Within just a few miles of Avalonyou can see a sea lion colony, thriving kelp forests and schools of flyingfish. Those who venture farther down the island's coast are rewarded with isolatedbeaches, idyllic coves and rugged cliffs. Some are lucky enough to see wildboar and mule deer on the hillsides, and bald eagles crossing the sky. Whales,dolphin, flying fish and sea lions can also be spotted from the boats. Tolearn more about the island's undersea creatures see Erik Erikson's Images of Catalina Marine Life .
Tours can sell out, especially during summer and on busy weekends.
Ifyou're interested in either Discovery or Adventure Tours you can book early,at the mainland boat terminals. In Avalon tickets are also for sale at theAvalon boat terminal, or on the green Pleasure Pier. The other tour operators take reservations over the phone, orby e-mail. Check their individual Web pages for more info. These days the tour is more high-tech, with some boats offering underwater searchlights.