Activities / Air, Helicopter, and Balloon Tours

Catalina Island Helicopter Tour

Overview

Explore Catalina Island’s mountainous interior and beach-fringed coastline on a 30-minute helicopter tour that takes in historic, scenic and cultural highlights. Soar above the Avalon Harbor, and spot the whales and dolphins that thrive in the Channel Islands’ protected waters. Fly past sheer cliffs and farming settlements, get a glimpse of Rancho Escondido’s undulating vineyards, and hear the island’s fascinating history from your pilot. Get the lay of the land, and capture remarkable aerial photos of the island, then finish your tour at Avalon’s Pebbly Beach Heliport.

What to Expect

Board your comfortable helicopter at the Pebbly Beach Heliport in Avalon, the major town on Catalina Island. One of the eight Channel Islands, Catalina Island has long captured the imagination of travelers with its lush, rugged mountains and pristine ambience. Located off the coast of Los Angeles, the island is 22 miles (35 km) long and eight miles (13 km) across at its widest point.

Soar over dozens of yachts dotting crescent-shaped Avalon Harbor, and hover above Catalina’s most famous landmark, the Catalina Casino. This circular icon, established in 1929, dominates the waterfront with its restored art deco design.

Take in captivating views of picturesque villages, steep seaside cliffs, native plants, roaming buffalo, soaring eagles and frolicking dolphins as you fly above the island. See the old farming settlement of Middle Ranch and the tiny village of Two Harbors, where the island is only .25 miles (.40 km) wide. Cruise over the historic El Rancho Escondido, which today houses a vineyard but once was home to Arabian horses owned by the Wrigley family, who invested heavily in the island’s infrastructure.

Throughout your tour, learn about Catalina Island’s history, geology and wildlife from your pilot. Your 30-minute tour of beautiful Catalina Island ends where it began in the resort town of Avalon.

Limited on time? Opt for the 15-minute half-island tour to see the highlights of Catalina!

Important Information

Departure Point

Pebbly Beach Heliport

Departure Time

Please confirm your exact departure time with local operator after booking. Failure to reconfirm may result in cancellation of your tour without refund.

Duration

15- or 30-minutes

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Inclusions

15-minute helicopter tour (if option selected)
30-minute helicopter tour (if option selected)

Exclusions

Gratuities (optional)
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Individual passenger weights, including infants, MUST be advised at time of booking
Infants under the age of 2 are considered lap children. Proof of age is required in the form of a passport or a birth certificate
Please note: Seat location is determined by passenger weights and front seats cannot be guaranteed at any time
This tour is wheelchair accessible provided the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them with boarding and disembarking the aircraft
You MUST call to reconfirm your departure times with Island Express Helicopters within 24 hours of booking. Your tour is not confirmed until then.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.