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Avalon Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our most frequently asked questions regarding our Avalon rentals. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

HOURS OF OPERATION

Subject to change due to COVID-19 ***

Open daily April through September

June: Weekends 9am - 5pm

July: Daily 8am - 6pm

August: Weekends 8am - 6pm, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Sept: Weekends 9am - 5pm

KAYAK RENTALS

We have never kayaked before, do we need experience?

No experience is necessary! Our sit-on-top kayaks are very user-friendly and easy to use. We provide instruction as well as a life jacket.

Will I get wet kayaking?

Yes, you will get wet from the waist down.

I have kayaked before and not gotten wet, why will I get wet?

Our sit on top kayaks have self draining scupper holes. You will be sitting in a bit of water and will get wet from the waist down.

Can I take my phone or camera on the kayak?

We don’t recommend taking anything you don’t want to get wet. We are happy to take a picture of you on your way out and hold onto your phone or camera until you return.

I don’t know how to swim, can I kayak?

Kayaking is not recommended for people who don’t swim.

Is there a weight limit on the kayaks?

Yes, it is outlined below:

Single kayak: 250 lbs

Double kayak: 375 lbs

Where can we kayak to?

From our location, you can paddle east toward Seal Rock or west towards Long Point. Depending on how long you want to paddle and the conditions, we will show you by map the best options.

Can we land the kayaks?

All kayaks can be beached and we gladly show you the best places to do so.

Why can’t I book a kayak for one hour online?

Hourly rentals are first-come, first-served, just come up when ready to paddle. We have kayaks in our inventory set aside for walk-ups. If we are sold out, we can hold the next available kayak for you.

The time I want to book online is sold out, what should I do?

We have kayak inventory set aside for walk-ups, just come up when you are ready to paddle, if we are sold out, we can hold the next available kayak for you.

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD RENTALS

What type of SUP do you rent?

We use the 11′ American made Glide Model Stand Up Paddle Boards.

Is there a weight limit on the SUP?

The weight limit is 250 lbs.

I have never tried stand up paddling is it easy?

Our SUPs are very stable and user-friendly.

Where can we paddle to?

You can paddle the SUP east toward Seal Rock or west toward Long Point.

Can we land the SUP?

Due to the rocky beaches we do not allow landing of the stand up paddle boards.

What do we see from the SUP?

From the vantage point of standing on water, you are able to see amazingly well into our crystal clear waters. See kelp forests, garibaldi, perch, and bass and may see leopard sharks, sand sharks, or bat rays.

Why can’t I book a stand up paddle board for one hour online?

Hourly rentals are first-come, first-served, just come up when ready to paddle. We have stand up paddle boards in our inventory set aside for walk-ups. If we are sold out, we can hold the next available SUP for you.

The time I want to book online is sold out, what should I do?

We have SUP inventory set aside for walk-ups, just come up when you are ready to paddle, if we are sold out, we can hold the next available SUP for you.

SNORKEL GEAR RENTALS

Where is the best place to snorkel?

Lovers Cove Marine Preserve is just a three-minute walk from our booth and offers the best snorkeling on Catalina.

How far is it to Lovers Cove?

Lovers Cove is right next to Avalon Bay, it is a three-minute walk from our booth.

Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel?

Definitely, yes. You need to know how to swim to snorkel.

What do I see snorkeling?

In Lovers Cove, you see plenty of garibaldi, opaleye, and calico bass. You also see amazing kelp forests and might catch a glimpse of sheephead, sea bass, or lobster.

Can I feed the fish in Lovers Cove Marine Preserve?

The fish in Lovers Cove are fed throughout the day by the glass bottom boats. You can see plenty of fish without feeding them yourself. If you choose to feed them, use caution as they may bite.