Catalina Island
Not just another island, another world
Story by Marlo Morrison

Catalina truly is an island getaway. Located only 22 miles off the Southern California coast, this friendly, quaint, historical destination offers relaxation and adventure.

There is something for everyone - kayaking, bike riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding or just simply relaxing along the waters' edge. Catalina is a unique blend of culture, beauty and adventure.

Accommodations on Catalina vary from simplicity to luxurious. Overnight visitors can choose from camping, condos, bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious oceanfront vacation rentals.

Our accommodation, booked through Catalina Island Vacation Rentals, was breathtaking. Never would we have imagined such the perfect home-away-from-home. This was by far the most beautiful, warm, spacious condo on the island so close to the shore. Stepping out onto our balcony, we took in the spectacular views of Green Pier, downtown shopping and the entire Avalon Bay with the Casino building in the distance. Did you know that this building is not a casino? The name simply translates to mean, "a place to go."

Getting around Catalina is limited to either walking, biking or riding on golf carts, so personally, renting a bike for the day is the ideal way to take in the sights and surroundings. You won't see very many cars, as Catalina Island is limited to 800 vehicles, not to mention the price of gas is extremely high. I was informed that, in July 2008, the price per gallon was at $6.

Located below our condo is Brown's Bikes. You will see the tan building about 100 yards from exiting the Catalina Flyer. Here you can choose from an array of bikes - singles, tandems, adult or child. Mesa (pronounced "Mee-suh") Bradley, owner of Brown's Bikes, and her friendly, courteous staff will fit the right bike to you.

Seeing the most of Avalon can be a bit of a challenge, as there are many steep roads. Avalon Scenic Tours, offered through Discovery Tours has a 50-minute, seven-and-a-half mile tour that provides an informative, picturesque journey of Avalon's hillside and quaint local towns. Becky, our driver, created a very memorable and humorous adventure. Thanks, Becky!

Another tour to experience is the Undersea Tour (semi-submersible) adventure. There are two tours offered, day and night. Our day tour brought an amazing array of fish: bright orange garibaldi, spotted calico bass by the hundreds and kelp as tall as the ocean was deep. As the vessel traveled over to Lover's Cove, a marine preserve, our sub became engulfed by hundreds of calico sea bass. So many in fact, you almost couldn't see the water.

Lover's Cove is also the perfect spot to snorkel. Located just off of Pebbly Beach Road, this is pure fun for even the experienced diver. Kids, couples and families have access to this protected bay to get up close with Avalon's sea life. If you're quick enough, as Ashley was, you'll even be able to touch one.

With so many activities on Catalina, it is hard to find time for them all. Of the many activities, kayaking should definitely be on your to-do list. At Descanso Beach, located just on the other side of the Casino building, kayak and snorkel equipment rentals are offered from Descanso Beach Ocean Sports. For first-timers or those with experience, you will enjoy the clear blue waters full of sea life. The day of our kayak adventure, the weather was perfect and at times, you could see the ocean floor while the sun glistened on the ocean surface.

The helpful staff at Descanso Beach Ocean Sports offers a convenient and safe ocean adventure. Prepared with the necessary safety information and with a gentle push into the meek waves, you are off and paddling.

So as the closing of our Catalina Island vacation neared, it saddened us to say goodbye. Our adventure far exceeded our expectations and a love for this island, originally named "Santa Catalina" after St. Catherine of Alexandria in 1602, grew in our hearts.

Discover Catalina Island. This fun, affordable getaway blends beauty, history, nature and adventure, and welcomes you with warmth and true island hospitality.

Conveniently located in Newport Beach, the Catalina Flyer offers daily morning departures to Catalina and evening departures from Catalina to make the most of your day. But don't miss the boat as you will have to stay another day. But then again, missing the boat might not be such a bad idea.

Catalina Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 217 #1
Green Pleasure Pier Avalon l California
Phone [310] 510-1520
www.catalinachamber.com