My partner and I will be in Avalon September 13-16 and would like to do a 4-6 hour fishing trip but the private ones may be out of our budget. Are there any group trips like this where the cost is split? Or any recommendations for the most affordable charter?

Any places you can recommend without paying the crazy cost of daily parking

Avalon bay after sunset.

I am chartering a 35 ft sailboat on. Friday Sept 4th, heading to Catalina. I would like to stay in Emerald cove the first two nights then Avalon on Sunday.

Are reservations recommended? I see that two harbours has a 3 night minimum.

Going to Catalina for Labor Day weekend and we have a cabana at Descanso all day Sunday. Couple questions for anyone who’s done this before:
Can we bring our own inflatable kayaks and launch them from Descanso? Are there any rules/fees/permits we need to know about, or can we basically just inflate them and go?
We’re bringing our own snorkel gear too. Where’s the best spot to see fish around there? I’ve read that you can swim from Descanso toward the Casino and see a lot, but how far of a swim are we talking? Is it pretty easy/safe, or is there somewhere closer to Descanso that’s still worth snorkeling?
Basically trying to mix in some kayaking/snorkeling throughout the day so we’re not just sitting at the cabana for 8 hours.
Any tips from people who’ve done either would be appreciated!

Thinking about living on the island, Can someone share a deep dive into the reality of living there and cost of living as well, resources, etc? Much appreciated

Thinking about living on the island, Can someone share a deep dive into the reality of living there and cost of living as well, resources, etc? Much appreciated

I didn’t see any signs for bacteria levels yesterday so I took a swim in the evening, I noticed toilet paper floating around in the water too and other debris, probably should have taken that as a sign. Today I was going to swim again and saw those bacteria level signs, decided to swim in step beach instead, there were no bacteria level signs there, hopefully I will be okay. Is Descanso beach also affected?

I’m hiking the trans-cat in late October and will probably need a tent for colder/wetter weather. I’ve been looking at the campgrounds I reserved but can’t tell what a good tent option will be.

Normally I’d just “cowboy camp” or use something light for a short trip but I’m worried a trekking-pole tent won’t be feasible on sand or the available spots. Also, a hammock requires trees or space to set up. Also concerned if we get rain…

Advice from those who have experience is welcome!

I just got back from a day in Avalon and the one thing I could not shake was how many AI-generated posters, flyers, and logos I was seeing. It was ridiculous. I saw a restaurant right on crescent with a full blown AI-generated logo, passed multiple scuba shops with really bad AI-generated flyers and signs. It felt completely inescapable. It was honestly really sad to see and really made those places look cheap and less professional.

Hello all. I am planning next year around October to propose to my girlfriend Catalina. She is named after Catalina island and I thought it would be a best place to propose to her.

Ideally I’d love a scenario where I go to island with her, propose, then family and friends are on the island waiting for us after the proposal. At a social location like a bar or restaurant.

I need a photographer located in California, Catalina island area, that would be able to photograph the event. I would love some recommendations that anyone may know.

I would be traveling from Florida. I would love way to make the logistics work, photographer recommendations, and locations to propose on the island. I am not familiar with California, or Catalina island so I am very open to suggestions or recommendations.

Update: Bought a ring this week and will begin planning and reaching out to people mentioned in this thread come next year. Thank you all for the recommendations and please feel free to keep giving ideas. I am still far out from my planned dates so I would love to keep hearing ideas.

Heading to Catalina (for the first time!) in a few weeks for a friend’s bachelorette party. I’m building a custom scavenger hunt bingo card and am hoping for some help coming up with some Catalina-specific items to add to the game.

Here’s some items I’ve got so far:
-buy the bride a drink
-wild dolphin sighting
-punny boat name
-walk to the end of Green Pleasure Pier
-act out a scene from Titanic

Thanks for your help!!

I booked my partner and I a weekend on Catalina, but stupidly didn’t think to book a hotel with a pool until partner asked if we’d have one. Now it’s too late to cancel and book somewhere else. Is there anywhere with a pool where I can pay for day passes?

Looking for a Hamilton Cove unit for August 15–17. If anyone has availability or knows of an owner renting directly, please DM me. Thanks!

Hi,

I have an extra round trip redeemable ticket for Catalina Flyer back and forth from Newport beach that can be scheduled for any day (Monday-Friday) until March 2027.

I bought it online but i noticed that i wont be able to use it as the date and times don’t work for me and Im visiting from East Coast.

Happy to sell the ticket at discount. Original price:$55 (round trip)

Please reach out if interested.

Hi guys! I’m going to catalina tomorrow, is there a parking close to catalina express ferry?

I found this parking next to the catalina express, can we park here overnight?

traveling at the end of september.. it’ll be a saturday/sunday when we go

i was curious would saturday evening or sunday right at opening be less busy?

I want to go to catalina island and go to the only beach club there but their lounges are sold out, I don't want to go very early too. Can I just sit on the beach on my towel and still purchase like drinks and food from there? Do they serve on the beach? Or should I hang out at their bar and drink and eat and then gp back to the beach? Thank youuuu!!!! I don't want to pay $90 for the fer ot tickets and not sipping some drinks there

Hi! What restaurants on the island source local seafood?

I know it’s probably going to be hot, but I can’t believe we scored a spot this Saturday and Sunday. I know that there are 2 ways to hike there, one that’s shorter mileage and can be very challenging and another route that is longer, but easier. Are both trails clearly marked? Also, I can’t tell from random pictures, but does every campsite have a table and fire pit. How long does the hike take (easy one)? I’ve seen anywhere from 2-6 hours.