the Pacific Ocean you will head offshore in search of migrating whales. Along the way you may also spot dolphins, sea lions and other marine life that inhabit these waters. Expert educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific will be on board to explain what you see and add context to the animals and habitats you encounter. The captains and crew bring more than 30 years of whale‑watching experience, helping to make the trip informative and safe. Harbor Breeze operates the largest fleet of custom‑built catamarans, chosen for their stability, comfort and eco‑friendly design. The vessels use ultra‑quiet, low‑emission engines to provide a peaceful ride that aims not to disturb the whales or their environment. For an extra experience, you can add access to the Battleship USS Iowa — the only battleship museum open to the public on the West Coast. If chosen, you will explore the USS Iowa Museum at your own pace, walk the decks of the historic battleship and learn about naval history through interactive exhibits.