Catalina Island Reopens to Leisure Travelers

Following the State of California’s recent lift of regional stay-at-home orders, Love Catalina, the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority, has announced it is once again welcoming leisure travelers. A recovery plan is underway in partnership with local businesses, retail shops, activities, and restaurants now open for in-person visitation and outdoor dining. 

Social distancing and face-covering guidelines remain in place at all establishments on the island. The status of key travel and service information includes:

Transportation: Catalina Express is operating daily passenger ferry service from Long Beach to Avalon; weekend service from Dana Point to Avalon; and weekend service from San Pedro to both Two Harbors and Avalon. Due to the vessels operating at reduced capacity for social distancing, visitors are encouraged to make reservations early to ensure a seat. The Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach will resume service on February 26.

IEX Helicopters is operating with on-demand daily flights to the island, seven days a week from multiple Southern California locations. While on the island, Catalina Island Conservancy is resuming limited services of the Wildlands Express shuttle, offering transportation to and from the Trailhead visitor’s center in Avalon to the world-famous Airport in the Sky and Catalina’s backcountry trails. Visitors can view the shuttle schedule and make reservations here. Face masks are required by passengers at all times while waiting to board and while on vessels.

Accommodations: Hotels and vacation rentals are open for leisure travel bookings. A list of open accommodations can be found online here. Campgrounds and camping services are scheduled to fully reopen on February 12, 2021.

Restaurants: Outdoor dining guidelines have made it possible for many restaurants to reopen. Protocols for outdoor dining also allow some restaurants to set up tables directly on the beach. A list of all open restaurants can be found online here.  

Retail, Services, and Activities: Most services and retail shops are open, along with many recreational activities; a list can be found online here.

An online compilation of updates from businesses and services on the island, including hours of operation and closures, is being updated in real time on the “What’s Open” page on LoveCatalina.com. To accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing, visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance and verify activities or status directly with the business prior to booking. 

For more information about Catalina Island, please visit lovecatalina.com.