Bimini NO, how about a CATALINA crossing?

[NORCAL-GAS]

so been there done that on the east coast... (no hate, just talking bs)
How about a yearly catalina trip? I'm sure we could get quite a few west coasters to go. Sure catalina isn't the islands of florida, but it could be a fun yearly thing. Anyone up for it? I'm looking for how many would be interested so we could start a thread/thing going for 2019.

 

[Bruce]

Someday I want to make the crossing to Catalina. It has been done in Yamahas. My understanding is that you have to be cautious of the water conditions.

 

[bronze_10]

That's a west coast thing so I know nothing about it... How far is it?

 

[vanmurray]

That's a west coast thing so I know nothing about it... How far is it?

Not as far as Hawaii

 

[vanmurray]

so been there done that on the east coast... (no hate, just talking bs)
How about a yearly catalina trip? I'm sure we could get quite a few west coasters to go. Sure catalina isn't the islands of florida, but it could be a fun yearly thing. Anyone up for it? I'm looking for how many would be interested so we could start a thread/thing going for 2019.

Wasn’t Catalina Island just highlighted on Shark Week due to growing population of great whites? I think I’ll stick to dolphin spotting until Yamaha comes out with a 48 footer.

 

[NORCAL-GAS]

People cross on wave runners. its less than 30 miles.

 

[merlinjet]

Just ferried over to Catalina Island a week ago. It was 26 miles from Long Beach to Avalon and the water was rough. This crossing would probably not have been a pleasant experience in my boat that day. The small manmade beaches were packed with people. Cruise ships stop there on Mondays and Tuesdays...be sure to avoid those days. The water was cold but bearable with enough Descanso Destroyers . Plenty of stuff to do on the island: hiking, biking, zip lines, island tours, scuba, etc., however, its a very pricy place to visit. Golf cart rentals (about the only way to get around besides taxis) are $45/hour. All that being said, it could be a fun trip provided the weather and the sea cooperate.

 

[Bruce]

This is Long Beach to the closest fuel on Catalina.

Looking at the water forecast for the next week it is mostly 2 footers with larger waves on the ocean side of the island.

I have often heard of the rough water from friends in the area.

 

[NORCAL-GAS]

I've read that the best time of year to go is late summer. warmer and calmer seas, good fishing as well.

 

[Betik]

I have done a bit research and it is defiantly doable. This year we are out but seriaouly consider it for 2019. Grand it does not overlap with Bimini.

Also if I were in you I would not write off Bimini. Sometime boats need a crew and you could just fly in FLL instead towing 3000 miles.

Please tag me when you get something going

 

[cbpagent72]

so been there done that on the east coast... (no hate, just talking bs)
How about a yearly catalina trip? I'm sure we could get quite a few west coasters to go. Sure catalina isn't the islands of florida, but it could be a fun yearly thing. Anyone up for it? I'm looking for how many would be interested so we could start a thread/thing going for 2019.

I would be interested

 

[DiverB]

My wife and I are interested in making a Catalina trip, especially now that we live in AZ, its a easy drive over to California. We had a blast when we did the Bimini run, just not sure can make it to Bimini this year.

 

[Southwind011Wifey]

Did you guys or @Betik ever attempt the Catalina run? My husband and I are curious about it!

 

[Betik]

Did you guys or @Betik ever attempt the Catalina run? My husband and I are curious about it!

No attempt yet. Life got on the way but still on the bucket list

 

[JohnB]

Maybe this should be done with a skier in tow....http://www.catalinaskirace.net/

 

[Yamahajetboatadvenures]

No attempt yet. Life got on the way but still on the bucket list

We are going over in our 252 SE in August. Our buddy will be with us in his 18' Parker. Nice to go in pairs. I will let you know how it goes. I do not expect any issues. I have already had this off shore 30 miles fishing and it did great. Much better then the little Parker. 4' seas, windy the night before so the water was a little bit choppy. The boat ran dry, no water or splashes came in.

 

[dzeppos]

Let me know as well. I possibly plan a trip late august. I've already got my chart plotter installed and been deciding on whether to launch from Long Beach or Newport Beach (a bit farther but I can avoid all of the ship traffic)
Good luck.

 

[Ronnie]

I’d consider making a run to Catalina. I went to long beach state for my undergrad and recall seeing highlights from the annual waterski race. Guys doing 70 to 100 mph for 26 miles. I was there on a cruise ship excursion years ago. They limit the number of cars on the island which is why you are more likely to get around on a rented golf cart.

If I went it would probably be on a pwc (much less stressful for me to tow400 miles each way), mine or a rental. here is a company which offers pwc tours from Long Beach to Catalina daily. $400 per pwc plus $60 to add a passenger. Includes the pwc, fuel, wetsuit and a guide.

Jetski2Catalina.com - tour operator, jetski from long beach to catalina tour dolphins snorkeling, outdoor adventure ocean tours whale watching

Come take the ride of your life on a jetski from Long Beach to Catalina Island. We provide everything. Jetski with dolphins, and snorkel the best spots in Ca

www.jetski2catalina.com

 

[Betik]

$400 a day with the PWC included is dirt cheap. Adding a second person while crossing to Catalina is not something I would recommend. I have done 8 miles of me, my wife and 2 kids ( 7 & 9) and it was not fun going over 3 footers at 20 mph.

 

[Tonecold11]

I would definitely be interested. The dealer that I bought my boat from sets up a trip out to Catalina in August. Unfortunately life happens and we weren't able to make it. They make reservations and camp in Two harbors for a couple nights. Maybe next year?!