Catalina Island is a rugged and beautiful part of the Channel Island archipelago located just off the southern California coast. If you have lived in California for any time, you have likely heard about it, but probably don't realize just how easy to get to it really is. If you are visiting Southern California, then you should consider adding a day trip to Santa Catalina Island to your itinerary.
Catalina Island is often compared to small Mediterranean coastal towns and has a distinclty different vibe than the rest of California. Residents of the two main coastal towns of Avalon and Two Harbors are friendly and enjoy the slow pace of island life. Everything on the island is more expensive, including gas, food, and building materials, as everything must be brought in by boat or on one of the regular supply barges. Very few vehicle permits are allowed, so locals use bicycles, ATVs and modified golf carts as their primary means of transportation, which provides a dramatic contrast to the congested freeways of nearby Los Angeles.
Once there, visitors will discover a rich cultural history and a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. The island is not well known for some of its most interesting claims, including being home to the first golf course in California, the birthplace of modern sport fishing, home to the famous Wrigley Estate, and for its famous Bison herds, which now roam the beaches after being imported and left behind by a film production back in the 1950s.
Most of the Island and its near-shore waters is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy, who are dedicated to preserving and restoring the original flora and fauna, as well as protecting the wild bison herds. Catalina's rich waters are home to a bio-diverse abundance of marine life, making it a prime destination for biologists, eco-tourists, and scuba divers.
The logistics of getting to Catalina Island are very easy and require minimal planning. Getting to the island is possible by ferry, helicopter, or private charter boat. The catalina ferry service is the most convenient, with many departure/return trips and is inexpensive. There are two main Catalina ferry companies that offer year-round service, with increased trips during the busy summer months.
Most island visitors take the Catalina Express, a high speed catamaran which departs from Long Beach and completes the trip in about an hour. Departing from Newport Beach, the Catalina Flyer is another triple decker high-speed catamaran the also offers service to Catalina Island. Whichever Catalina Ferry you choose, the ride is usually smooth and comfortable with beautiful views of the southern California coast and frequent schools of dolphins, and migrating whales to make your voyage exciting and memorable!
Catalina Island is often compared to small Mediterranean coastal towns and has a distinclty different vibe than the rest of California. Residents of the two main coastal towns of Avalon and Two Harbors are friendly and enjoy the slow pace of island life. Everything on the island is more expensive, including gas, food, and building materials, as everything must be brought in by boat or on one of the regular supply barges. Very few vehicle permits are allowed, so locals use bicycles, ATVs and modified golf carts as their primary means of transportation, which provides a dramatic contrast to the congested freeways of nearby Los Angeles.
Once there, visitors will discover a rich cultural history and a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. The island is not well known for some of its most interesting claims, including being home to the first golf course in California, the birthplace of modern sport fishing, home to the famous Wrigley Estate, and for its famous Bison herds, which now roam the beaches after being imported and left behind by a film production back in the 1950s.
Most of the Island and its near-shore waters is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy, who are dedicated to preserving and restoring the original flora and fauna, as well as protecting the wild bison herds. Catalina's rich waters are home to a bio-diverse abundance of marine life, making it a prime destination for biologists, eco-tourists, and scuba divers.
The logistics of getting to Catalina Island are very easy and require minimal planning. Getting to the island is possible by ferry, helicopter, or private charter boat. The catalina ferry service is the most convenient, with many departure/return trips and is inexpensive. There are two main Catalina ferry companies that offer year-round service, with increased trips during the busy summer months.
Most island visitors take the Catalina Express, a high speed catamaran which departs from Long Beach and completes the trip in about an hour. Departing from Newport Beach, the Catalina Flyer is another triple decker high-speed catamaran the also offers service to Catalina Island. Whichever Catalina Ferry you choose, the ride is usually smooth and comfortable with beautiful views of the southern California coast and frequent schools of dolphins, and migrating whales to make your voyage exciting and memorable!
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For additional information on Catalina Ferry Service, accommodations, places to eat, and fun-filled island activites at www.catalinaislandvacation.org. Get additional details about Catalina Flyer and Catalina Express services and departure times.
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