Ultimate Adventure: Fly by Helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach and Soar Above the Pacific Ocean
Kind reader, looking for a thrilling yet hassle-free way to get to Catalina Island from Long Beach? Consider hopping on a helicopter ride! With breathtaking aerial views and a quick 15-minute travel time, it’s no wonder that more and more travelers are opting for this mode of transportation. As the keyword “helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach” suggests, this unique experience gives you the advantage of bypassing congested highways and getting to the island in style.
How to Get to Long Beach?
Long Beach is a coastal city located in Southern California, known for its busy port and beautiful beaches. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year and for good reason. Long Beach offers a variety of attractions, from museums to amusement parks, aquariums to shopping districts, and much more. So, how can you get to Long Beach?
By Car
The easiest way to get to Long Beach is by car. The city is located at the intersection of two major freeways – the 405 and the 710. From Los Angeles, take the 710 South until it ends in downtown Long Beach. If you’re coming from Orange County, take the 405 North and exit at Long Beach Blvd. From there, you can take surface streets to your destination.
By Plane
If you’re coming from out of state or from a faraway location, you can fly into the Long Beach Airport (LGB). This airport is located in the heart of the city, just 6 miles northeast of downtown Long Beach. It offers direct flights to and from various cities across the US, including Las Vegas, Seattle, and San Francisco.
By Public Transportation
If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can also get to Long Beach by public transportation. The Metro Blue Line connects Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles and the rest of the LA County. The Metro Express Line 860 connects Long Beach to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can also take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or the Amtrak Coast Starlight to the Long Beach station, located in downtown.
Helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach
Getting from Long Beach to Santa Catalina Island can be a journey all on its own. There are several ways to get to the island, including by boat, ferry, or helicopter. However, taking a helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach is the easiest and quickest way to get to the island.
The Helicopter Tour
Helicopter tours to Santa Catalina Island are offered by Island Express Helicopters. The tour takes about 15-20 minutes, and you’ll get to enjoy the stunning views of the California coast as you fly over the Pacific Ocean towards the island. Once you arrive on the island, you can explore its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.
Important Notes:
- Island Express Helicopters operates 7 days a week, except during extreme weather conditions.
- The cost of the tour is $290 per person (one way), and reservations are required.
- Passengers are limited to 35 lbs. of luggage per person.
Helicopter Tours
If you’re looking for a more luxurious and breathtaking way to get to Catalina Island, why not try a helicopter tour? Several providers offer helicopter tours that will take you from Long Beach straight to the island. You’ll get the chance to see stunning aerial views of the island, the ocean, and the surrounding areas, which is an experience in itself. Some of the helicopter tour operators even offer packages that include a tour of Catalina Island, so you can see all the highlights of the island from high in the sky.
Island Express Helicopters
Island Express Helicopters is a popular helicopter tour provider that operates from Long Beach and takes you straight to the island. The tour lasts for approximately 15 minutes, during which you’ll get to see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. You’ll also be provided with a headset so you can hear the pilot’s commentary throughout the tour. Island Express Helicopters also offer an option to bring your bicycles on board, so you can continue exploring the island on two wheels once you’ve landed.
Catalina Adventure Tours
Catalina Adventure Tours offer a unique helicopter tour experience that takes you on a scenic journey to the island, followed by a guided golf cart tour of Avalon, the largest city on Catalina Island. You can choose from shared or private helicopter tours, and during the golf cart tour, you’ll get to see landmarks such as the famous Catalina Island Casino and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. The tour also includes round-trip transportation to and from your hotel in Long Beach, making it a hassle-free way to experience the best of Catalina Island.
| No | Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Departure Location |
| 2 | Long Beach Heliport |
| 3 | Arrival Location |
| 4 | Avalon Heliport, Catalina Island |
| 5 | Flight Time |
| 6 | 15 minutes |
| 7 | Frequency |
| 8 | Multiple flights daily |
| 9 | Price |
| 10 | Varies based on time of day and season, generally around $75-$150 one-way |
| 11 | Booking |
| 12 | Can be done online or in-person at the heliport |
| 13 | Restrictions |
| 14 | Weight limit of 250 pounds per passenger, limited space for luggage |
How to Book a Helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach
Booking helicopter rides from Long Beach to Catalina is easy, and there are plenty of options available. Booking a ride for the weekend can be challenging, however, so it’s essential to schedule ahead of time. You can book online, by phone, or in person at one of several kiosks in Long Beach.
Online Booking
Online booking is the fastest and most convenient way to book a helicopter ride to Catalina Island. Visit the website of your preferred helicopter service provider and follow the on-screen prompts to book a flight. Most companies provide a calendar and time slots from which you can choose. Ensure to select the correct date, time, and number of people you’re traveling with.
Booking by Phone or In Person
If you’re unable to book online, you can choose to make a reservation by phone or in person. Most helicopter service providers have a customer care team available by phone for booking. If you’re within Long Beach, you can easily identify the various kiosks set up by helicopter service providers. The kiosks provide an opportunity to book a flight and seek clarifications regarding the booking process.
Helicopter Tours from Long Beach to Catalina Island
If you’re seeking adventure, then a helicopter tour is the perfect way to see Catalina Island from Long Beach. The breathtaking views begin the moment the helicopter takes off, with tourists being able to see the sparkling coastline, scenic harbors, and the vast blue Pacific ocean. Traveling via helicopter also allows visitors to save time, as the trip takes just 15 minutes one way instead of an hour on a ferry. Below are some of the most popular helicopter tours from Long Beach to Catalina Island:
Catalina Island Helicopter Tour
The Catalina Island Helicopter Tour offers an immersive experience that takes visitors over two harbors, the scenic and rugged backcountry terrain, and the famous Catalina Island golf course. The views of the renowned Casino building and stunning Emerald Bay are also unforgettable.
Catalina Island Zip Line and Helicopter Tour
The Catalina Island Zip Line and Helicopter Tour is a premium adventure package that offers the perfect combination of zip-lining and helicopter sightseeing. The tour includes a guided, 5-line zip-lining experience that showcases the island’s eco-friendly Descanso location, as well as a scenic helicopter ride.
Helicopter Tour Packages to Catalina Island
If you want to experience the beauty of Catalina Island in style, then consider booking a helicopter tour package. Helicopter tours offer a unique and unforgettable view of the island, and there are several operators that offer various packages to suit different budgets.
1. Island Express Helicopters
Island Express Helicopters is one of the most popular helicopter operators offering tours to Catalina Island. They have been in operation for over 35 years and offer a range of packages starting from $149 per person. Their most popular tour is the “Catalina Island Deluxe Tour” which departs from Long Beach and takes passengers over the Queen Mary and Palos Verdes before traveling across the channel to Catalina Island. The tour lasts for approximately 4 hours and includes lunch at the Descanso Beach Club.
2. IEX Helicopters
IEX Helicopters offers a range of helicopter tours of Los Angeles and the surrounding area, including Catalina Island. Their “Catalina Island Escape” tour starts from Long Beach and takes passengers on a scenic flight over the Pacific Ocean to Avalon on Catalina Island. The tour lasts for approximately 2.5 hours and includes up to 3 hours of free time on the island to explore at your own leisure.
Helicopter Schedule and Prices to Catalina from Long Beach
Island Express Helicopters is the most popular helicopter company that operates flights from Long Beach to Catalina Island. Helicopter rides are available daily and the price varies depending on advance booking, time of day, type of service and round-trip fare. Flights usually take approximately 15 minutes and run on an hourly basis so that customers can choose their preferred departure time. Getting a round-trip fare is affordable than two one-way fares. If you are looking for a faster way to get to Catalina Island and move around it, a helicopter is the way to go.
1. Island Express Helicopters Schedule and Prices
Island Express Helicopters has a wide range of helicopter schedules and prices. It is best to book in advance to get the best rates. Flights from Long Beach to Catalina Island usually start in the morning and continue until early evening. The last flight out from Catalina Island is at 6:45 pm. Purchasing a round-trip ticket cost less than booking one-way fares and you can save up to $30.
2. Catalina Island Company Schedule and Prices
Another helicopter company that operates flights to Catalina Island is Catalina Island Company. Their helicopter schedule and prices vary depending on weather conditions, and their flights are more frequent during the summer season and weekends. Additionally, their promotions and special discounts are worth checking before booking your flight. In some cases, customers can save up to 25% on their fares.
| No | Island Express Helicopters Prices | Catalina Island Company Prices |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $70 one way/$135 round trip | $70 one way/$140 round trip |
| 2 | Online prices are up to $30 cheaper than phone reservations | Online prices are up to 25% cheaper during promotional periods |
Helicopter Schedule Options
If you are planning to ride a helicopter to Catalina Island from Long Beach, check your schedules accordingly. That way, you can maximize your time on the island without worrying about missing any events or flights. Island Express Helicopters and Catalina Island Company Aviation offer different schedules to choose from.
Island Express Helicopters
Island Express Helicopters offer year-round flights from Long Beach to Avalon. It operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, with frequent departures daily. They offer a shared round-trip ride, which costs around $289 per person. Meanwhile, their private ride costs around $1,699 per group of three passengers. They have a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Catalina Island Company Aviation
Catalina Island Company Aviation operates year-round flights from Long Beach to Avalon as well. Their schedule and fare depend on the season. During peak seasons such as summer, they offer more frequent flights while lesser during off-peak seasons such as winter. Their round-trip ride costs around $400 per person. Like Island Express Helicopters, they also have a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions about taking a helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach.
1. Is it safe to take a helicopter to Catalina?
Yes, helicopter tours to Catalina are safe. Tours are operated by experienced pilots and comply with all safety regulations.
2. How long does the helicopter ride take?
The helicopter ride takes around 15-20 minutes.
3. Can I bring luggage on the helicopter?
Yes, but there are weight restrictions and additional fees may apply. Check with the tour operator for details.
4. How many people can fit in the helicopter?
Helicopters can carry up to six or seven passengers, depending on the model.
5. Is there a weight limit for passengers?
Yes, there is usually a weight limit of around 250-300 pounds per passenger. Check with the tour operator for details.
6. Can I bring pets on the helicopter?
It depends on the tour operator. Some may allow small pets on board, while others do not.
7. What is the cost of the helicopter tour?
Prices vary depending on the tour operator and package. Expect to pay around $200-$400 per person.
8. How far in advance do I need to book?
It is recommended to book at least several days in advance to ensure availability.
9. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary by tour operator. Check the terms and conditions before booking.
10. Is there a refund if flights are cancelled due to weather?
Most tour operators offer a full refund or rescheduling in the event of flight cancellations due to weather.
11. Is there parking available at the Long Beach heliport?
Yes, there are several parking lots available near the heliport.
12. How early do I need to arrive for my flight?
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
13. Are there any restrictions on what I can bring on board?
Passengers are typically not allowed to bring weapons, ammunition, or explosives on board.
14. What is the altitude of the helicopter during the flight?
The altitude varies depending on the flight plan, but helicopters typically fly between 500 and 2500 feet above sea level.
15. What if I have a fear of heights?
If you have a fear of heights, a helicopter ride may be challenging. Consider talking to your doctor or a mental health professional before booking.
Looking for a convenient way to get to Catalina Island from Long Beach? Consider taking a helicopter to Catalina from Long Beach with IEX Helicopters. Avoid the hassle of ferry schedules and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean during your 15-minute flight.
Thanks for Flying with Us, Kind Reader
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article about taking a helicopter to Catalina Island from Long Beach. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Southern California, this is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience our beautiful coastlines and islands. From the comfort of a helicopter, you can take in stunning views of the ocean, see wildlife in their natural habitat, and feel the rush of a thrilling takeoff and landing. We appreciate you taking the time to read this and hope you’ll visit our site again soon for more travel tips and stories. Safe travels!
