Transportation

Now that you’ve finally decided its time to experience Catalina Island for the first time, you have even more decisions to make and how to get to Catalina Island is an important one. Most visitors to Catalina Island arrive via Catalina ferry – also referred to as cross channel carriers. Currently there are two companies…

Those of us who live on – and love – Catalina Island are regularly amazed at how many times we hear the phrase “I’ve lived in Southern California my entire life and I’ve never been to Catalina Island.” Well, what are you waiting for? Here’s our guide to planning your first visit to Catalina Island….

For most people, getting to Catalina involves a relaxing ride on the Catalina ferry, an hour-long experience that frequently involves seeing dolphins, chatting with friends and perhaps an adult beverage or two. However, the helicopter to Catalina is another way to get to the island. Previously known as Island Express, IEX Helicopters has been providing…

Group travel to Catalina Island – like group travel anywhere – can get complicated. Here are our top five tips to make planning a group trip to Catalina Island easier. Choose your port. Ferry boats to Catalina Island depart from four different ports: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point. Decide which port…

Let’s face it. If you suffer from seasickness and can’t abide the many remedies available, the ferry to Catalina Island is a daunting prospect. Mal de mer, as the French put it, has inspired more than a few people to seek alternative transportation to Catalina. Luckily that alternative has plenty of other benefits. Island Express…

Part of the fun of a Catalina Island vacation is getting here. There are several options for transportation to Catalina Island, including boat and helicopter. The most convenient for central Orange County is the Catalina Flyer, which is operated by Catalina Passenger Services out of Balboa Island in Newport Beach. The Catalina Flyer cruises through…

Are you planning a group trip to Catalina Island? Whether it’s an executive retreat with 10 members of your senior staff, an incentive trip for your top 100 sales staff members or a family reunion with 45 of your closest relatives, a little forethought and planning can help you create a memorable experience for everyone….

Unlike most Southern California getaways, a trip to Catalina Island begins before you even arrive. Trade the traffic-filled commute for a seabreeze-kissed Catalina Island ferry, where the salt spray glistens and wild dolphins often join the trip. Catalina ferry boats offer great views, snacks and libations, allowing you to get your vacation started before you…