Be sure to check prices and availability as these may regularly
change depending on the season. Also verify the amount and weights of
luggage that you can take on board. Weight and luggage quantity
regulations vary from company to company.
Review the following Transportation Companies
Catalina Express is a
smallish shuttle ferry operating out of two locations in Long Beach, and
one location each in San Pedro and Dana
Point. To catch their shuttle from Long Beach take the 710-freeway west
until it ends at the Queen Mary (the old passenger ship that is
permanently docked). By the way, it is well worth your time to take a tour
of the Queen Mary if you happen to be at the Catalina Express ferry
several hours early.
There are signs from
the 710 that point the way to the Catalina Express. The maximum
parking fee is $35 with $10 charged per day up to the $35 dollars. You
can even pay by credit card at the tollbooth as you are leaving. Be
sure not to park underneath the tall eucalyptus on the west side of
the parking lot. These shed, birds like to roost in these trees, and
if you will be parked here for more than a day, your car will be
absolutely filthy upon your return.
General admission
varies slightly depending on whether you leave from San Pedro and
Long Beach or Dana Point. At press time the price is approximately
$34 one-way and $68 round trip. Beware as fares change depending on
the time of year and price of gas (a gas surcharge may be added).
For more information
about the Catalina Express including fares, scheduling, directions and
other useful information please call (800) 481-3470 or (800) 360-1212
or visit their web site at: www.catalinaexpress.com
Catalina Marina
del Rey Flyer can be reached
by calling (310) 305-7250 They depart from Marina del Rey just south
of Santa Monica. If you are in the LA and west of LA area this is a
good alternative to reach Catalina rather than driving down to
Orange County. Visit:
www.catalinaferries.com
If you can afford
the added expense of taking a helicopter from the mainland consider
using
Island Express
for this
service. They depart from Long Beach or San Pedro. They can be reached at (310) 510-2525 or (800) 2-AVALON. The
flight takes between 15 and 20 minutes and lands either near Avalon or
at Two Harbors. One way and round trip flights available; they also offer a packaged price
discount which includes the flight, a
taxi ride to and from Avalon, a casino tour, and a glass bottom boat
trip/tour. Browse their website at: www.islandexpress.com
Laheli Helicopter
also offers helicopter rides to and from the island of Catalina. You
can also request customized aerial tours of Catalina and Los Angeles.
For more information call (800) 976-HELI.
Flights leave from San Pedro.
www.lahelicopters.com/tours/ports-o-call-tour.htm#catalina-odyssey-tour
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