Other important numbers are for the Isthmus Harbor Department: (310) 510-4253 or VHF channel 9 for all areas outside Avalon, the U.S. Coast Guard: (310) 732-2044 or VHF channel 16, and the L.A. County Lifeguard-Paramedic Rescue Boat: 911 or VHF channel 16.

Avalon

• Latitude 33.20.83/Longitude 118.19.42
• Course Settings:From: magnetic reverse distance, course nautical miles San Pedro
  • Breakwater 174 354 21.7 Long Beach Breakwater 183 003 23.5 Long Beach Marina (East
• Breakwater Light) 187 007 24.5 Santa Monica 152 332 41.0 Pt. Vincente 152 332 24.0
• Mooring Fees:Moorings are on a first come first served basis
  • Boats 39′ and under $20 per night
  • Boats 40′ to 49′ $26 per night
  • Boats 50′ to 59′ $35 per night
  • Boats 60′ to 69′ $43 per night
  • Boats 70′ to 79′ $53 per night
  • Boats 80′ to 89′ $61 per night
  • Boats 90′ to 99′ $71 per night
  • Boats 100′ and over $80 per night
• Winter Special: (October 15 through Palm Sunday) Pay for the first two nights in advance and the next five consecutive nights are free.

Services

• The telephone number of the Harbor Master is (310) 510-0535. Staff is on duty 24 hours a day. www.cityofavalon.com
• Note – Avalon is a no discharge area. No sewage, whether treated or untreated, may be discharged. This law is strictly enforced. The penalty is one year’s expulsion from the Harbor and a $500 fine. There is a free pump-a-head station near the casino on the west side of Avalon bay, by the passenger boat landing. You can also call Head Pumpers (310-510-3215, VHF 68) who will come to your boat.
• Diesel fuel and gas are available at the fuel dock next to the Casino. Summer hours are 7 am-6 pm daily. Winter hours are 8-10 and 2-4 Monday thru Friday, 8-4 on weekends. Call (310) 510-0046. Beer, ice, soft drinks and snacks are sold at the nearby Casino Dock Cafe (open 7:30-4 weekdays, 7-6 weekends).
• Trash is picked up twice daily during the summer and on weekends throughout the year by service boats. Trash should be placed in plastic bags available from the Harbor Master’s office and the service boats.
• Fish weigh-in is available on the pleasure pier. Sharks are not permitted.
• Water is available at the fuel dock and at the pump-a-head station floats.
• Casino Way Showers, opposite the Tuna Club. An attendant sells tokens, which cost $1 each. To enter the showers costs one token; each 5 minutes of shower time costs an additional token. Towel rental is available for $1 each. You can also drop off your laundry here, for washing, pressing and mending. Ice is available. Phone (310) 510-0228.
  • Summer hours:Monday – Thursday7 am-6 PMFriday – Sunday

    7 am-7 PM

  • Winter hours (after Labor Day):Monday – Thursday7 am-9 am, 3 PM-5 PMFriday

    7 am-9 am, 3 PM-7 PMSaturday

    7 am-7 PMSunday

    7 am-5 PM

• Pleasure Pier Rinse-off, next to the public restroom at the base of the pier. Open air showers intended for swimmers; Free open 24 hours.
• There is no landing fee in Avalon, or anywhere else in Catalina. There are dinghy docks throughout the harbor for dinghies 14 feet and under. Dinghies can be left for no more than 72 hours; after this time a citation will be issued necessitating a court appearance. Do not leave valuables unattended.
• Repairsare available from several sources:
  • Avalon Harbor Marine – (310) 510-9534
  • Sherrill’s Marine Services – (310) 510-1610
  • The Repair Barge – by the Casino
  • Call Marine Repair on VHF channel 16 in Avalon or VHF channel 9 outside Avalon.
• Boat Equipment and Suppliesare available from:
  • Pebbly Beach Marine Center – (310) 510-9588
  • Sherrill’s Marine Services – (310) 510-1610.
• Shore Boats monitor VHF channel 9. To the Pleasure Pier the charge is $4.00 from the inner harbor, $4.50 from the outer harbor.

Moorings

Over 700 moorings located west of Whites Landing are operated by the Isthmus Harbor Department. These moorings are available on a first come, first serve basis. Charges are based on the vessel size and the length of stay. For more information or a boater’s guide contact the Isthmus Harbor Department at (310) 510-4253.

Below is a list of anchorages and moorings around the island. Most often are in isolated areas with striking views.

• Little Harbor – One of the Island’s most beautiful harbors, with access to hiking trails and camping facilities (call (310) 510-7265) including showers, toilets, fire rings, and piped water. No moorings, but anchorage for 10-15.
• Catalina Harbor – Mooring for 96, and anchorage for 235. Continuing into the Isthmus there are toilets, fire pits, and picnic facilities on shore. Camping is not permitted.
• Parson’s Landing – Space for camping with fire rings, barbecue pits, and toilets. Call (310) 510-7265 for reservations. Close to westend hiking trails. Anchorage for 10 but no moorings.
• Emerald Bay – 99 moorings and anchorage for 5-10 boats. A beautiful bay with good skin diving nearby.
• Howlands – 40 moorings.
• Big Geiger Cove – Anchorage for 10 with 3 more anchorages and 1 mooring located nearby at Little Geiger Cove.
• Cherry Cove – Named for a grove of Catalina cherry trees growing up the canyon. 103 moorings but no anchorages
• Fourth of July – 42 moorings; no anchorage. As might be expected its name is a reference to its use as a site for holiday celebrations passed.
• Big Fisherman’s Cove – Home to USC’s Marine Science Center. Facilities here (dock, ramp, and 2 moorings) are for researchers only: do not use them.
• Empire Landing – Anchorage for 20. The 2 moorings are private. There is a quarry here on the site of an old Indian one.
• Ripper’s Cove – Anchorage for 5-10. Good swimming and diving.
• Little Gibraltar – Anchorage for 7-10 boats.
• Goat Harbor – Anchorage for 5-10 boats.
• Buttonshell Beach – Anchorage for 10; 7 moorings.
• Hen Rock Cove – Anchorage for 10; 24 moorings. Another good skin diving area.
• White’s Landing -17 moorings, anchorage for 16. The island’s widest sandy beach.
• Moonstone Beach – Anchorage for 12; 38 moorings.
• Willow Cove – Anchorage for 4.
• Toyon – 9 moorings; anchorage for 6.
• Hamilton Beach – 36 moorings. Within view of the Hamilton Cove condominiums. Very close to Avalon.
• Descanso Bay – 47 moorings. Even closer to Avalon. No beach landings are permitted but there are several dinghy docks nearby.

Boat In

Two Harbors administers a number of primitive beach campsites, accessible only by boat. There are no man-made improvements in these coves, so campers will need to bring their own equipment (or rent it from Two Harbors with advance reservations) including porta-potties. Campers also need to remove all that they bring with them. The locations include:

• Starlight Beach
• East Starlight Beach
• Paradise Cove
• Ripper’s Cove
• Lava Wall Beach
• Cabrillo Beach
• Willow Cove
• Frog Rock Cove

For more information on cost and availability call Two Harbors Camping at (800) 785-8425.

Weather

Weather information is available from several sources. From L.A call (805) 278-0760 for marine weather. By radio, updated round-the-clock by the National Weather Service, VHF channel Wx-1; or, from FAA LA use beacon band 332 kHz. Note that the trip across the Santa Barbara/ Catalina Channel may be difficult at times; wave heights vary greatly according to the weather. So too, during the winter months changes in swell-direction may occur due to the Santa Ana winds, affecting the safety of anchorages.

Travel By Sea

Catalina Express

Fastest Fleet Afloat! Most trips are about an hour. Up to 30 daily departures. Year-round service. Departures from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point (1 hr. 30 min. service from Dana Point) to Avalon and Two Harbors. Eight high-speed vessels offer comfortable, airline-style seating, cocktail service and friendly cabin attendants.

• Reservations/travel schedules please call: 310-519-1212 or 800-618-5533.
• Groups: 310-519-7971 ext. 4.
• Berth 95, San Pedro, CA 90731
• www.catalinaexpress.com

Newport Flyer

Depart from the historic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach. We serve Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego residents. Crossing time is only about one hour on the luxurious catamaran, Catalina Flyer. We do packages with most Catalina hotels and offer Group and Senior rates. Sightseeing tours available for purchase on board. Speed—Service—Luxury. Reservations required:

• 949-673-5245 or 800-830-7744
• www.catalinainfo.com

Avalon Shoreboats/Island Navigation

Water-taxi service in Avalon Harbor and surrounding areas. Land transp. also avail. Ask for group & charter rates.

• 310-510-0409 or 310-510-2888 or VHF Radio Ch 9
• www.catalinaadventuretours.com

Catalina Classic Cruises

The largest boats and lowest fares. Scheduled service from San Pedro to Avalon. Full service snack and beverage bar. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

• 800-641-1004

Catalina Explorer

Year round service from Dana Point & Long Beach to Avalon & Two Harbors. Fast clean boats & great service.

• 877-432-6276
• www.catalinaexplorerco.com or www.catalinaferry.com

Catalina Freight Line

Provides year round freight service to and from Catalina Island.

• Berth 184, Wilmington, CA 90744.
  • 310-549-4004
• Pebbly Beach Road, Avalon, CA 90704
  • 310-510-0248

GO-C-SU Travel

For all your travel needs international, air, hotels, tours, cruises, packages including complete Catalina packages. Notary and small business accounting services available also.

• 310-510-0804

Travel By Air

Island Express Helicopter Service

The FASTEST way to Avalon, only 15 minutes. Serving Long Beach and San Pedro Boat Terminals. Try the Day in Paradise Package.

• 1-800-2-Avalon

Island Hopper/Catalina Airways

Air Service between San Diego and Catalina 7 days a week in single and multi-engine airplanes. Year round. Call for more information and reservations.

• 858-279-4595

Travel on the Island

Catalina Adventure Tours

Executive style bus trans. with air cond. charters/group rates available. Call for ticket locations or to make reservation.

• 310-510-2888 or 562-432-8828
• www.catalinaadventuretours.com

Catalina Transportation Services

Taxi and Shuttle service around Avalon. Private Charters in 7-passenger vans into the island’s interior. Visit Airport-in-the-Sky for lunch or dinner, see Shark and Little Harbors, or travel to the quaint village of Two Harbors. Charter our vintage Rolls Royce with a white-gloved chauffeur for special occasions.

• For taxi service call: 310-510-0025
• For charters and general info, call 310-510-0342 (M-F 8-5; after hours 510-0025)

Catalina Safari Bus

Explore the island. Scheduled bus service between Avalon & Two Harbors, stops at picnic sites, beaches, trails, campgrounds and airport. Group rates, passenger & baggage charters available.

• 310-510-2800

Island Rentals

Gas-powered Yamaha golf carts. Gives you a chance to see Avalon and its beautiful surrounding hills at your leisure. Open year round. Located under the Holly Hill House at

• 125 Pebbly Beach Road
• 310-510-1456

Tram Charters

Trams available for private charter. Transport your wedding guests, clients or employees to various locations in Avalon (including the Wrigley Memorial).

• 310-510-2000, ext. 1223
• www.scico.com

Travel To/From Airports

Elite Airport Shuttle

Nonstop shuttle to and from airports to Catalina Express and Island Express Helicopter service. Charters available for reservations. Discount with groups.

• 310-266-4170
• www.eliteairportshuttle.com

Karmel Shuttle

To/from boat terminals to Airports • Hotels • Residence • Businesses • Van • Sedan • Limousine • Coaches. Individual & group packages.

• www.karmel.com
• 1-888-995-7433

Whether you travel by sea or by air, we hope you’ve found the perfect way to get from LA to Catalina Island.

You’ll find plant life you can’t find anywhere else. And animal life that’s just as rare. Keep your eye out for Catalina Island fox, quail, buffalo, and even bald eagles as you hike along well-marked trails, bike over mountain roads, or let a tour bus do the work. Commune with nature overnight, and then some, at one of Catalina’s secluded campgrounds. You haven’t met Catalina Island until you’ve met the Interior. (Permits Required)

As early as two thousand years ago, the Gabrielino Native Americans called it the “mountain ranges that are in the sea.”

For the past one hundred years, sailors, fishermen and vacationers have referred to it as an island paradise.

Today, scientists and naturalists consider it to be one of the world’s great ecological treasures.

Located less than twenty miles from Los Angeles, Catalina Island’s seventy-six square miles are covered with broad valleys, isolated coves, pristine beaches, two-thousand foot peaks and near vertical shoreline palisades.

This diverse habitat is home to thousands of species of unique native plants and animals. Of these natives, fifteen — including the stately Catalina Mahogany, the shy Catalina Island Fox and the prolific Beechey Ground Squirrel– are found nowhere else in the world.

Since its rediscovery early in the sixteenth century by European explorers, Catalina Island has served people’s needs, often at the expense of its native life forms. During the past two hundred years, Catalina has been used for ambitious livestock and mining efforts, each having left its mark on the island’s landscape.

However, beginning in the early part of the twentieth century with the purchase of Catalina Island by William Wrigley Jr., a healing process was initiated. Under the Wrigley stewardship, the protection and beautification of Catalina Island took priority over more consumptive uses. These efforts culminated in 1975, when the Catalina Island Conservancy took over the ownership of 88% of Catalina — more than 42,000 acres. Today, the Catalina Island Conservancy is on the cutting edge of natural resource management. Throughout Catalina’s vast interior and along its magnificent coastline, you will find the Catalina Island Conservancy at work — preserving natural diversity and scenic splendor while allowing thousands of visitors annually to enjoy this spectacular island.

In addition to featuring one of the nation’s leading ecological restoration programs, the Catalina Island Conservancy offers a wide array of environmental education and outdoor recreation programs and activities.

One hundred percent of the financial support for the Catalina Island Conservancy comes from private funds — no public tax dollars are used in any Catalina Island Conservancy program. As a result, our membership is our lifeblood.

Santa Catalina Island Conservancy
Post Office Box 2739
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2595

For additional information please visit our web site at www.CatalinaConservancy.org

To get into the Island’s interior you need a Conservancy permit, a mountain bike, and strong legs. It’s a 1500 foot, two mile climb to the summit above Avalon! The unspoiled hills are worth it though, and you can make a day trip to the beaches on Catalina’s windward side (see Map of Catalina).

Rentals of single, multi-speed and tandem bikes at hourly, daily and weekly rates are available in Avalon. Parts, repair and sales are also provided. Only the 21-speed rentals can be taken beyond Avalon, into the Island’s interior. This requires a permit form the Conservancy (see below).

Bike Permits

To ride beyond Avalon, into the Island’s interior, you need to purchase a permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy. These permits can be obtained at:

Conservancy House in Avalon – 125 Claressa, 310-510-2595. Open 9-5 daily, closed for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Catalina Airport – 310-510-0143

Two Harbors Visitor Services – 800-626-1496

Permits cost $50 for individuals and $75 for families (including spouse and minor children), and are valid from May 1st through April 30th. Only annual permits are sold, no day passes are available. Accident, liability and life insurance are included with the permit. Only mountain bikes are allowed, and riders must wear helmets. Riding is limited to the primary road from Avalon to Emerald Bay. Riding on secondary roads, service roads and hiking trails are prohibited.

Cross-channel carriers will transport bikes for a fee. Catalina Express charge $6 each way, Catalina Passenger Service charges $7.

But visitors don’t need a car to get around in Avalon; almost everything is in walking distance. Only one square mile in size, the town of Avalon is easy to navigate on foot, and the picturesque harbor that Avalon is nestled around provides a good excuse to slow down and enjoy the view.

When you arrive in Avalon, you’ll find that most of the hotels, shops, and restaurants are nearby. Many hotels provide a courtesy shuttle from the boat docks to town. Be sure to ask for this service when you make your reservation.

Taxi service is also available to all locations in Avalon, and cabs meet each arriving boat. There is also a taxi stand in the center of town that will take you anywhere you wish to go.

Walking is a wonderful way to explore this safe and charming town. You can also rent a bicycle to go exploring, or take a sightseeing tour in a comfortable motor coach or open-air tram.

Golf cart rentals are available year-round and as you’ll discover, almost everybody – visitors and residents alike – find golf carts the favorable mode of transportation in Avalon. In fact, a recent survey taken by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce found that renting a golf cart was the number one tourist attraction on Catalina Island!

If you want to venture beyond Avalon without going on a tour, shuttle bus service will take you to the Airport-In-The-Sky, Two Harbors, and the interior campgrounds.

Outdoor enthusiasts are welcome to explore Catalina Island on foot. Hiking permits and trail maps are available at the Conservancy House in Avalon.

The Wrigley Memorial honors the memory of William Wrigley Jr., who lived from 1861 to 1932. With its commanding view of Avalon Bay, the Wrigley Memorial is the centerpiece of the Botanical Garden. It was built in 1933-34 with the goal of using as much Catalina materials as possible. Quarried Catalina stones can be seen in the reinforced concrete construction — the facade having been sandblasted to hide the cement and highlight the native crushed stones.

The blue flagstone rock on the ramps and terraces comes from Little Harbor, on Catalina’s “back” side. And the red roof tiles and all the colorful handmade glazed tiles used for finishings came from the Catalina Pottery plant, which was in operation from 1927 to 1937. The marble inside the tower was quarried in Georgia.

The idea for a garden came from Mr. Wrigley’s wife, Ada. In 1935, she supervised Pasadena horticulturalist Albert Conrad, who planted the original Desert Plant Collection. Santa Catalina Island’s temperate marine climate made it possible to showcase plants from every corner of the earth.

In 1969, the Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation expanded and revitalized the garden’s 37.85 acres. Along with the new plantings came a new attitude. In the same way that the Wrigley Memorial uses primarily native building materials, the Garden places a special emphasis on California island endemic plants. (Plants, which grow naturally on one or more of the California islands, but nowhere else in the world.) Many of these plants are extremely rare, and some are on the Endangered Species list.

In 1996, the Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation merged with the Catalina Island Conservancy. This was a natural combining of two important ecological organizations, both dedicated to the protection and restoration of Santa Catalina Island.

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, year round. Adult admission is $3, children under 12 are free. It is located one and one-half miles up Avalon Canyon Road. The walk is pleasant, passing the Golf Course, the town’s ballpark, and the Hermit Gulch campground. Public transportation is also available.

An Island Shopping Experience

Shopping in Avalon reflects the laid-back atmosphere and unique charm that defines Catalina Island. Strolling along our quaint streets, you’ll find a wide variety of specialty shops, offering everything from resort-style clothing to unique gift items.

Most of the shops are nestled in the square-mile town of Avalon, so wandering from shop to shop is a great way to get acquainted with the town. Avalon’s recently restored pedestrian walkway, located in the center of town along Crescent Avenue, offers breathtaking harbor views, making for a truly relaxed and enjoyable island shopping experience.

Need some suntan lotion? Want to sample our world-famous saltwater taffy? Surprise your special someone with a beautiful piece of jewelry? Buy a book to read on the beach? Browse our world-class art galleries? You’ll find it all on Catalina Island!

Great Restaurants

Many visitors are surprised to find that such a small town has such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. But with more than 30 restaurants lining the quaint streets of Avalon, dining out is sure to be one of the highlights of your visit.

Choose to dine on fresh seafood in an elegant seaside setting. Take the family out for a pizza. Experience some of the best Mexican cuisine around. Cozy up to a romantic dinner for two. Enjoy live music while you sip a fruity cocktail. Or, simply relax with a cup of coffee and delicious breakfast pastry.

If it’s an ocean breeze and beautiful harbor views that appeal to your senses, Catalina Island offers many options, including sidewalk cafes, restaurants with waterfront patios, and even some casual eateries right on the pier.

Whatever your taste and budget, Catalina Island has a wealth of quality restaurants serving up delicious food, friendly service, and a unique atmosphere sure to make your island experience a memorable one.

Ask any of Catalina’s 3,500 year-round residents, and they’ll likely tell you that Catalina is at it’s best when the summer rush dies down. Temperatures normally stay in the 70s year-round, offering mild, comfortable conditions to enjoy the island’s many land and sea activities. There are no crowds to deal with and the atmosphere is more laid-back.

Best of all, although everything is still open and there are plenty of fun things to do on Catalina Island, most hotels offer reduced room rates, another pleasure reserved for those visiting in the off-season.

Several dive shops on the island offer everything from introductory dives and refresher courses to certification. Introductory dives are led by certified instructors and are designed to make your first diving experience a safe one. Offshore diving and charter boat excursions are also available, as well as equipment rentals and sales.

Annual Special Event for Divers

Each year in February, as many as 500 divers attend the Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Clean-up. This is the only day of the year scuba diving is permitted in Catalina Island’s beautiful Avalon Bay!

The exception is made for a good cause, to clean up the bay. In the past, divers from all over California, the western states and as far as Europe have traveled to Catalina Island to participate.

The refuse found in the bay will be collected over a two-hour period, sorted, and recycled by volunteers. An awards ceremony follows with awards given out for exemplary trash, most unusual trash, biggest piece of trash, and the annual “B.S.” Award, where contestants are invited to display their “booty” and tell their “story” about the origin of a particular item.

The Underwater Clean-up is a fund-raiser benefiting the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy Divers and the USC Hyperberic Chamber on Catalina Island. The USC Hyperberic Chamber is the closest life support recompression chamber to thousands of divers who scuba dive in the nearby waters.

For more information, call the Catalina Conservancy Divers at (310) 348-4750.

Casino Point Marine Park

Located at the edge of the Casino Building, Casino Point Marine Park is Southern California’s first city-designated underwater park. Established in 1965 by the City of Avalon as a reserve, Casino Point is the only spot within Avalon’s city limits where diving is permitted and has recently undergone improvements.

Because it is protected, an abundance of marine life dwells there and several wrecks and artificial reefs have been established to provide additional habitats. Giant kelp forests also flourish in the park.