Find the best boat rentals in Catalina Island

Rent a Boat on Catalina Island

Located just 30 miles southwest of Long Beach and Los Angeles, Santa Catalina Island—also commonly referred to as Catalina Island—is the perfect destination for a weekend trip or a romantic getaway. Colonial Spanish architecture, mountainous beaches, and rich aquatic life are the makeup of this destination. While here, be sure to explore the city of Avalon, along with the lines of cabanas and swaying palm trees at Descanso Beach, and Catalina Casino, an art deco-style building, overlooking the sea. 

What to Know

When planning your boat rental outing near Catalina Island, consider these top boat rental styles: 

• Catamarans and sailboats are extremely popular along the California Pacific coastlines. There’s no better feeling than lifting the sail and feeling the wind push you forward. These boats are typically quite large, making them ideal for large parties or smaller romantic cruises.

• With their large size and build, motor yachts and power cruisers are a great choice for renters looking for a comfortable ride in style. Still close within the bays of Catalina Island, or into the Pacific.

• If fishing is the name of the game, we recommend an offshore fishing boat or charter that can take you right into the hunting ground for pelagic species in the Pacific.

Safety Requirements:

• Boating License/Education Rules: You must be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). 

• Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including PWCs, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of his/her California Boater Card.

• There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 ft. long (with wind as the main source of propulsion) or a dinghy used between a moored vessel and shore or between two moored vessels.

• Life Jacket Requirements: Ages 13 and under must wear a PFD at all times on a moving vessel of any length. Children are not required to wear a life jacket when they are wearing a harness on a sailboat, when they are in an enclosed cabin, and when they are on a vessel during an emergency rescue. 

For more information, visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Where to dock your boat on Catalina Island:

• Avalon Harbor Fuel Dock

• Two Harbors Visitor Services

• Catalina Ferry and Boat Terminal

• City of Avalon Harbor Department

To learn more, be sure to read our guide, Boating to Catalina Island: Everything You Need to Know. 

Weather Conditions

Above your head while on and around Catalina Island, you will see clear skies, nearly year-round. Summertime is warm and dry, but brief. On the other hand, winters are lengthy. Wear layers because it gets chilly here. The best time of year to go boating is from mid-June to mid-October.

Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 80°F in August 

Avg. Temperature Low: Around 52°F during March 

Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Catalina Island

• 59°F in the Spring (March, April, May)

• 66°F in the Summer (June, July, August)

• 65.5°F in Fall (September, October, November)

• 59°F in Winter (December, January, February)