Catalina Island Directions

   Catalina Island is one of the few destinations where the journey is part of the vacation. Whether cruising across the waves in a high-speed catamaran or flying over the waves in a helicopter, getting to Catalina involves a relaxing trip of spotting whales and dolphins and watching the island emerge from the horizon.

   Avalon, Catalina's only city and the home of The Avalon Hotel, can be reached via boat from five different ports in four cities and two counties. Helicopter service, which whisks passengers to Avalon in 15 minutes, is offered from two ports.

   Island Express Helicopter Service offers several trips a day to Avalon from its heliports in San Pedro and in Long Beach. Up to six passengers per trip will enjoy the unbeatable views of the Island, the channel and the mainland. Whales or dolphins are frequently spotted from the air, adding drama to an already adventurous trip. The company's Avalon offices and heliport are located on Pebbly Beach Road, just a quick taxi trip from the hotel. Helicopter tours of the island are also available. For reservations and more information, call 800-2AVALON or 800-228-2566.

   The most popular way to get to Catalina is aboard one of Catalina Express’s fleet of boats. Operating some of the West Coast's most advanced passenger vessels; Express prides itself on its professional, friendly service. In the summer months, Catalina Express offers about 30 trips a day to Avalon from San Pedro, Dana Point and two ports in Long Beach, downtown and at the Queen Mary. Trips from San Pedro take just over an hour, trips from Long Beach are one hour and trips from Dana Point take about an hour and a half. The company's entire fleet features airline-style seating, advanced ride-control stabilization and snack bar complete with full cocktail service. For reservations, call (800) 481-3470.

   The most convenient way to get to Catalina from Los Angeles's Westside, the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills or the South Bay is the Catalina-Marina del Rey Flyer, which departs from Fisherman's Village in Marina Del Rey. Marina Del Rey is only four miles -- a quick 10-minute taxi ride -- from Los Angeles International Airport. The Marina Flyer, a 149-passenger high-speed catamaran, is the newest ferry in the Catalina fleet, and sports a hi-tech hydrofoil-assisted ride for stability and speed. Year-round service is provided to Avalon with multiple trips most days in the spring, summer and fall season. Group, senior and child rates are available. The Marina Flyer has airline seating, full cocktail bar, sundeck, Admiral's Lounge upgrade and convenient $8 a day parking at Fisherman's Village. For reservations and information, call (310) 305-7250 or email: info@catalinaferries.com. Schedules and fares can be viewed at www.catalinaferries.com

   Orange County travelers appreciate the convenience of Catalina Passenger Service. Operating daily trips in the spring, summer and fall months and a limited schedule in the winter, the Newport Flyer departs from the Balboa Pavilion at 9 a.m. and leaves the island at 4:30 p.m. The largest passenger catamaran on the West Coast has both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a snack bar and cocktail lounge. Call (949) 673-5245 for reservations or more information.