Catalina Express LA to Avalon Two Harbors Ferry Trip Review
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Catalina Express LA to Avalon Two Harbors Ferry Trip Review |
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There's something cool about taking a ferry, and this is a comfortable cruise to Catalina.
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Taking the Catalina Express
There is something very European about taking the Catalina Express. First, it's a ferry, and those are not exactly prevalent in America. Second, the passengers are frequently hauling backpacks (and even camping gear or items such as surfboards), bringing to mind college students backpacking through Europe, no matter one's age. Third is the destination itself. Usually it's Avalon – that's the departure point for 90% of the people 90% of the time – and that place is like a small Mediterranean village. Even the surrounding hills that provide commanding views of the sea bring to mind the Greek Islands, something of a mini Mykonos. And it's a heck of a lot closer than Mykonos – just an hour across the Pacific Ocean, with land in sight the entire journey. Catalina Express recently invested $1 million into a stablization system for its ferries to increase passenger comfort during the brief trip. There is also something cool about taking a ferry. For starters, it means going to an island. It's also a lot more casual of a pace than the constant rush-rush of an airport; here it's arrive at a relatively quiet terminal (in Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point) where there's plenty of time to grab a snack (or drink), go to the W/C and chill out before the trip. There's no baggage check-in – or annoying extra baggage fees, except for a surfboard or bicycle – long lines or TSA agents screaming for passengers to pull out the laptop, take off jackets, remove shoes, etc. Heck, a lot of people don't even board the ferry with shoes; they are wearing flip-flops. When it comes to taking the ferry, the biggest worrry is how traffic is going to be on the freeway getting to the boat.
And the boat itself is an indoor-outdoor oversized catamaran. On nice days, it's hard to pass on being on the deck, soaking in the sunshine and having the hair brushed by the brisk breeze (tip: always have a sweatshirt or jacket handy, for it can be cool on the water, even on warm days on land). Being outside is also ideal for spotting sealife; often the captain will point out pods of whales or dolphins; skippers have even been known to stop or circle significant sightings. Of course, the interior can be quite cozy and it's good for kids and people who want to kick back in comfort. Catalina Express has airline-style seats inside that recline and hard plastic seats outside. With no reserved seat – and this is another plus of traveling by ferry – one can sit anywhere there is an open spot. Location is a matter of preference. There is a third option, as well. The Commodore Lounge is a private compartment that features its own boarding line, a light snack and one drink (there's a full bar in both this lounge and in the standard passenger area). The Commodore Lounge costs $15 more per trip than the standard ticket. For small parties who want all privacy, the Captain's Lounge seats up to eight passengers ($60 from Long Beach/San Pedro, $80 from Dana Point). The end of the journey to Catalina is rewarded with being able to get on deck and see Avalon or Two Harbors come into view in all their beautiful splendor. The excitement to come is only minutes away, for docking is quick and the walk to Avalon is only about five minutes. In Two Harbors it's that quick to having a Buffalo Milk drink on a table at the Harbor Reef outdoor bar. Catalina Express leaves daily from Long Beach (downtown Landing behind the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary), San Pedro and Dana Point. The company adds ferries during the busier summer months. Reservations are not required but are recommended, especially for May-September (and especially for Buccaneer Days on Two Harbors the first Saturday of October). In addition to the ferry ride, Catalina Express can book accommodations and make reservations for adventures such as the Zip Line, which sells out in advance on weekends. Catalina Express Facts: Tickets are $33.25 one-way and $66.40 R/T ($34.25 and $68.50 from Dana Point), with discounts for seniors, children ages 2-11 and infants...Bikes and surfboards are $3 each way, $6 R/T...Departure times vary by season and location but basically run 6:16 a.m.-7 p.m., with three returns (8:30 a.m., noon and 4 p.m.)...Parking is $14 per day (and any minute more than the previous 24 hours counts as an extra day). • Catalina Express website. SurfsideSam.com covers beach cities and towns around the world. © 2011. All rights reserved. |
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