Ocean Realm

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 accessible it really is. Visitors to southern California should consider adding a day trip or weekend stop-over to Catalina Island.

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.

Catalina island’s land and inshore waters is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy, are comitted to preserving the original animal and plant life, as well as protecting the bison herds. Catalina’s rich waters attract a bio-diverse abundance of marine life, making it a prime destination for biologists, eco-tourists, and scuba divers.

The logistics of getting to the island are very simple and require minimal planning. 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. Catalina ferry service is available year-round with two main companies offering additional departure times during the summer months.

Most island visitors take the Catalina Express, a high speed catamaran which departs from Long Beach and crosses the channel in approximately 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!