Island hopping in southern California
Catalina Island is a rugged and beautiful part of the Channel Island archipelago located just off the southern California coast. If you live in California, then chances are – you’ve heard about it, but have never known just how accessible 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 has a distinctly different feel and vibe than the rest of California, often compared to small coastal villages areas in the Mediterranean. Residents of the island are concentrated in the port villages of Two Harbors and Avalon, and are friendly and enjoy the calm 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. Very few vehicle permits are allowed, so locals use bicycles, ATV’s 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 1950’s.
Catalina island’s land and inshore waters is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy, are comitted to preserving the original flora and fauna, as well as protecting the bison herds. Catalina’s waters contain an abundance of marine life and biodiversity around its thriving reefs and in the deep channels, making it a prime destination for eco-tourists, scuba divers and biologists.
Planning your Catalina Island Vacation is surprisingly easy. Getting to the island is possible by ferry, helicopter, or private charter boat. Most visitors enjoy the Catalina ferry, which is convenient, flexible and inexpensive. There are several Catalina ferries which run regularly year-round with extra trips during the summer months.
Most island visitors take the Catalina Express, a high speed catamaran which departs from Long Beach and makes the voyage in about 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!
