Reviewed · LOS ANGELES WALKING & HIKING TOURS
Haunted Catalina EMF Detection Walking Tour – 12 years and older
Catalina at night can feel electric. This Haunted Catalina EMF Detection Walking Tour runs in Avalon at 8:00 pm, mixing spooky local tales with on-the-spot EMF readings using included meters. You start at 121 Clarissa Ave and finish on Front Street near the Via Casino Boardwalk area, so you get a full evening stroll instead of a quick stop-and-go show.
I love the hands-on feel: the EMF detection readers make it more than just listening to ghost stories. I also like the guide approach, with names like John and Jesse showing up in the mix, plus a setup that helps you catch the narration even when the street gets noisy.
One thing to consider: night sidewalks can be loud, and if your group is bigger or the guide has a lot to cover, you may get less time on the meter than you hoped for.
Key takeaways before you go

- EMF detection readers are included, so you can actively check for spooky activity during the walk
- 8:00 pm start keeps the vibe naturally darker and more atmospheric
- Small group cap of 30 means you are less likely to feel like you are being rushed
- Headphones can help you follow the stories when Avalon street noise is part of the scene
- Ends near Front Street and the Via Casino Boardwalk, making it easy to keep your night going
Why EMF meters change this Catalina ghost walk
A normal ghost tour is mostly storytelling. This one adds a second layer: you are also watching the readings on an EMF detection reader while you walk. That turns the experience into a game of attention, where you look, listen, and react, instead of zoning out because you already know the next creepy anecdote.
I like how that shifts the focus from certainty to curiosity. EMF readings are not the same thing as proof of anything supernatural, but they do create a shared moment. When multiple people in your group notice the same reading spike, you all feel it at once, and the night stories land harder.
This is also why the tour is set up as a night walk on Catalina Island. If you try to do this in daylight, the whole thing loses tension. At night, the streets, the shadows, and the pauses between stories all work together.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Catalina Island.
Meeting at Clarissa Ave and finishing near the Casino Boardwalk

Timing matters on Avalon. The tour starts at 8:00 pm, and the meeting point is 121 Clarissa Ave, Avalon, CA 90704. You end at 30 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704, and the tour ends on Front Street before the Via Casino Boardwalk, which is convenient if you want dinner or an easy stroll right after.
The tour runs about 1 hour 50 minutes. In practice, that means you are getting enough time to actually walk, pause, and do EMF checks without it turning into a half-day commitment. It also means you should plan to be ready to move for almost two hours, with weather in mind.
A small but useful thing: it is a mobile ticket experience, and confirmation is received at booking time. That is one less item to manage when you are traveling and trying to arrive on time.
What you do on the haunted walk across Avalon

The tour’s core experience happens right where the stories come from, around Avalon on Catalina Island. You will hear haunted-themed local history and walk through darker corners where the guide connects the vibe to past events and lingering folklore.
As you move, the EMF detection readers are part of the rhythm. The guide typically talks, then you check, then you listen again. It is a simple structure, but it works well for most groups because it keeps everyone involved.
I also like the way guides can keep the pace moving while still making it feel personal. Reviews include examples of guides like John making the time feel like it flew by, especially when the tour size was small enough to feel like a real conversation. That kind of guide energy matters on a night walk, because it is easy for the mood to sag if the group is too big or the talk gets repetitive.
How headphones and street noise affect your experience
Avalon at night is not a silent museum. The biggest real-world challenge is noise. One review noted that headphones helped people not miss stories even if they were not standing perfectly in line with the guide.
So my practical advice is simple: stay close enough to hear. If you drift too far back, your EMF meter becomes your entire focus, and you miss the story cues that tell you when to check readings. On a tour like this, the guide’s timing is part of the magic.
Also consider group energy. Even with a well-run tour, you might run into a few people who are louder than everyone else. That can make it harder to get chills, because the mood depends on silence between moments. If you want a calmer experience, show up with the mindset of a nighttime walk, not a club line.
Guide energy and the most praised parts of the tour
The highest praise centers on guide storytelling and the interactive tone. People highlighted guides such as Jesse and John for explaining paranormal-themed Catalina history clearly and in a way that felt genuine, not scripted.
Another repeated theme is participation. Some groups reported that the guide encouraged sharing stories and experiences with the group, which is a great trick on a tour like this. When you are invited to respond, you stop being a passive listener and you start being part of the evening.
A final praised element: the walk can feel like it moves faster than the clock says. When a guide keeps the stops engaging and the meter checks timed right, 1 hour 50 minutes feels like a tight, satisfying loop instead of a long slog.
Price and value: is $48 worth it?
At $48 per person, you are paying for three things: a guided night walk, local haunted-themed storytelling, and included EMF detection readers. Many ghost tours charge a similar amount but offer only narration. Here, the reading device adds tangible interaction, which can justify the price if you enjoy hands-on activities.
Also, this tour has a maximum group size of 30. Smaller groups usually mean better listening conditions and quicker adjustments if something goes off schedule. That matters on night tours because it is easy for noise, lighting, and walking pace to break the spell.
From a value standpoint, I think this price makes sense if you want an activity that mixes history, atmosphere, and a bit of scientific curiosity. If you want pure storytelling with no gadget element, you might feel like part of the money goes to the meter rather than the narrative. If you want the interaction, it is a solid deal for an evening event on Catalina Island.
Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it
This tour is for adults aged 12 and older. So it is not only for hardcore paranormal fans. If you like creepy local legends, night walks, and learning how people explain unexplained things, you will probably enjoy it.
It is also a good fit for:
- People who enjoy trying equipment as part of a guided activity
- Anyone who wants a structured Avalon nighttime plan with an end point near Front Street
- Small groups or couples who like being out together after dark
It may not be your best choice if:
- You want a quiet, reflective experience with minimal street activity
- You prefer fewer stories and more time with the EMF readings
- You have low tolerance for walking on uneven nighttime paths
One review even suggested the tour can be more crowded and story-heavy than some people expect, which can reduce the time spent on detection. So if meter time is your main goal, arrive ready to focus and follow the guide closely.
Weather, timing, and booking pace on Catalina nights
This experience requires good weather. That is important because it is a walking tour, and night conditions plus rain can change everything from comfort to safety. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you should expect either a different date or a full refund.
The tour also depends on a minimum number of travelers. If that minimum is not met, you may be offered another date or a refund. On the flip side, when the group is small enough, it can feel more personal and conversational.
Booking pace is another real-world detail. This tour is commonly booked about 14 days in advance. If your travel dates are fixed, you will have an easier time securing your slot by booking early.
Should you book the Haunted Catalina EMF Detection Walking Tour?
I think you should book it if you want a fun Avalon night plan that blends haunted storytelling with a real activity you can try, the EMF meters. The included readers and the guide-led timing make it more interactive than a typical ghost tour.
Skip it if you are sensitive to street noise, dislike group dynamics, or want a strict focus on readings over stories. The tour can run talk-heavy depending on conditions and group size, so set your expectations for a night walk that includes both narrative and detection.
If you are the type who enjoys being out after dark, asking questions, and trying an eerie activity with a guide leading the way, this one is worth your evening.
FAQ
What age is this haunted tour for?
The tour is for ages 12 and older.
How long is the Haunted Catalina EMF Detection Walking Tour?
It lasts about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 121 Clarissa Ave, Avalon, CA 90704, USA.
What time does the tour begin?
The start time is 8:00 pm.
Where does the tour end?
It ends on Front Street before the Via Casino Boardwalk, with the endpoint listed as 30 Casino Way, Avalon, CA 90704.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, the tour is offered in English.
Are EMF detection readers included?
Yes, EMF detection readers are included.
What is the group size limit?
The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.
Do I get a mobile ticket and when will I receive confirmation?
You receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.
What if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
More Tours in Catalina Island
More Tour Reviews in Catalina Island
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Catalina Island we have reviewed
Los Angeles Walking & Hiking Tours, compared.
★ 5.0The Original 2.5-Hour Hollywood Sign HikeFrom $291,468 reviews
★ 5.0Griffith Observatory Hike: Guided Tour through Griffith ParkFrom $341,020 reviews
★ 5.0Los Angeles Original 90-Minute Walking Tour to The Hollywood SignFrom $29693 reviews
★ 4.8Front & Back of Hollywood Sign Hike Guided TourFrom $34439 reviews
★ 5.0Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and WineFrom $49391 reviews
★ 4.0Hollywood Stars Tour: Walk of Fame, Celebrity Homes, Sunset StripFrom $35341 reviews
★ 4.9LA: Express Hollywood Sign Guided Walking Tour with PhotosFrom $15310 reviews
★ 5.0Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour: True Crime and Creepy TalesFrom $39299 reviews
Browse the lists this tour appears in




















