Small Plane Charter to Catalina Island?

cstewart6

cstewart6

Just smart enough to operate the machines
My dad is going to be in Anaheim for a few days in June, and has always wanted to check out Catalina Island. Ideally, he'd be interested in going out for a day trip, and is looking for something that would ideally be less than 100 each way, possibly split with some other people. Either I suck at the internet, there's no one that does this, or companies that offer this service suck at advertising, because I can't find anything except disconnected phone numbers. I think I remember a member here posted about getting a job doing this kind of thing. Any Ideas? He'll be close to John Wayne airport but could probably make it to others around LA.
 
cstewart6 said:
looking for something that would ideally be less than 100 each way
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Any charter company can fly to Catalina but $100 each way is a dream. Also remember Avalon is a long way from the airport, you might be better to take the Catalina Express.

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Island Express out of LGB flies helicopters several times a day over to Catalina on a regular schedule. It's 200 bucks round trip. You can leave in the morning early and come back in the evening, for instance. Their pad for flying there though is down by the Queen Mary at the harbor in Long Beach and when they drop you off at the island, you have to take a taxi into town.I would recommend renting one of the little golf carts once he gets there and bombing around the entire island. Lots of fun. There are dozens of restaurants there. The DC-3 grill is at the top of the island and they have bbqs in the Summer. Down at the beach with wonderful views are the Lobster Trap, the Avalon Grille, the Sand Trap- which has killer Mexican food, great views of the harbor and a huge outdoor patio, Mia Casita, Armstrongs fresh seafood and just a host of others. It might be fun for him to even stay on the island overnight and get the full deal. The Vista Del Mar and the Portofino are wonderful hotels. There are less expensive hotels too and some bed and breakfast places. It's really worth staying overnight there. I would recommend a reservation though, because obviously the Summer is their busy season.

If he is staying in Anaheim, he's just as close to Long Beach as he is to SNA, so it shouldn't be a big deal to get there. They have also re-done the entire Pike area on the water in downtown Long Beach right next to the Queen Mary and he could go to the Aquarium, the shops, a myriad of restaurants, etc. right on the ocean. If he has access to a car or rents one, he can cruise PCH and visit Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach, Newport Beach, the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Preserve, etc. (all right next to each other) Nice little short drive, lot's of places to stop, shop, walk out on the piers, very good places to eat, rent a bike, watch the surfers, great beaches, little parks next to the beaches, etc.
 
Wife and I took the boat over last easter from Long Beach. Was cheap, easy, and I drank beer both ways. Flying could be cool, but I'd rather not have to deal with aviating on a vaction personally.
 
The Express boats are great and you get there in an hour, no hassles and it is cheap, like 30 some bucks. Can't remember exactly how much but I think it's less than or right around 35 clams. Several of the boats have an upgrade to a nice lounge area available for a few bucks more.
 
If its a Sunday and he is just looking at heading over for lunch. He is welcome to come with myself and my girlfriend. I have a 182 that I am currently flying out of KAJO but am moving it to KSNA. Half the fuel would be like $40.
Mike
 
I could take you no problem, but Avalon is 40 bucks round trip per person on a bus to the city. Over an hour each way on the bus makes it not worth it. Take the boat. (or chopper)
 
Wow thanks for all the offers and suggestions, guys. I'll see what he says. I didn't realize the boats are that quick. Might be a better options since it brings you right to town as you all mentioned.
 
A Life Aloft said:
Island Express out of LGB flies helicopters several times a day over to Catalina on a regular schedule. It's 200 bucks round trip.
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They fly AStars.

Gerry, can you get us a discount if you bring your own current/qualed pilot along? :)
 
MikeD said:
They fly AStars.

Gerry, can you get us a discount if you bring your own current/qualed pilot along? :)
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Hell, with your qualifications we could probably talk L.A. Choppers at LGB into renting us one their Robinson 44's and I could finally get over my fear of riding in all things rotor. lol



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Flying out there is quite a hassle. There's the flying there, and then the $50 island fee for landing on the island. Once that is paid, there is another fee for the taxi ride down the mountain (walking is not an option). Take the ferry, get dropped off in Avalon, and go have a blast.
 
GX said:
Flying out there is quite a hassle. There's the flying there, and then the $50 island fee for landing on the island. Once that is paid, there is another fee for the taxi ride down the mountain (walking is not an option). Take the ferry, get dropped off in Avalon, and go have a blast.
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Flying out there is the fun part, it's a beautiful flight. The fee is only 20 or 25 :). Plus the buffalo burgers at the restaurant make it worth while. I fly out for lunch, but if I'm gonna stay or spend the day in Avalon I take the boat.
 
It's only $25 bucks to land at Catalina and there is a shuttle from the airfield that runs on the every odd hour of the day that is something like $33 or $32 clams round trip, which will take you down into the town and pick you up again. So it's still worth it if you don't want to eat at the little cafe on the field and you can go into town and have some terrific Mexican or seafood, walk around a bit and/or do some shopping. The manager of the field is a super nice guy, too.
 
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