Catalina Island Golf Carts: Ownership, Rentals & Tours in Avalon
If you’re planning a trip to Catalina Island, one of the first things you’ll notice is how people get around—Golf Carts are Everywhere!
Because of Avalon’s unique layout and vehicle restrictions, golf carts aren’t just a fun activity—they’re the primary way to explore.
Golf Cart Ownership in Avalon
Golf carts aren’t just for Catalina visitors—they’re essential for Island residents.
Avalon has very strict vehicle limits:
Each household is typically allowed one golf cart permit
There is currently an estimated 20+ year waitlist for a full-size vehicle permit. That’s not a typo—the wait is decades, not years.
This is why golf carts dominate the roads. They’re practical, efficient, and perfectly suited to Avalon’s narrow, scenic streets.
Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental, Avalon Bay Overlook
Golf Carts and Catalina Visitors
Cruising Avalon by golf cart has long been one of Catalina Island’s most popular activities, but many visitors don’t realize how much they’re passing by.
Now, a fun new GPS-guided audio tour app lets visitors discover Catalina like a local - explore hidden gems, discover ocean viewpoints and learn island history along the way.
The Catalina Compass App was created by locals to help visitors experience the best of Catalina Island.
Why Visitors are adding GPS-Guided Tours to their Golf Cart rentals -
growing popularity
solves common visitor problems (navigation, missing stops)
works with existing rentals (cart is not included)
How the Catalina Compass App Works
Download the Catalina Compass App
Purchase & Download the Avalon Golf Cart Tour & Scenic Route
Allow Notifications while using the app
Follow a scenic route through Avalon
GPS automatically triggers:
Turn-by-turn directions
Scenic stops
Stories and local history
Catalina Compass Golf Cart Map
What Makes GPS Audio Tours Useful
Helps visitors stay on the intended scenic route
Adds context to what they are seeing
Allows visitors to explore at their own pace without a set schedule
It’s a simple way to enhance a golf cart experience and stay on track while still allowing visitors the freedom to explore and learn on their own.
Why This Matters for Catalina Island
This isn’t just about convenience—it actually improves the experience for everyone.
Better-guided routes help:
Reduce traffic congestion from lost drivers
Keep visitors on safe, designated paths
Create a smoother flow through Avalon
Locals notice the difference—and visitors enjoy a much more relaxed ride. Adding a GPS tour to your golf cart rental on Catalina is a simple and scenic way to make the most of your golf cart experience.
Add a GPS Audio tour to your Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental
Golf Cart Rental Companies
Two long-standing local golf cart rental companies on the Island include:
Island Rentals — https://catalinagolfcartrentals.com/
Catalina Golf Cart Rentals —https://catalinagolfcartrentals.com/
They offer:
Hourly rentals (typically 1–2 hours)
Easy access right in town
A classic scenic route around Avalon
Renting gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and take in some of the island’s most iconic views. Catalina Compass enhances the experience.
Catalina Compass Audio Tours
Guided Golf Cart Tours (Driven for You)
If you’d prefer not to drive, Avalon offers several private guided golf cart tour companies where you can sit back and enjoy the stories and sights along the way.
A few of the local companies include:
Catalina Tour Guide —https://catalinatourguide.com/
Catalina Curated Tours —https://www.catalinacuratedtours.com/
The Avalon Tour Company —https://www.theavalontourcompany.com/
Catalina Island Guided Golf Cart Tours - https://www.guidedgolfcarttour.com/
These tours typically include:
A local driver/guide
Historical context and storytelling
A more relaxed, hands-off experience
They’re a great way to get deeper insight into Avalon while enjoying the ride.
Catalina Compass Self Guided Adventures
