More Recreation on Catalina

If you aren’t up for hiking there are still plenty of way to enjoy the outdoors on Catalina Island

Parasailing

This one is my all time favorite, and I just noticed that it’s free on your birthday when you fly tandom with someone who purchases a full price ticket. This is a must do. It’s thrilling—but more than that—it is so peaceful. The lift off and the landing are the only burst of activity and adrenaline. Once you start floating over the ocean on an extending rope, you realize how quiet it is. You forget that you are suspended in a big old kite. It’s so beautiful! You can see the whole island and the skyline in this surreal windy sky and it’s just–a moment that is impossible to describe. It’s about $65-80 per person, and you should go as a pair.

Snorkling

Groupon was the first to direct me to Diving Catalina, but now I’ve gone back more than once. While being unique for many reasons, it’s perfect for “first timers” It’s true that the very first time I snorkeled was here. They explain everything, the wet suits really do keep you warm, and buoyant. There are beautiful things to see right at the edge of the shore. The water current is very gentle. The bright orange fish come right up to you, and the guide has fish food if you want to be brave and let them swarm you. You can here a clicking sound from the schools of little silver fish, all flicking against the water in unison.

Zip-Lining

These ziplines are pretty awesome. Though they are one of the priciest attractions at $135 a person. I think it is worth the money though. This is another great experience for experiences zipliners and first timers alike. Firstly, there are 5 ziplines, so you are gently zigzagging down a canyon. The shorter ropes keep you from picking up too much momentum, and the repeated exposure helps you to get more and more comfortable at each new line. Also, as you queue for your turn on each rope, the guide will tell you more about the history of Catalina, the Glamour, the War Times, the Buffalo Birth Control, and many interesting facts. The tour is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. Therefore, I think it’s a good value. I hope you have a lot of fun!