Transportation Is Via Catalina Express Ferry Service & Private Boats
Catalina is 26 miles across the sea from Los Angeles, but with no very long bridge connecting it to the mainland, it is not possible to drive to it.
So how do you get to the robust town of Avalon and the more isolated area of Two Harbors? This article provides the information.
• Taking The Catalina Express Ferry
This is how most visitors get to both Avalon and Two Harbors. This is a high-speed ferry service. Round-trip fares are in the $75 range (it varies according to your departure port and destination). Check the Catalina Express website for fares & schedules, the latter of which changes by the season.
• Taking A Helicopter To Catalina Island (Avalon only)
There is a helicopter landing zone on the southern end of Avalon. The cost is between $300 and $400 per person and takes 15 minutes. The Catalina Island website has information, as well as heli & hotel packages.
• Getting To Catalina On A Private Boat
A lot of people go to Catalina on their own power boats or sailboats. Two Harbors, in fact, is one of the top destinations in Southern California for sailboat skippers. Power boats can get to Catalina in 2-3 hours and therefore usually don’t stay overnight, unless they are large boats with cabins. Sailboats can take 4-6 hours (depending on the departure marina and wind conditions, of course), and usually stay overnight.
For those planning on an overnight stay, it is advisable to secure a mooring ball in advance. You can only do this at Two Harbors and its adjacent coves, mooring balls are not available in Avalon. To reserve a mooring ball, click here.
Getting From Avalon To Two Harbors
This used to be next to impossible unless you were willing to bounce your way across on the bumpy dirt road trails of the Safari Bus. Now, however, the Cyclone boat goest between the two locations for $15 each way. The trip takes 40 minutes. You can get more information from the pier in both Avalon and Two Harbors.
• Taking A Private Plane To Catalina
If you know someone with a private plan who is willing to take you, then you can fly into the small “Airport In The Sky” as it is called. There is no airline commercial service. The airport is above Avalon, and getting into town is via Wildlands Express ($17 per person each way and a shuttle bus (call 310-510-0143 for hours and reservations).
• There Is No Uber Or Lyft Service Or Rental Cars On Catalina Island
However, you can rent golf carts in Avalon. Do this on-site when in Avalon.
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