Catalina Island (whose official but rarely used name is Santa Catalina Island) is near the southern end of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It's technically in Los Angeles County and is a popular day trip for locals and tourists.

Santa Catalina is 22 miles from the mainland, despite the lyrics of the Four Preps' song.

Twenty-six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the Island of Romance -- "26 Miles", The Four Preps, 1958

Catalina is a world unto itself, a distant asylum from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Southern California. Most of the island is owned by the Catalina Conservancy which is chartered with protecting its environment. Many visitors to the Island come from cruises offered by Royal Caribbean.

Get in

By boat
 • Catalina-Marina del Rey Flyer  - From Marina del Rey to Avalon and Two Harbors. Phone: (310) 305-7250. Check website for schedule and rates.
 • Catalina Classis Cruises  - From San Pedro to Avalon. Toll free: 800-641-1004, Phone: 495-3565. Check website for schedule. Round trip fares - Adult: $31.50, Children (2-11): $26.00, Seniors (55+): $29.00, Infants (under 2): $3.00.
 • Catalina Express Ferry  from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point to Avalon. There is also a boat from San Pedro to Two Harbors. Phone: 800-481-3470. Fares vary by departure point. See website for prices and schedule.
 • Catalina Explorer  from Long Beach to Avalon. Toll free: (877) 432-6276, Phone: (562) 901-0660, Fax: (562) 901-0770. 7 days a week, depart Long Beach: 9:15 a.m., depart Avalon: 5:00 p.m. Round-trip fares - Adults: $38.00, Children (3-11): $28.00, Seniors (55+): $34.50, Infants (2 and under): $5.00.
 • Catalina Flyer  from Newport Beach to Avalon. Phone: 949-673-5245. See website for scheduled departures. $44 round trip.'
 • Private boat - Avalon and Two Harbors have mooring facilities and services. There are also many coves around the island that have moorings or anchorages. The Catalina website has details about anchorage and mooring points around the island.

By air
 • Island Express Helicopter Service  flies from San Pedro or Long Beach into Catalina's Airport in the Sky.
 • Airport in the Sky  is open to private aircraft with a $20 landing fee and $5 per night tie down fee. No fuel is available for sale at the airport. Phone: 510-0143, Weather info line: 800-255-8700.

Links

Santa Catalina Island official Web site 
Catalina Island Conservancy