Best Boats To Take You To Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a popular boating destination, with people travelling to the island in vessels of all shapes and sizes. The most common way to get to Catalina Island is by ferry, with the Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer offering daily services from ports in southern California. The ferry ride takes about an hour, with up to 30 departures a day.

However, many people also make the trip in private boats, with the journey taking anywhere from under an hour to nearly a day, depending on the boat. The Catalina Ski Race, for example, clocks round trips from Long Beach of less than an hour.

The island has a rich boating history, with Native islanders travelling to the mainland in outrigger-style canoes thousands of years ago. In the early 20th century, as Catalina emerged as a resort destination, recreational boating also became a popular pastime.

Getting to Catalina Island by ferry

Catalina Island is a popular destination for boaters, with a range of vessels making the crossing, from open cabin runabouts to large yachts. The island is just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California and can be reached by boat in under an hour.

The most popular way to get to Catalina Island is by passenger ferry, with crossings taking about an hour. The Catalina Express offers year-round daily service from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, with up to 30 departures a day. The Catalina Flyer offers a similar service from Newport Beach.

The Catalina Express operates a fleet of eight fast, modern boats, with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, snacks, and drinks. The boats are clean and efficient, and the crew is professional and kind. The ride is smooth, and you may even spot dolphins and whales.

The Catalina Express offers great group rates, and you can save money by booking a boat and hotel package. You can also upgrade to the Commodore Lounge for priority check-in, express boarding, and complimentary drinks and snacks.

The Catalina Flyer is another option, with a similar schedule and pricing to the Catalina Express.

Getting to Two Harbors

Transportation to Two Harbors is available via the Catalina Express from San Pedro. You can also travel seasonally between Avalon and Two Harbors on the Cyclone boat. Private charter transportation and services to Two Harbors and Emerald Bay are also available.

Boating to Catalina Island

If you're considering getting to Catalina Island by private boat, the crossing can take anywhere from under an hour to nearly a day, depending on your boat and departure port. High-performance boats can make the crossing in less than an hour, while sailboats may take much longer.

There are moorings (but no slips) available in Avalon, Two Harbors, and various coves around the island. Hundreds of moorings are available in Avalon Harbor, with dozens more in Descanso and Hamilton Coves, overseen by the Avalon Harbor Department. At the West End, Two Harbors and its nearby boating areas offer hundreds more moorings, managed by the Catalina Island Company.

No matter what type of vessel you're taking, remember that crossing the channel is open water. Cell phone service mid-channel is often non-existent, so a marine radio is essential, as is an understanding of the unpredictability of the open ocean.

Private boats to Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a popular destination for private boat owners. The island is about 22 miles off the coast of Southern California and can be reached in a few hours, depending on the departure location. The island is part of the Channel Islands National Park, and 90% of it is covered in wilderness.

There are two towns on Catalina Island: Avalon and Two Harbors. Avalon is the larger of the two, with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and attractions for tourists. Two Harbors is a small village with just one restaurant and one lodge, ideal for those who enjoy nature and camping.

When travelling to Catalina Island by private boat, it is important to consider the weather and sea conditions. The crossing can be smooth and uneventful, or it can be rough and challenging, depending on the day. It is recommended to check the weather and sea conditions before departing and to follow the Catalina Express if the waters are rough.

Private boats come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no definitive answer for the smallest or largest boat that can make the crossing. However, some people have reported taking boats as small as 15 feet or as large as 50 feet. It is essential to ensure that your boat is seaworthy and has all the necessary safety equipment, such as a radio and a compass.

Overall, Catalina Island is a great destination for private boat owners, offering a range of activities such as swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, camping, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Catalina Island's moorings

Catalina Island, just off the coast of Southern California, is a boater's paradise. Moorings are available in Avalon, Two Harbors, and various coves around the island.

Avalon Moorings

Over 360 mooring sites are available in Avalon Harbor, Descanso Bay, and Hamilton Cove. Moorings are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon arrival, boaters must wait outside the Avalon Harbor entrance for a mooring assignment from the Harbor Patrol boat. Moorings cannot be assigned over VHF radio. Mooring fees are payable in cash, check, or credit card (except American Express) to the Harbor Patrol Officer. Avalon is a NO DISCHARGE area, meaning no sewage may be discharged. A free Pump-A-Head station is located near the fuel dock.

Two Harbors Moorings

Over 700 mooring sites are available around Two Harbors in secluded coves, landings, beaches, and harbors, including Isthmus Cove, Fourth of July Cove, Cherry Cove, and more. Moorings are available via reservation. Every Thursday at midnight or 8 PM, availability is loaded for the weekend. When you arrive, contact the Two Harbors Harbor Department via VHF Channel 09 to find your assignment and pay your fees.

Moorings in Other Coves

Moorings are also available in other coves around the island, such as Catalina Harbor, Wells Beach, and more.

General Information

Quiet hours between 10 pm and 7 am apply for all generator usage. A five-mile per hour, no-wake speed limit is enforced near mooring areas and anchorages. Shoreboat/water-taxi service is available and monitors VHF Channel 9. There is a charge per person, per trip, each way.

History of boating on Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a popular boating destination, with a rich history of sailing and exploration. Located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, the island has been a favourite getaway for boaters from the mainland for many years.

The earliest recorded history of boating on Catalina Island dates back to the arrival of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo in 1542. Cabrillo was greeted by the Pimugnan Indians, who had inhabited the island for 500 years. Over the next few centuries, the island was visited by a number of European explorers and settlers, including Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino in the 1500s, and the Portola expedition in 1769, who all claimed the island for Spain.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Catalina Island began to be developed as a tourist resort. George Shatto, a businessman from Michigan, bought the island in 1887 and began developing the town of Avalon. Shatto built a hotel, enlarged the wharf to accommodate larger steamers, and sold town lots. The island changed hands a few times, with various owners adding attractions and amenities, including roads, telephone and telegraph systems, dance pavilions, an aquarium, a golf course, and more.

During this time, Catalina Island also became world-renowned for sport fishing, thanks to the efforts of writer and naturalist Charles Frederick Holder, who popularized the use of light tackle. Holder also founded Catalina's Tuna Club, the oldest fishing club in the United States.

The early 20th century saw the introduction of the SS Catalina, also known as The Great White Steamer, a 301-foot steamship that provided passenger service between Los Angeles and Santa Catalina Island from 1924 to 1975. The SS Catalina could carry 2,000 passengers and offered luxurious amenities, including leather settees, teak finishes, big bands, magicians, and clowns. It was a beloved part of the Catalina boating experience and carried about 25 million passengers during its service.

Today, Catalina Island remains a popular boating destination, with year-round boat transportation and up to 30 departures daily from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Visitors can explore the picturesque town of Avalon, enjoy outdoor activities in Two Harbors, or discover the many secluded coves and campsites around the island.

Catalina Island boating destinations

Catalina Island is a boating destination with a difference. With its picturesque waterfronts, scenic beauty, and year-round boat transportation, it is a popular boating destination in Southern California.

Catalina Island is a resort island located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. The island is a popular boating destination, with hundreds of moorings available in Avalon Harbor, Descanso, and Hamilton Coves, as well as in the west at Two Harbors. The island offers protected coves and safe harbor, making it a convenient and attractive destination for boaters.

Avalon Harbor

Avalon Harbor is the main boating destination on Catalina Island, offering hundreds of moorings for boats of various sizes. The harbor is managed by the Avalon Harbor Department, which provides oversight and maintenance for the moorings. The town of Avalon is just a short distance from the harbor and offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, shopping, dining, and water sports.

Two Harbors

Two Harbors, located on the west end of Catalina Island, is a rustic village that is a popular destination for outdoor and boating enthusiasts. The area offers hundreds of moorings, managed by the Catalina Island Company, and provides a more secluded and natural experience compared to Avalon. Two Harbors is known for its spectacular campgrounds and beautiful beaches, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil boating getaway.

Descanso and Hamilton Coves

In addition to the main boating destinations of Avalon and Two Harbors, Catalina Island also offers additional moorings in Descanso and Hamilton Coves. These coves provide a more intimate and secluded boating experience while still offering access to the amenities and attractions of the island.

Getting to Catalina Island

Getting to Catalina Island by boat can take anywhere from under an hour to nearly a day, depending on the type of boat and departure port. High-performance boats can make the crossing in less than an hour, while sailboats may take longer, especially if they are sailing against the wind. The Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer ferry services offer daily departures from various ports in Southern California, providing a convenient and scenic way to reach the island.

History of Boating on Catalina Island

The history of boating on Catalina Island dates back thousands of years to the native islanders who crossed the channel in outrigger-style canoes. In the 16th century, Spanish galleons arrived on the island, followed by smugglers who used the island to avoid taxes and duties. In the early 20th century, Catalina emerged as a resort destination, and recreational boating became a popular pastime, with Hollywood's elite frequently visiting the island on their yachts.

Boating Tips

When planning a boating trip to Catalina Island, it is important to remember that crossing the channel is open water. Cell phone service may be unreliable, so a marine radio is essential for communication. Additionally, the ocean conditions can be unpredictable, so it is always important to check the weather and sea conditions before departing.

Frequently asked questions