Arriving in Avalon? Here's How to Get to Your Hotel

Crossing the Catalina Channel can be a thrilling experience. Truly, part of the fun of your Catalina trip is your ferry ride over to the island. Think of it as the beginning of a beautiful adventure. An incredible diversity of marine life occupies this stretch of ocean in between the Southern California mainland and Santa Catalina Island. In fact, this passage of the Pacific is sometimes even referred to as a whale super highway. On your boat ride, you might spy gray, humpback, fin, minke, or even blue whales, depending on the season. It is very common to see pods of common dolphins while making your way to Catalina too. They love to playfully splash in the wake of the ferries and have been known to escort boatfulls of visitors to the island. As you approach Catalina, sea life sightings can become even more magical; keep your eyes open for flying fish, sea lions, and seals as you cruise into the harbor. 

Once you arrive in Avalon, consider yourself on vacation, experiencing the island lifestyle. You’ll be greeted by the gorgeous sight of the Catalina skyline, which includes the Holly Hill House and the Inn on Mount Ada. Once you’re on Catalina Island, there is no Uber. Catalina Taxi and Tours is your go-to for all of your transportation needs while you’re visiting. Want to learn more about arriving in Avalon? Read on to learn how to get to your hotel.  

We are already there for you. Catalina Taxi and Tours offers convenient transportation when your ferry arrives. Whether you’re on the Catalina Express or the Catalina Flyer our arrival taxis know you’re coming. Our spacious taxi vans meet every boat that arrives at the boat terminal daily. When you get to Catalina, you may want to start exploring right away. We keep tabs on the boat schedules so that our drivers can offer you a quick and convenient hotel transfer. You simply exit the ferry, walk up the ramp on the dock, and find the yellow taxi sign at the top of the boat terminal. Taxis should be ready and waiting to take you where you need to go. If a taxi is not there yet just know that they are continuously rotating and another one will arrive soon. We monitor all traffic and waiting passengers at the Mole. (We actually have a camera out there so dispatch can see if people are waiting)

Know where you’re headed–from the Atwater to the Zane Grey. Avalon is a small island town. Hotels and many island rentals are all just a short drive from the boat terminal. It is helpful to be prepared to let your taxi driver know your hotel name or rental address. For condos in Hamilton Cove, your driver will need to let the security gate know your building and condo number. Transfers from the boat to your accommodations will typically be speedy. 

Stuff happens. Catalina ferries can be FULL in the summertime and during busy break and festival weekends. Our taxis are prepared for this, but in the event that you arrive at an exceptionally busy time and no taxis are there when you arrive, a taxi will be there shortly.

Flying in? First things first — know your aircraft. Private pilots and charter passengers land at the legendary Airport in the Sky, perched high in Catalina's interior. Ground transport there requires an advance reservation, so plan ahead with Catalina Taxi & Tours before you leave the mainland. If you're arriving via Maverick Helicopters, it's even easier: simply tell the Long Beach crew you need a taxi on the other end, and they'll handle the call. More often than not, we're already there when you step off.

Are you a happy camper? Catalina Taxi and Tours can help with getting you to the local campgrounds or to an island interior destination. For campsites in the interior, you’ll need to book a private interior shuttle. This is a service that runs out of Avalon and can fit up to 7 passengers and 250 pounds of gear. If you need more space for more gear, be sure to reserve with the gear haul service, Catalina Backcountry, by calling 310-913-9036. Shuttle service is only available in the interior, not in the city of Avalon.

More taxi details for your trip: 

• Due to the unique nature of the island and the way our taxi service operates, know that you may share a taxi with another party; each fare will be charged separately. 

• Taxi fares are flat-rate based on 1 to 2 people and their bags; Additional group passengers will be charged $1 more per person. Excess luggage is $1 per bag, and bikes are $5. 

• On busy days, be sure to give us extra time to get to you, especially if you are in Hamilton Cove

Are you a planner? Catalina Taxi and Tours has got you covered when you arrive in Avalon. But what about planning the rest of your trip? Take a tour with us, and check out all the great places we can take you while you’re on Catalina Island–from a city tour of Avalon to an in-depth visit to the island’s interior. Want to learn more? Visit our website, or give our main office a call at 310-510-0342.