Bike Everywhere
Catalina only allows a select number of cars on the island at any given time. Even those who live in the area must patiently wait on a 10-year-long waiting list in order to bring cars to the island. As a result, visitors and locals rely mostly on bicycles and golf carts to get around. You can take your bike to the island with you, but if you prefer to rent, visit Catalina Auto and Bike Rental. Its rates are affordable and a helmet is included with every rental.
To go through the inland trails on your bike, you will be required to get a permit through the Catalina Island Conservancy. Your permit is included with membership in the conservancy, which runs $25 and up. You will also be required to use a proper mountain bike and wear a helmet at all times while riding on the inland trails.
Catalina Auto & Bike Rental
301 Crescent Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-0111
Catalina Island Conservancy
125 Clarissa Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2595
http://www.catalinaconservancy.org
Enjoy the Backcountry Trails
Most visitors to the island stay in the small resort town of Avalon. But there is a whole island of excitement for those who are wiling to travel. By hiking up the many island trails, you get to see the Catalina that time forgot, filled with buffalo, foxes, cacti and sweeping views of the island coast.
In order to experience these trails, though, you must obtain a hiking pass through the Catalina Island Conservancy. Passes are free; they are only used to ensure the safety of hikers by tracking everyone who heads for the hills.
Catalina Island Conservancy
125 Clarissa Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2595
http://www.catalinaconservancy.org
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
The warm blue waters and rich aquatic diversity make Catalina one of the premiere California destinations for snorkelers and scuba divers. The water here is known around the world as one of the healthiest marine environments on Earth. Whether you chose to snorkel or scuba, the Casino Point Marine Park is open to both forms of marine exploration. There are a number of kelp forests and shipwrecks to explore, and several artificial reefs were added to provide additional habitats for the numerous native sea creatures.
Snorkeling gear and wet suit rentals are available from Wet Spot Rentals, which is only a few minutes away from the center of town. Both scuba and snorkeling equipment are available for rent from Catalina Divers Supply, which also offers a 42-foot dive vessel and guided scuba tours and scuba courses.
Wet Spot Rentals
120 Pebbly Beach Road
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2229
Catalina Divers Supply
7 Green Pleasure Pier
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-0330
http://www.catalinadiverssupply.com/
