Explore Frequently Asked Questions

For tours purchased via our website, follow the steps below:.

• Download the Catalina Compass  app from the App Store or Play Store

• Open the app and click on "My Stuff" or on "Support" from the bottom menu and click on Retrieve Purchases

• Create an account or Log in to the app. Or use the Continue with Apple or Continue with Google option

If the download freezes up on your phone, please check your phone's internet connection, force quit or exit out of the app completely and reopen the Catalina Compass  app to resume the download. You may want to close off all other apps running in the background to let the downloads finish faster. 

If you're still having the same issue after this step, delete the app and download the latest version of the Catalina Compass app from the App store or Play Store and resume or restart your downloads.

All Catalina Compass tours come with the following: 

•  Offline Map of your Destination: our map works without any data! Even in the most remote areas you’ll have access to our offline map. 

• Offline Audio Tour: Learn the history and culture of Catalina Island as we entertain you with stories while you walk. Don’t just see  — experience! 

• Offline Walking Directions: We’ll give you step by step directions without using any data.

On our tours you’ll hear fun stories, music, and precise directions that play automatically as you walk.. We do this by using your phone’s built-in GPS to determine where you are and which direction you are headed. Like a real tour guide, Catalina Compass will take you to all of the best attractions around the island (and even the hidden spots that most tourists miss!) Since your GPS does not require any data connection, you can download the tour to your phone, and then explore 100% offline! 

Our goal at Catalfina Compass is to give you the freedom and expertise to explore on your own. Unlike traditional tour methods, Catalina Compass allows you to travel at your own pace and stop whenever you like. So take the stress out of your vacation and let Catalina Compass lead the way!

So go ahead, get your Catalina Compass tour today and start exploring!

To get started, browse through our list of walking tours located in the ‘tours’ tab of the app. Once you’ve seen one you like, you can ‘preview’ the tour by watching a video or listening to sample audio. Purchase a tour by scrolling down to the ‘purchase options’ section in the tour page. Purchases are processed through your default payment method in the app store. 

TIP: Download the tour over Wifi for faster download speed. Do not close the app until download is completed. If download stays frozen for longer than one minute, please close the app and then reopen it and select ‘restore purchases.

Once you’ve downloaded the tour, follow the steps on the screen, and start the tour by going to the green flag located on the map. You can also use our ‘tutorial to starting point’ tool for directions to the tour starting point.

Before a tour is purchased, the app uses the internet or data to display the map, images, and play sample audio. However, after a tour is purchased and downloaded it works 100% offline. This includes the map, audio directions, as well as tour highlights.  

If you are concerned about your data usage, simply turn your phone on “airplane mode” while taking the tour. This will turn off your data while leaving your GPS signal on. But again, this is only needed if you are nervous about using data. 

Note: Some older Android devices when turn on airplane mode will turn off your GPS signal. If this is the case for you, then go to your settings and only turn off Cellular Data and WiFi and keep GPS or Location on.

Yes! As long as you download the tour before you go. Even without service, the app will use GPS to access your location and give you step by step directions. 

So, curious how the GPS works if there is no data connection? Good question! The GPS on your phone relies on satellites to determine your location, not your data connection. So with the offline map downloaded already, even with no data or WiFi service, your phone's GPS will still work.

Without a charger, you can expect your fully-charged phone to last about 4-5 hours, most of our tours last about an hour. If you do not have an external charger, you can stop in a restaurant to recharge your phone.

Here are some tips to conserve battery throughout the day.

• Turn OFF the tour if you want to take a break: this means the app will stop using your GPS signal. Just remember to switch the tour back on to continue. The tour will pick up where you left off.

• Turn off the screen of your phone: the audio tour will continue playing in the background.