Island hopping in southern California

Part of the rugged and beautiful Channel Island archipelago, Santa Catalina Island is located a short ferry ride from the southern California coast. If you have lived in California for any time, you have likely heard about it, but might not realize just how easy to get to it really is. Visitors to southern California should consider coordinating a day trip or weekend stop-over to Catalina Island.

Catalina Island is often compared to quaint 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. All supplies for the residents and vistors to Catalina Island must be imported by boat or supply barge, making gas, food, building materials and everything else more expensive. Alimited number of vehicles are permitted on the island so locals use modified gof-carts to get around, which adds to the charm, and provides a dramatic contrast to the congested mainland streets.

Once there, visitors will discover a rich cultural history and a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. Catalina island has many historic secrets to reveal including being home to the first golf course in souther California, the birthplace of modern sport fishing, beach-combing bison herds, as well as the location for the famous Wrigley Estate.

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 foster 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 simple and require minimal effort. Access to the island is by ferry, private charter boat, or helicopter. 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 makes the voyage in roughly an hour. The Catalina Flyer also makes the same trip offering service from Newport Beach. 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!