Just a short ferry ride from Long Beach or Newport Beach in southern California, Santa Catalina Island is the only island in the Channel Islands archipelago that is developed for tourism. 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 planning a day trip or weekend stop-over to Catalina Island.

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 towns of Two Harbors and Avalon, and are friendly and enjoy the slow pace of island living. 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. Limited vehicle permits are issued 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. 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 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 easy and require minimal planning. Getting to Catalina Island is possible by ferry, helicopter, or private charter boat. The catalina ferry service is the most convenient, with many departure/return trips and is 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 crosses the channel in about an hour. The Catalina Flyer also makes the same trip offering service from Newport Beach. Regardless of which Catalina ferry is most convenient for you, you are almost guaranteed to enjoy stunning views of the coastline, and you are likely to be accompanied by pods of dolphins and migrating whales!