Prepare to be fascinated by the alluring blend of natural beauty, bucolic charm, and limitless delights as you step foot on this stunning island paradise. Imagine yourself wandering along palm-fringed beaches, where soft sand touches your toes and calm waves soothe your senses. The azure seas spread as far as the eye can view, enticing you to dive into their cool embrace and discover a vivid underwater world filled with bright marine life. Further inland, you'll find a magnificent tapestry of undulating hills, verdant valleys, and craggy canyons beckoning the brave explorer within you. Explore meandering hiking routes that lead to stunning vistas with panoramic views of the island and its surrounding majesty. Catalina Island is home to a rich range of animals, including lively dolphins leaping in the waters and majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. Immerse yourself in nature's symphony as you see bison quietly grazing on the grassy plains or catch a glimpse of the secretive Catalina Island fox scurrying through the underbrush. Avalon, the island's charming town, is a beautiful combination of old-world charm and modern attractiveness. Explore its charming streets, which are dotted with tiny boutiques, art galleries, and pleasant cafes, all of which invite you to indulge in a leisurely exploration. Take a stroll through the legendary Catalina Casino, a breathtaking architectural marvel that has served as a beacon of entertainment since its creation in the 1920s. Catalina Island has a plethora of exciting activities for the daring. Zip through the treetops, kayak along the craggy coastline, or take an exciting boat excursion to see the breathtaking splendour of the island's sea caves. Divers will find themselves in an underwater paradise, discovering bright coral reefs and encountering playful sea turtles. As the sun begins to set, spreading a golden tint over the island, experience the aromas of freshly caught seafood while being serenaded by the soft melodies of the ocean. Catalina Island presents its mysterious side as night falls, with a sky blazing with glittering stars, a reminder of the endless wonders that lie beyond. Catalina Island is more than a vacation spot; it's a spiritual haven, a place where time stands still and every moment is laced with magic. So come, immerse yourself in this gorgeous paradise's gentle embrace, and let Catalina Island weave its spell on your heart, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Santa Catalina Island, California USA. Tour Guide. A little over an hour's ride aboard the Catalina Express from Long Beach, California, past the natural wonder that is the San Pedro Channel, is a rocky island where a hundred or so North American Bison roam free and Old Hollywood's most famous used to vacation. On Santa Catalina Island, the water's clear emerald; the rolling mountains are lush; and shoals of garibaldi often make an appearance. To most, Catalina Island is but a small destination off the coast of California that presents an idyllic yet quick island getaway. But this 22-mile-long island that's essentially part of an underwater mountain range, its heart being the small city of Avalon, is so much more than it's often given credit for. Not only has it played small yet essential roles in American, sports, and Hollywood history, it's also a sanctuary for many species of animals unique to the island. Whether you're interested in pop culture, history, water activities, or the great outdoors, Catalina Island will most certainly keep you occupied. Here's a quick guide to this spectacular and dynamic destination.

Cruising guide for boaters to Santa Catalina Island, California, covering Avalon, Two Harbors, other major harbors and secret coves

This guidebook to California's Channel Islands for budget travellers gives historical, cultural and environmental commentary. It includes insider's information about recreational activities and local specialities.