Fees · Destination Guide
Kelp forests, giant black sea bass, and island time just offshore from Los Angeles
Key fee: Catalina Island Conservancy Hiking Permit
Free
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
There is no separate marine park tag or tourism tax for Catalina the way some tropical dive destinations require, but hikers, campers, boaters, and pilots face a patchwork of permits and usage fees. Budget for ferry tickets, accommodation, optional hiking permits, campground reservations, and mooring or landing fees if you arrive by boat or plane. These charges support trail maintenance, mooring infrastructure, and interior conservation work.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina Island Conservancy Hiking Permit |
Free
Per person, typically valid for the duration of your visit
| All hikers and trail users leaving town limits, including day hikers and section hikers on the Trans Catalina Trail |
| Online via Catalina Island Conservancy permits page or in person at the Trailhead Visitor Center in Avalon |
A free hiking permit is required for most interior trails on Conservancy lands. You can register online before arrival or stop by the Trailhead Visitor Center to sign up and pick up detailed maps. Carry a photo or screenshot of your permit on your phone in case rangers request it. |
| Trans Catalina Trail Campground Fees | USD $20-35 per person per night (typical range) Per campsite per night, prices vary by campground and season | Backpackers and campers at established campgrounds such as Hermit Gulch, Blackjack, Little Harbor, Two Harbors, and Parson’s Landing | Online through VisitCatalina’s camping reservation system or via Two Harbors Visitor Services | Backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail requires paid reservations at each campground along your route. Fees vary but are generally charged per person per night, and popular sites can sell out months in advance for spring and fall weekends. Some campgrounds include gear haul or firewood packages for an extra charge. |
| Avalon and Two Harbors Mooring Fees | Varies by vessel length (commonly USD $60+ per night) Per boat per night or per 4 hour day use period | Private boats and yachts using moorings in Avalon, Descanso, Hamilton Cove, and Two Harbors coves | Harbor Patrol boat on arrival or harbor office in Avalon and Two Harbors | All moorings are assigned by Harbor Patrol and must be paid for before departure. Rates scale with the actual overall length of your vessel, and there may be additional booking or holiday surcharges. Payment is usually accepted by cash or card directly from the patrol boat or at the harbor office. Unpaid fees can result in penalties. |
| Airport in the Sky Landing and Overnight Fees | From USD $38 per landing plus overnight parking for private aircraft Per aircraft per landing and per overnight stay | General aviation pilots flying to Avalon Catalina Airport (AVX) | Airport in the Sky office or online via Catalina Island Conservancy resources | Private aircraft pay a per landing fee that varies by aircraft type, plus optional overnight parking charges. Membership in local pilot clubs or Conservancy programs can sometimes reduce shuttle or landing costs. Confirm current rates and operating hours before planning a fly in dive or hiking trip. |
Fee
Per person, typically valid for the duration of your visit
A free hiking permit is required for most interior trails on Conservancy lands. You can register online before arrival or stop by the Trailhead Visitor Center to sign up and pick up detailed maps. Carry a photo or screenshot of your permit on your phone in case rangers request it.
Per campsite per night, prices vary by campground and season
Backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail requires paid reservations at each campground along your route. Fees vary but are generally charged per person per night, and popular sites can sell out months in advance for spring and fall weekends. Some campgrounds include gear haul or firewood packages for an extra charge.
Per boat per night or per 4 hour day use period
All moorings are assigned by Harbor Patrol and must be paid for before departure. Rates scale with the actual overall length of your vessel, and there may be additional booking or holiday surcharges. Payment is usually accepted by cash or card directly from the patrol boat or at the harbor office. Unpaid fees can result in penalties.
Per aircraft per landing and per overnight stay
Private aircraft pay a per landing fee that varies by aircraft type, plus optional overnight parking charges. Membership in local pilot clubs or Conservancy programs can sometimes reduce shuttle or landing costs. Confirm current rates and operating hours before planning a fly in dive or hiking trip.