California Car Rentals and Catalina Island
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California
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Do you love the ocean breeze? Why not take a break from driving in your California car rental and visit Los Angeles' own Catalina Island! Owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, this scenic island is full of unique wildlife, many types of fish and great landscape! Whether you love biking, hiking, fishing, or even scuba diving, Catalina Island has it all!
Facts
Did you know that Catalina Island restricts the use of motor vehicles! Most residents move around via golf cart or bicycles! The Island is serviced by ferries that take approximately 1 million tourists to Catalina each year! Be sure to park your California car rental at the nearest parking lot in Los Angeles and climb aboard one of these ferries that depart form Long Beach, San Pedro and Marina del Rey! This rocky island is located off the coast of California and is the only one of the Channel Islands chain to have permanent civilian settlement and urbanization! Most of these 3696 residents live in the resort city of Avalon on the Island. Bike and golf cart rentals are available on the Catalina Island.
Wildlife
Catalina is known for its wide variety of plants! Currently there are 400 species of native plants with 6 of them can only be found on the island! Names of some of these unique plants include the "Catalina Manzanita," the Catalina Dudleya," the Catalina Mahogany." You can find these plants in the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens. In terms of Fauna, there are lots of fish in the beautiful waters of Catalina Island. Among them include garibaldi, blacksmiths, opal eyes and much more! Catalina is also home to the Catalina Island Fox - an endangered endemic species. American Bison are also often found since it was first imported in 1924 for the silent film version of Zane Grey's "The Vanishing America."
Activities
Biking
Driving in your California car rental is not the only fun activities you can enjoy on wheels! Biking in Catalina Island is just as fun! The town of Avalon boasts some great level riding, especially near the shore east to Pebbly Beach. The area west to Descanso Beach is also ideal. Be careful along the hillside roads! There can get quite steep, so a many-geared bike and strong legs are recommended. If you want to ride beyond Avalon into the Island's interior, a permit is needed and you can purchase it from the Catalina Island Conservancy (310)-510-2595). You are also allowed to transport bikes to the Island for a fee.
Fishing
Have you always wanted to take one of those fishermen "brag photos"? With Catalina's many coves, beaches, reefs, and drop-offs, the Island's waters bring Yellowtail and White Sea Bass in search of the Mackerel, Sardines and Smelt that are plentiful here. If is not unusual to see a smiling fisherman with a 30 pound Yellowtail or even a 50 pound Sea Bass! Catalina's diverse fishery is fun for all ages!
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Take a break from the hot sun and take a nice cooling dip at one of the most popular dive destinations in California! Catalina offers a wide range of sheltered coves, underwater cliffs and caves, kelp forests, shipwrecks and a vibrant variety of marine life. Snorkeling fans should check out Lover's Cove (a short walk east from Avalon). This area is excellent for snorkeling because of its protected marine preserve with no fishing or scuba diving allowed. In the summer, snorkels and fins can be rented at the Cove Cooler.
Before hopping back on the ferry and fetching your California car rental, be sure is check out the park's other activities including kayaking, sailing, golfing, tennis and much more! If you are hungry, why not check out some of the Island's fine restaurants before heading back!
Transportation Information
Catalina Classic Cruises:
Tel: 800 641-1004, Website: http://www.catalinaclassiccruises.com
Catalina Express:
Tel: 800 618-5533, Website: http://www.catalinaexpress.com
Catalina Explorer :
Tel: 877 432-6276, Website: http://www.catalinaexplorer.com
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