1. Port Overview

  1. Avalon, California

  3. Avalon, or Avalon Bay, is the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island of the California Channel Islands. Catalina island is a rocky island off the coast of the U.S. state of California. The island is located about 22 miles (35 km) south-southwest of Los Angeles, California. Its only towns are Avalon and Two Harbors.

    The City of Avalon is oriented around Avalon Bay. The harbor and beaches form the center of the town's activity. Attractions include water sports and outdoor adventure activities, the Casino, the Catalina Island Museum, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens and its beautiful beaches.

    Things to See & Do

    * Scuba diving & snorkeling
    * Catalina island Museum – ground floor of Avalon Casino
    * Descanso Beach Club
    * Avalon walking tours
    * Avalon Casino

    General information

    Cruise Season – May - October
    Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
    Language - English
    Land Area – 8.15 km²
    Population – 4,000 approx
    Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
    Time - GMT minus eight hours
    International Country Telephone Code - 1

    Port Location –The Cabrillo Mole, located on the south end of the harbor acts both as a breakwater and the main docks for the cross-channel passenger boats.

    Transport Links - Most visitors reach Avalon on the ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro. Catalina Express is the most popular way to get to Catalina Island via their fleet of boats. In the summer months, Catalina Express offers about 30 trips a day to Avalon from San Pedro, Dana Point and two ports in Long Beach, downtown and at the Queen Mary. If you're on the west side or north of LA, the Marina Del Rey Flyer is your best bet.

    Catalinaferries has two boats making trips daily in the summer and also have a special winter schedule. It's a great way to get out of town without having to drive out of town.

    Perhaps the best way to reach the island is by private sailboat or powerboat, about a half-day from the Los Angeles harbors. The seas in the channel are generally calm, though there are swells; dolphins and other sea life are often sighted.

    Catalina is also accessible by private plane to Airport In The Sky Catalina Airport and Island Express Helicopter Service offers daily flights from heliports in San Pedro and Long Beach, carrying up to six passengers.