Wondering what to do in Catalina Island on a cruise? From tender boats and beautiful waterfront views to beachside cocktails and relaxing at Descanso Beach Club, here's how we spent our day in Avalon, California.

If your cruise itinerary includes Catalina Island, California, you're in for a treat!

Located just off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island is one of those destinations where you can step off your cruise ship, take in the beautiful scenery, and immediately feel like you're on vacation.

And the best part? You don't necessarily need to book an expensive shore excursion to have a wonderful time.

During our Carnival Firenze cruise, we spent day two exploring Catalina Island, enjoying food and drinks at Descanso Beach Club, and soaking up the laid-back island atmosphere.

I'm taking you through our experience, including what to expect when tendering ashore, how to get to the beach club, what amenities are available, and a few tips that first-time visitors should know.

Let's go!

Arriving in Catalina Island on Carnival Firenze

One of the first things you need to know about visiting Catalina Island on a cruise is that it's a tender port.

That means your cruise ship doesn't pull up alongside a traditional cruise terminal where you simply walk off.

Instead, the ship anchors offshore, and passengers take smaller boats, sometimes called tenders or water shuttles, to the island.

If you've never experienced a tender port before, don't worry. It's generally a straightforward process, although it can take a little extra time.

What Was the Tender Process Like?

We headed down to catch our tender around 11:20 a.m.

By that time, the morning rush had settled down, and there wasn't much of a line.

The tender boats were fairly large, with seating both inside and outside.

And if you're someone who enjoys taking pictures, the ride offers some beautiful views of the cruise ship sitting offshore.

I was able to capture some wonderful footage of Carnival Firenze from the water.

One thing I noticed was that arriving later in the morning worked well for us. We didn't feel rushed, and we were able to make our way over to the island without much trouble.

Shira's Tip: If you don't have an early excursion or a specific reservation, consider allowing the initial tender rush to pass before heading ashore. Just remember to check your ship's tender procedures and return deadline.

What Is the Weather Like in Catalina Island?

Now, let me tell you something about Catalina Island.

Don't automatically assume it's going to be hot just because you're visiting California!

Catalina can be surprisingly chilly, especially in the morning or when you're out on the water.

I made sure to bring a light jacket because I know how cool it can feel.

But by the time we arrived, the weather was beautiful!

The temperature was in the low 70s, the sun was shining, and it was warm enough for me to take off my jacket and enjoy walking around.

It turned out to be a perfect day for exploring.

My advice? Dress in layers.

Bring a light jacket or sweater, even if the forecast looks pleasant. You can always take it off once the afternoon warms up.

Exploring Avalon Without Booking a Shore Excursion

One of my favorite things about Catalina Island is how easy it is to enjoy without having an elaborate itinerary.

The main town of Avalon is charming, walkable, and full of beautiful scenery.

You'll find waterfront restaurants, little shops, places to grab a drink, and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy the island.

There are also organized activities available, including sightseeing tours and outdoor adventures.

But here's my personal opinion.

If your goal is to enjoy a relaxing day in Catalina Island, you really don't have to book an excursion.

We decided to walk through Avalon and make our way to Descanso Beach Club.

And honestly, the walk itself was part of the experience.

The beautiful waterfront, the boats in the harbor, and the colorful buildings make Catalina feel like a little vacation getaway within your vacation.

If you prefer something more adventurous, you can certainly look into organized activities.

But don't feel pressured to spend extra money just because you're visiting a cruise port.

Sometimes the best days are the simplest ones.

Descanso Beach Club: Our Favorite Stop in Catalina Island

Our main destination for the day was Descanso Beach Club.

Located beyond Avalon's main waterfront, Descanso Beach Club is a popular place to relax, enjoy food and drinks, and spend time by the water.

It offers a different atmosphere from the busier downtown area.

And after spending time exploring Avalon, it was exactly the kind of place we wanted to be.

We weren't looking for a packed itinerary.

We wanted to sit down, order something refreshing, enjoy the scenery, and have a good time.

Mission accomplished!

Do You Have to Rent a Chair or Cabana?

One thing visitors should know is that Descanso Beach Club offers chair and cabana rentals.

If you want a reserved place to relax for the day, these can be worth considering.

During our visit, I stopped to ask about the rental options and pricing.

The staff explained the available seating arrangements and cabana options.

However, prices can vary depending on the date, season, and type of rental, so I recommend checking current rates before your visit.

And here's something else to consider.

If you're only planning to spend a couple of hours at the beach club, you may not need to reserve a cabana.

It really depends on how you want to spend your day.

For someone planning to relax at the beach for several hours, having a reserved space could be a wonderful option.

But if you're simply stopping for lunch, drinks, and a little sightseeing, you might prefer a more flexible visit.

Bring Water Shoes!

Let me give you one tip I definitely don't want you to overlook.

Bring water shoes if you plan to go into the water!

The beach at Descanso isn't your typical soft, sandy Caribbean beach.

There are plenty of rocks and pebbles, which can be uncomfortable on bare feet.

We noticed that right away.

So if you're planning to swim, wade into the water, or spend time near the shoreline, water shoes can make your experience much more comfortable.

Trust me, your feet will thank you!

Food and Drinks at Descanso Beach Club

Now, you know we weren't going to visit a beach club without checking out the food and drinks!

After getting settled, we decided to order lunch and cocktails.

The menu offered a variety of options, and we were ready to relax.

What Did We Order?

After enjoying our fair share of burgers, burritos, pizza, and other delicious cruise food back aboard Carnival Firenze, the ladies decided to go with something a little lighter.

We ordered fresh, refreshing salads.

Sometimes that's exactly what you need after a few days of cruise ship dining!

And the guys?

Well, you already know.

Burgers!

No questions asked.

We enjoyed our lunch, relaxed, and took in the beautiful surroundings.

What About the Cocktails?

The drinks were definitely part of the experience.

We enjoyed cocktails while relaxing at the beach club, and I found the drinks to be nice and strong.

It was a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the afternoon.

One thing to remember is that Descanso Beach Club is not part of Carnival Cruise Line.

Your Carnival drink package doesn't cover purchases there, and your prepaid cruise gratuities don't apply to the beach club's service.

So be prepared to pay separately for food, drinks, and any rentals.

And don't forget to consider tipping your servers.

I can't tell anybody else what to do, but I always appreciate good service and tip accordingly.

How Much Time Do You Need in Catalina Island?

Here's something that might surprise you.

We only spent a couple of hours enjoying Catalina Island, and for the type of day we wanted, that was plenty.

We weren't trying to see every attraction or participate in every activity.

Our goal was simple.

Enjoy the scenery, visit Descanso Beach Club, have a nice lunch, and relax.

And that's exactly what we did.

Of course, if you're interested in ziplining, sightseeing tours, snorkeling, or exploring more of the island, you'll want to plan for additional time.

But for a laid-back cruise port day, you can have a wonderful experience without filling every minute of your schedule.

Sometimes less really is more!

Ice Cream, Tequila, and a Little More Exploring

After leaving Descanso Beach Club, we started making our way back toward the tender area.

But apparently, the guys weren't quite finished eating.

They wanted ice cream!

So, naturally, we made a quick stop.

And then we found ourselves on another mission.

Finding some of the most premium tequila Catalina Island had to offer!

Now, that's one way to wrap up a relaxing port day.

Between the beach club, beautiful scenery, food, cocktails, and a little shopping around town, it was a wonderful afternoon.

Nothing overly complicated.

Just a good time.

My Best Tips for Visiting Catalina Island on a Cruise

If you're planning your first cruise stop in Catalina Island, here are a few things I recommend.

1. Understand the tender process. Give yourself enough time to travel between the ship and the island, especially when returning.

   
   

2. Bring a light jacket. Catalina can be cool in the morning, even when the afternoon turns out beautiful.

   
   

3. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Avalon is a wonderful town to explore on foot.

   
   

4. Pack water shoes if you're visiting Descanso Beach Club. The rocky shoreline can be uncomfortable without them.

   
   

5. Don't assume you need an excursion. There are plenty of things to enjoy independently in Avalon.

   
   

6. Budget for food, drinks, and beach rentals. These are separate from your Carnival cruise fare and onboard packages.

   
   

7. Know your last tender time. Always follow the cruise line's posted return instructions rather than relying on general water-shuttle schedules.

   
   

8. Make time to enjoy the scenery. Catalina is a beautiful destination, and sometimes simply walking along the waterfront is one of the best activities.

   
   

Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting on a Cruise?

Absolutely!

I think Catalina Island is a wonderful cruise port, especially for passengers who enjoy beautiful scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and destinations that are easy to explore without an organized excursion.

It's also a nice change of pace from the busy activities aboard a cruise ship.

Whether you want to spend the day at Descanso Beach Club, explore Avalon, enjoy a waterfront lunch, or participate in an adventure excursion, there's something for different travel styles.

For us, it was the perfect combination of relaxation and fun.

And sometimes that's exactly what a vacation should be.

Watch Our Catalina Island Cruise Vlog!

Want to see exactly what our day looked like?

Come along with us on Ant & Shira Adventures as we show you the tender process from Carnival Firenze, explore Avalon, visit Descanso Beach Club, check out food and drinks, and enjoy our relaxing afternoon on Catalina Island.

▶ WATCH: Catalina Island Cruise Port & Descanso Beach Club | Carnival Firenze

[https://youtu.be/IqP_da9w1gs]

And don't forget to subscribe to Ant & Shira Adventures for more cruise ship tours, cabin reviews, cruise port adventures, and honest travel experiences.

What's Next on Our Carnival Firenze Cruise?

Our Catalina Island adventure was only part of day two aboard Carnival Firenze.

After returning to the ship, we had more fun waiting for us!

In our next video, we're taking you along for Elegant Night, the Captain's Toast, and a high-energy Motown show that had everyone on their feet in the atrium.

You definitely don't want to miss that!

Planning a Cruise to Catalina Island?

If you're thinking about booking a cruise that visits Catalina Island, I'd love to help!

As a professional travel advisor and the owner of A Finer Travel, I can help you compare cruise lines, itineraries, stateroom categories, and available promotions to find a vacation that works for you.

I can also help you explore shore excursion options if you'd prefer a more structured day on the island.

Visit www.TakeFinerTrips.com to request a complimentary cruise quote and start planning your next adventure.

And if you've already visited Catalina Island, I'd love to know:

Did you spend your day exploring Avalon, relaxing at Descanso Beach Club, or doing something completely different?

Happy cruising!

Shira Nicole
A Finer Travel | Ant & Shira Adventures