Your Catalina Island Vacation is just a short ferry ride away.

By Captain Marcos D. Gardo

Santa Catalina Island is part of the beautiful Channel Islands Archipelago, which stretches for miles along the Southern California coast. Just 22 miles long and 8 miles wide, rugged and beautiful Catalina Island is home to some of the richest marine diversity in the world. Catalina Island is the only Channel Island that is developed, but most of the island is still protected, and most the inhabitants are concentrated in the town of Avalon.

Located approximately 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles, Catalina Island makes the island a perfect destination for weekend vacations, honeymoons, weddings and day trips. There are many different ways to enjoy the Island including sport fishing, sailing, diving, hiking and camping, golf and more. Each one of these activities shares a rich history and lineage connected with the island.

The majority of the island's residents are concentrated in the port town of Avalon, with 300 or so more in the more remote Two Harbors. Islanders typically work in the tourism industry in some way, some are artisans, baoting enthusiasts, or retirees. All supplies must be shipped in from the mainland, making fuel, groceries and just about everything else expensive and prone to shortages. There are strict regulations regarding motor vehicles on the island so resident use modified golf cart to get around. These things add to the island's charm and easy pace of life.

The island is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy, whose mission it is to restore and protect the original flora and fauna. Interestingly, the Conservancy is also responsible for managing the wild buffalo, which were brought in and left behind by a film production over 50 years ago.

Golf carts are easy to rent, but bicycles are the easiest way to explore the narrow street and interact with friendly locals. guided tours provide a great, inexpensive way to learn about the island's rich history.

Lodging is available for all budgets, including budets accomodations, spa resorts, vacation rentals and small intimate inns. There are plenty of activities to fill day trips or stays of a few days or more with great dining, boutique shops, tours, and adventures to keep visitors interested. Catalina Island is like another world compared to the California mainland, and is close enough to make weekend trips easy and affordable.

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