The March 2026 visitor count was 33% greater than last year at the same time, according to data recently released by Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority. Note that the information was revised on May 25.
“March’s total arrival count was above the three, five and ten-year averages by 24.1%, 31.3% and 55.4% respectively. Cross Channel Counts above include 2,102 arrivals at Two Harbors this year and 1,688 last year,” the Love Catalina Island website said.
“March 2026 had the highest number of total visitor arrivals ever tracked for the month @ 111,699,” the Love Catalina Island website said.
“March 2020 had the lowest number of total visitor arrivals @ 23,050,” the Love Catalina Island website said.
“Passengers arriving by sea in March totaled 109,059. up by 33.3% for the month compared to last year,” the website said.
“Cross Channel Passenger counts were up by 42.0%, an increase of 18,718 people,” the website said.
“Cross Channel Passengers made up 56.62% of total monthly arrivals,” the website said.
“Cruise passenger counts totaled 42,358 up from 35,622 last year by 18.9%,” according to Love Catalina.
“Cruise Passengers made up 37.92% of total monthly arrivals,” according to Love Catalina.
“The number of Cruise Ships calling on Avalon in March was 13%,” according to Love Catalina.
“2022 and 2026 had the highest number of ships calling @ 13%,” according to Love Catalina.
“March typically has 9 ships call,” according to Love Catalina.
“Private Boater Passenger counts totaled 3,460, up 108.0% from last year at 1,656,” the website said.
“2026 had the highest passenger volume for the month @ 3,460,” the website said.
“Private Boaters made up 3.10% of total arrivals,” according to Love Catalina.
“March 2026’s number of Vessels Anchored was 20, down 41.2% from 2025 @ 34,” according to Love Catalina.
“March’s Anchored Vessels was below the three, five and ten-year averages by 63.2%, 65.3% and 64.8% respectively,” according to Love Catalina.
“March’s number of Vessels on Moorings was 865, up 108.9% from 2025 @ 414,” according to Love Catalina.
“2026 had the highest number of Vessels on Moorings @ 865,” according to Love Catalina.
“Combined in-bound air passenger counts for March totaled 2,681 up by 20.2% from 2,231 in 2025,” the website said.
“Private Aircraft Passengers made up 1.70% of total monthly arrivals,” the website said.
“Helicopter Passenger counts totaled 744, down year-over-year by 30.9% from 1,076 in 2025,” the website said.
“Helicopter Passengers made up .67 of total monthly arrival,” the website said.