About Avalon, California on Catalina Island
Located only 26 miles from the coast of Southern California, Santa Catalina Island is an ideal destination for ecotourism, water lovers of all experience levels, and weary travelers looking for a little rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
The picturesque town of Avalon is only one square mile. This makes traveling around the island short and simple. Many of the island’s 4000 year-round residents simply walk everywhere though some use golf carts to traverse the distances.
Though tourism is the primary industry on the island, Avalon has all of the amenities of any town in California, including; a hospital, K-12 public schools, Vons grocery store, etc… Also, mining is another prominent industry on the island.
How to Get Here
There are a couple of different ways one can traverse the San Pedro Channel; by air on the Island Express Helicopter, or by sea on the Catalina Express Boat, Marina Del Rey Express Boat, or Catalina Flyer.
What To Expect:
Summer (June-Aug) |
Fall (Sept.-Nov.) |
Winter (Dec.-Feb.) |
Spring (March-May) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Water Temperature |
70-75 F (21-28C) |
65-70 F (18-21C) |
59-65 F (15-18C) |
65-70 F (18-21C) |
Average Visibility |
30 feet (10m) |
40 feet (12m) |
50 feet (15m) |
40 feet (12m) |
Seasonal Creatures |
Pelagic Fish, Giant Sea Bass, Soup-fin Sharks |
Giant Sea Bass, Soup-fin Sharks, Mako Sharks |
Jelly Fish, Migrating Grey Whales |
Pelagic Fish, Jelly Fish |
About Avalon
George Shatto founded the quaint town of Avalon in 1887. After changing hands a couple of times, the island was purchased by gum mogul William Wrigley in 1919. It was Wrigley’s intention to make the island a recreational and educational mecca.
After William Wrigley’s death, the family founded and turned over 90 percent of the island land to the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. Today, the conservancy continues to work toward Wrigley’s original intentions while preserving the ecological integrity of the island.
What Else to Do:
After our daily boat charters you may be able to find our crew and patrons at the Lobster Trap enjoying a slide show, possible lecture about the day of diving, and tasty appetizers.
Catalina is also the perfect place to enjoy:
- An individual or couples Massage
- More Fine Dining
- Camping
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Tours into the Interior
- Haunted Catalina Tours
- Parasailing
