The voices of a summer night have begun on Catalina Island. We hear them beginning around this time every year. People have come home to discuss their day on the island and maybe party a little, too. It is a happy sound on a warm summer breeze.
Looking across Avalon at night from our patio, C-59 at the Bahia Vista. We like to lay back on the chaise lounges at night, look up into the sky and count the shooting stars.
We have been spending a few days in our Bahia Vista condominium home for a few days, enjoying the island, and enjoying the great Catalina weather. Here are some of our photographs we’d like to share with our friends, family, guests and potential guests.
Catalina Express Catamaran to Catalina Island, boarding from the terminal next to the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro
We began our Catalina holiday at the San Pedro Catalina Express Terminal, which was built about four years ago. It replaced an old terminal building, which had been there for over 30 years. The new building is very modern, with good food and bar service. Sometimes, we leave from the Long Beach Terminal, which has more boats in the winter.
The Los Angeles Light and breakwater, which separates the protected harbor from the open sea.
We often see whales and schools of porpoises during the crossing to Catalina, but this time we just enjoyed escaping the heat of the mainland, with a refreshing sea voyage. It is interesting leaving from San Pedro, because it is a major shipping port, with cargo ships arriving from all over the world.
Coming into Avalon, we notice the old and the new boats. A twin masted sailboat and a modern Cruise ship. Catalina is a popular destination for California cruise ships and is the major Southern California destination for boaters.
It is less than an hour from the Los Angeles Light to Avalon Harbor on Santa Catalina Island. Boat rides have improved dramatically from the days when we first ventured to the island 30 years ago. The ride is usually smooth and just long enough to enjoy being on the water. For us, the boat ride is part of the fun of the Catalina experience. When we’re on Santa Catalina Island, we’re only 26 miles from the mainland, but we’re in a totally different world.
Paddle boards lined up and waiting for action.
That’s our mooring out in Avalon Bay, being used by a friend.
Avalon has East facing beaches in a protected bay, with a far gentler surf than the West facing beaches of the mainland.
Crepe maker creates a breakfast crepe for us at Descanso Fresh on Descanso Beach
A Breakfast crepe and morning coffee on the beach at Descanso. It is about a 12 minute walk from the Bahia Vista and well worth it. The cafe opens at 8AM. Go early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Kayakers getting instruction before paddling out to sea. We like to kayak along the coast of the Island, heading North, away from Avalon.
The island is nearly 26 miles long and 8 miles across at its widest point, filled with hiking trails, paved roads for biking and adventuring. We love going into the vast interior of Catalina Island during the cooler weather, but we have friends, who like going at any time of the year. In the the Summer, however, we like to stay near the water.
Warm water conditions brought a sudden wave of sea crabs to Avalon for a day or two. Very pretty against the clear water of Avalon Bay. At first, we thought they were the famous Catalina Garibaldi, which look like goldfish.
Bench along Pebbly Beach Road, where you can sit, stare out to sea and watch for seals and sea birds.
Unattended fishing rods, hoping for a catch. Catalina is famous for game fishing.
The Avalon swimming platform is out for the summer.
Snorkelers viewing the undersea gardens in Lovers Cove, while a boat brings cruise ship visitors back to the ship.
Setting up for the day on Avalon Beach and waiting for the family to arrive. All Avalon public beaches are free to use. There is a small fee to use Descanso Beach.
Sunset, viewed from our patio of Unit C-59 at the Bahia Vista condominiums. At the end of the day, we begin thinking of where to eat dinner. Often, we order “take out, ” and, dining on our deck, enjoy one of the best views on Catalina Island.
Our most recent visit to the Island was in the middle of June, But we really appreciate that the warm Southern California and Catalina weather can be enjoyed all the way to the middle of October.