Whether you're a seasoned visitor with a lifetime of summers on South Beach or a first timer who's not even sure what kind of money we use on Catalina Island, you'll find what you need to plan your visit to the island here.

Located a little more than 20 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island can be reached by cross channel ferry, helicopter, chartered boat, small plane and private boat.

Three companies offer regularly scheduled ferry boat service from six mainland ports in Marina del Rey, San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point. Boat transportation takes a little over an hour, across open ocean, which ranges from lake-like calm to rocky swells. Helicopter service, which takes only 15 minutes, is available from one company which operates from San Pedro and Long Beach. Several companies offer chartered boat transportation to the island, an exclusive and more expensive option for getting here. Private planes are frequent visitors to Catalina's Airport-in-the-Sky. Boating to Catalina Island is a popular option and the island is a frequent destination for thousands of mainland boaters.

Catalina's only incorporated city, Avalon, is the destination for most island visitors. Accommodations, dining, shopping, spas and activities are found in this small town, which rewards visitors with its picturesque waterfront and charming streets. For those who choose to venture further afield, the rustic village of Two Harbors hosts campers, boaters and guests at its only lodging option, an historic bed and breakfast. Visitors to the island can also camp at several limited-services campgrounds or at isolated, primitive beaches.

The options for what to do once you arrive here are only limited by your imagination. eCatalina.com provides a detailed calendar of events chronicling everything from yoga classes to festivals to what's playing at the movies. You'll also find maps, articles and listings for myriad island businesses. A forum will help answer your questions and you can save and share your plans using our Escape Planner.

Welcome to Catalina Island.