Plan your Catalina island vacation now!
The only island in the Channel Islands archipelago that allows some development, Santa Catalina Island is truly a gem. 22 miles long and 8 miles wide at the widest point, the island is both rugged and beautiful, and has some of the richest marine diversity in the world. Catalina Island is the only Channel Island that is developed, but most of the island is still protected, and most the inhabitants are concentrated in the town of Avalon.
Just off the coast of Southern California, about 22 miles south of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is a great getaway destination for honeymoons, weddings, corporate events, and day trips. There are many different ways to enjoy the Island including sport fishing, sailing, diving, hiking and camping, golf and more. Each one of these activities shares a rich history and lineage connected with the island.
The majority of the island’s residents are concentrated in the port town of Avalon, with 300 or so more in the more remote Two Harbors. Islanders typically work in the tourism industry in some way, some are artisans, baoting enthusiasts, or retirees. All supplies must be shipped in from the mainland, making fuel, food and just about everything else expensive and prone to shortages. There are strict regulations regarding motor vehicles on the island so resident use modified golf cart to get around. These things add to the island’s charm and easy pace of life.
The island is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, whose mission it is to restore and protect the original flora and fauna. However, they are also charged with protecting one of the most interesting transplants to the island, a massive herd of wild Bison, which were brought in by a film production over 50 years ago.
Golf carts and bicycles are the best ways to explore the narrow streets and meet locals. guided tours provide a great, inexpensive way to learn about the island’s rich history.
Lodging is available for all budgets, including budets accomodations, spa resorts, vacation rentals and small intimate inns. There are plenty of activities to fill day trips or stays of a few days or more with great dining, boutique shops, tours, and adventures to keep visitors interested. Santa Catalina Island is truly another world away from the rest of California, and a perfect, accessible getaway that is easy to plan and will satisfy your vacation wanderlust.
Before you plan your next weekend getaway, take a second to find out about some exciting Catalina Island Vacation Packages you can combine with your favourite activity like golf, scuba diving, sea kayak tours and more. Get information on the Catalina Express ferry departures and schedules, or follow this link to find out more about the island and what a Catalina Island vacation is all about.
Categories: Travel Tags: catalina express, catalina ferry, catalina island vacation, catalina island vacation packages
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!
Categories: Travel Tags: catalina express, catalina ferry, catalina flyer, island cruise, island cruises, island vacations