Travel Tips: Catalina Flyer - Newport Beach to Avalon, CA | @CatalinaFlyerOC #CatalinaIsland

This is a sponsored post.

There are several different ways to get to Santa Catalina Island whether by sea or by air.  Most of the boat rides are about an hour to two hour ride. For our Spring Break trip this year, we booked a round trip out of Newport Beach with Catalina Flyer. Catalina Flyer is now operative for the season and departs daily out of Newport Beach to Avalon, California!

The Catalina Flyer operates exclusively out of Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach.  Their schedule includes one morning departure at 9:00 am which arrives at Catalina Island around 10:15 am, and one returning trip that departs Catalina at 4:30 pm then arrives in Newport Beach around 5:45 pm making it easy to do day trips to/from the island.

TIP: It is suggested if you want to avoid motion sickness to sit on the bottom floor closer to the back.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN:

• Arrive Early: There are two lines. One line is to check-in and pick up your boarding passes, and the other line (which gets really long) is for boarding. Since it is open seating, you'll want to line up as soon as possible for preferred seating. If you're traveling with children, you could first take the family along with luggage to line up in the boarding line before you check-in. You'll also need time to find parking. Note: We arrived about an hour early and the lines were already forming.

• Pick Up Breakfast/Coffee: Because you'll want to be in the boarding line as soon as possible, a 30-60 minute wait in line can be really long for small children. If you are pressed for time, there is a coffee shop around the corner that also makes breakfast sandwiches. 

• Luggage: All of the luggage including stroller is checked in at the front of the boat. If there is anything you need to keep along with you for the duration of the ride, pack those separately in a tote along with snacks, etc. 

• Once you arrive to the island, another line will form to gather luggage. If you're not in a hurry, use the time to take everyone to the restroom or go sit outside and enjoy the open fresh air of Avalon Harbor!

RETURNING TO NEWPORT BEACH:

Often times, there is extra time after checking out of the hotel until it's time to board again. There is luggage service near the port to store luggage. They also have delivery and pick up service. Come back about an hour before departure to retrieve your luggage. For more information, Avalon Blue Line Baggage can be reached at (310) 510-9599 or email them at: info@avalonbaggeclaim.com.


For more information about things to do, where to stay, and specials on Catalina Island, please visit Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau at www.catalinachamber.com.