Catalina Island Information

The originanal inhabitants of Catalina Island was the Tongva tribe, who also lived in the Los Angeles area. This rocky island is off the California coast (about 20 miles from Los Angeles) and is about 74 square miles in size. It is one of the eight islands which make up the Channel Islands.

Catalina Isalnd is the only channel island with a permanent civilian population. As per the 2000 census, there are 3,696 permanent residents. Most of the island is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Detailed Catalina Island Information can be found on Wikipedia.

About 1,000,000 tourists per year visit the island. Access to the island is via Ferries or "The Airport in the Sky". The airport is located in the center of the island at an altitude of 1602 feet. It has a single runway which is only suitable for small planes. Two mountain tops had to be blasted away and the gap between the two was filled by 200,000 truckloads of rock. The airport is often closed due to low-hanging clouds. Make a point of visiting the airport while you are on Catalina Island - and preferably by hiking or by bike.

The popular way to reach Catalina Island is by ferry. Ferries to Catalina Island depart from various points, including Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. The length of the trip varies bettween 60 to 90 minutes. The cost of a ferry trip to Catalina Island for an adult is about $50 per adult and $40 per child - these are round trip fees.

Another alternative would be to fly to Catalina Island by Helicopter - which is also the fastes way. Cost is about $80 per person, one way.

For more information about Ferry, Helicopter and Boat services, visit the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce website.

Catalina Island Weather Information
For an up to date weather on Catalina Island

Catalina Island Hotel Alternative
Why stay in a Catalina Island Hotel if you can rent this luxury penthouse condo?

Catalina Island Condo
Setailed information and photos of this luxury penthouse condo - the most perfect romantic Catalina Island vacation rental.

Catalina Island Events Calendar
All the event information you need to plan your trip to Catalina Island.