DESCRIPTION: Two 149-passenger ferries make the 90-120 minute cruise to beautiful Catalina Island - its only 40 miles southwest; dolphins like to approach the ship shortly after the cruise departs - a nice reminder that you really are getting away; if you like boating, then enjoy upper deck views with a light jacket since the Marina Del Rey Flyer, a dual engine catamaran, travels up to 30 knots per hour and it gets windy; snacks, beverages and mixed drinks are available on board; 8 passengers can upgrade to the Admiral's Lounge inside the upper deck; the Flyer outbound from Marina Del Rey first stops at Avalon (southern end of the island) then doubles back to the less active Two Harbors (northern end of the island).
DAYS & HOURS: seasonal schedule, departures to Avalon is 8:30a some days and >9:15a others; return departure is at 5p
PRICES: Round-trip to Avalon $75 adults; Age 62+ $68, Ages 2-11 $56; Age 1 and under $4; book online for significant discount and you can rent island bikes with them; it is recommended to book Catalina Island hotel and tour packages at the same time as the cruise for more discounts and convenience; they also book non-scheduled group cruises to the island
ADDRESS: Fisherman's Village, Marina Del Rey MAP
PARKING: $8 per day, cash only
PHONE: 310-305-7250
WEBSITE: http://www.catalinaferries.com

Marina Del Rey Harbor Tours
DESCRIPTION: 40-minute narrated tours of multi-million dollar yachts, homes and sometimes sea lions; Fisherman's Village is not as vibrant as it used to be, but they is still a nice seafood restaurant on hand for pre- or post-dining
DAYS & HOURS: tours depart 12a, 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p and 5p
PRICES: $10 adults, $6 ages 2-12, $8 seniors
ADDRESS: Fisherman's Village, Marina Del Rey MAP
PARKING: pay by the hour or $8 per day, cash only
PHONE: 310-577-6660
WEBSITE: http://www.hornblower.com/port.asp?port=md

Los Angeles World Cruise Center
DESCRIPTION: Home port of The Love Boat television series 1977-1986 and next to a port of cargo vessels, World Cruise Center handles three major cruise lines and express ferries to Catalina Island; 3000+ passenger cruise ships dock at two large terminals; the complex has ample parking, a cafe and restrooms; courtesy shuttles from ship to parking lot are scheduled on ship days only; Yellow Taxis are always around when ships are in port and you can rent a car; the cruise center is managed by Pacific Cruise Ship Terminals
Royal Caribbean offers regular 3 and 4-night cruises to Mexico Baja on Monarch of the Seas and 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises aboard Vision of the Seas.
Princess Cruises offers 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises on Star Princess, the biggest cruise ship on the West Coast. Additionally, Princess offers a 10-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera on the Sun Princess seasonally. In 2005 Dawn Princess and Island Princess will transport passengers on 7, 10 and 11-night cruises to Alaska.
Disney Cruise Line home ports its flagship Disney Magic here for 7-night cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas
ADDRESS: World Cruise Center at 500 North Front Street, San Pedro MAP
PARKING: $11 per day; 2500 secured parking spaces available
PHONE: 800-540-PARK
WEBSITE: http://www.pcsterminals.com

Catalina Island Cruises from San Pedro
DESCRIPTION: Cruise to Catalina Island to hike or picnic year round during warm months. Most of the island is a habitat preserve, so there are rules to protect the wildlife. Boats dock at Avalon harbor and reservations recommended. Get there in 60 minutes aboard Catalina Express
PRICES: see website
ADDRESS: 95 Berth, San Pedro MAP
PARKING: $11 per day; 2500 secured parking spaces available
PHONE: 310-519-1212
WEBSITE: http://www.catalinaexpress.com

Catalina Island Cruises from Long Beach
DESCRIPTION: Get there in 55 minutes; reservations recommended; embark at the passenger terminal next to the Queen Mary; from LA take the 405 Freeway south to the 710 Freeway south to its end. Stay to the left, follow signs to downtown Long Beach. Look for the Queen Mary signs and exit on Golden Shore.
PRICES: see price matrix on website
ADDRESS: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach  MAP
PARKING: Parking costs $10 daily, cash only
PHONE: 310-519-1212
WEBSITE: http://www.catalinaexpress.com

TOURS

Starline Topless Fun Tourbus in Hollywood