Catalina Island in Avalon, CA. Photo by: Licia Summerhill /The Bulletin
By Licia Summerhill Staff Reporter
Vacations can be a great way to unwind and relax. For both college students and working adults, vacations require a different set of considerations to keep in mind. Therefore, the functionality of a quick and affordable locale with entertaining activities can be daunting and costly. To combat that, Catalina Island could be the answer for those with time and money constraints.
For my day trip to the island, I chose a 9:50 a.m. ferry ride from the Long Beach terminal. Boarding within the terminal was effortless and with plenty of agents to handle same-day booking needs, I received assistance with the boarding process within minutes. In the waiting area, there are several stands of brochures with things to do on the island. As an added bonus, there was an agent ready to book activities within the island as well.
The boat ride to Catalina Island is a treat within itself. Catalina Express is a ferry company that offers boat rides to and from Catalina Island daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Each terminal comes complete with parking services and easy boarding access.
The Catalina Express jet is spacious and roomy with both inside and outside seating. Most of the passengers were friendly and relaxed. Passengers are allowed to carry luggage and there is ample room for backpacks. The ferry also allows for a pet and up to three fishing poles. For an additional $7 fee, passengers can bring a bike or surfboard.
With amenities such as bathroom facilities and a fully equipped snack and beverage bar, the boat ride over to the island becomes part of the vacation. Outdoor seating allows a scenic view of the ocean. It is easy to get swept away by the relaxation of the waves and the overall ambiance of the ocean the ride creates. Within minutes away from shore, I was able to watch a pod of dolphins leaping in the water behind the boat.
The boat ride is approximately an hour from shore to shore. As I entered the island, there was a slowing down of the hustle and bustle of city life. With only the chimes of the bell every 15 minutes to remind you of the time, the island is in a time warp of its own.
The gift shops make it easy to add to the itinerary here in Avalon. There are bike and golf cart rentals for ease of transportation, bathing suits, and fishing bait for the vacationing fisherman. The pier is a beautiful way to experience the water as you view the fish swimming in clear ocean waters. The pier is also a great place to board and book ocean tours of the reef. With two options to choose from, the glass bottom boat or the underwater submarine tour, each view will allow you to experience the coral reefs on the island. For the adventurous visitor, there are snorkeling options complete with gear for rent if necessary.
Before leaving, I had to try NDMK Fish House after the locals and visitors alike spoke so highly of the restaurant. For our experience, I tried the oysters on the half shell along with a sushi roll. The oysters were fresh and flavorful. Served with a choice of two sauces on a bed of cabbage, the oysters were the best I have ever tasted. I also had a sushi roll with the right amount of flavor and sauces, served with a side of delicious ginger and wasabi to round out the experience.
I ended the trip at 3:55 p.m. with a boat ride back to the Long Beach terminal. I enjoyed the Commodore Lounge on our way back home. The boarding was swift and included a snack upon first entering the lounge. The comfortable and quiet atmosphere allows you to sit and enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean. If interested, waiters are available to provide drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, and snacks. Even with the boat staff bustling about, the ride inside is so relaxing, it will lull you right to sleep.
Overall, I would recommend Catalina to anyone who wants to experience the island on a day trip or even for a weekend getaway. The island offers such a variety of year-round activities, it is worth revisiting over and over again.
