Soaring above the picturesque Catalina Island, the Avalon: Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled aerial adventure. This intimate 20-minute journey whisks visitors over the island’s iconic landmarks, including the renowned Catalina Casino and the serene Descanso Beach Club. With live English commentary and the chance to spot local wildlife, this tour provides a unique perspective on Catalina’s historic sites and untouched landscapes. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this aerial excursion promises to leave you captivated and eager to uncover the island’s rich history and natural beauty.
Key Points
- Enjoy a 20-minute helicopter ride from Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, with live English commentary and limited to 7 participants.
- Witness breathtaking aerial views of Catalina Bay, including the Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and Hamilton Cove.
- Spot diverse wildlife such as buffalo, eagles, and dolphins, as well as secluded beaches during the scenic flight.
- Explore Catalina Island’s rich history, with glimpses of landmarks like Middle Ranch, El Rancho Escondido, and the Catalina Island Golf Course.
- Immerse in the natural wonders of the island with a comprehensive tour experience, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Tour Overview
What does the Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour offer?
The tour provides a 20-minute helicopter ride from Avalon, Santa Catalina Island. The tour is limited to 7 participants and features live English commentary from a guide. Priced from CZK 5,832 per person, the tour offers a full refund if canceled up to 3 days in advance.
During the flight, guests will soar over Catalina Bay and untouched landscapes, spotting landmarks like the Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and Hamilton Cove.
With the chance to see wildlife like buffalo, eagles, and dolphins, the tour also provides views of secluded beaches, historical sites, and the island’s natural beauty.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Avalon.
Experience Highlights
The Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour offers a breathtaking aerial experience, allowing visitors to soar over Catalina Bay and the island’s untouched landscapes.
During the tour, guests can spot iconic landmarks like the Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and Hamilton Cove. They may also catch sight of local wildlife, including buffalo, eagles, and dolphins.
The tour also showcases the island’s secluded beaches and coves, including Bird Rock, Empire Landing, and Isthmus Cove, as well as historical sites such as Middle Ranch, El Rancho Escondido, and the Catalina Island Golf Course.
- Fly over Catalina Bay and untouched landscapes
- See landmarks: Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, Hamilton Cove
- Spot wildlife: buffalo, eagles, dolphins
- View secluded beaches and coves: Bird Rock, Empire Landing, Isthmus Cove
Itinerary Details
The Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour departs from Pebbly Beach, taking guests on a journey over the historic harbor town of Avalon.
From there, the helicopter flies past the Airport in the Sky and Two Harbors, offering breathtaking views of the island’s natural beauty.
The tour concludes by descending past the picturesque Catalina Bay, providing a stunning finale to the aerial adventure.
Throughout the 20-minute flight, guests can expect to see a variety of landmarks and landscapes, including the iconic Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and Hamilton Cove, as well as untouched wilderness and secluded beaches.
Inclusions
The Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour includes the helicopter flight, pilot commentary, and all applicable taxes and fees. Passengers won’t need to worry about tipping either, as that’s also covered.
The tour offers a range of inclusions to enhance the overall experience:
- Soar over the island’s stunning landscapes and landmarks
- Spot wildlife like buffalo, eagles, and dolphins from above
- Admire secluded beaches, coves, and historical sites
- Enjoy a seamless experience with hotel pickup and drop-off
With these comprehensive inclusions, adventurers can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the aerial wonders of Santa Catalina Island.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Passengers must meet at the Maverick Helicopter Terminal on Catalina Island to embark on the tour.
They’ll need to present a valid passport or ID card to participate. Those over 300 lbs/136 kg must purchase an additional seat.
All passengers aged 18 and over must also provide photo identification. The itinerary may change due to safety or operational reasons, so guests should stay flexible.
Seating is assigned post check-in based on weight and balance limits to ensure a smooth flight.
With these requirements in mind, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable aerial adventure over the stunning landscapes of Santa Catalina Island.
Scenic Views From Above
Soaring above the picturesque Catalina Island, the helicopter tour offers a captivating aerial perspective of the island’s natural wonders.
Guests are treated to breathtaking views of landmarks like the iconic Catalina Casino, the pristine Descanso Beach Club, and the serene Hamilton Cove.
The tour also showcases the island’s diverse wildlife, including majestic buffalo, soaring eagles, and playful dolphins.
The flight provides a unique vantage point to admire the island’s secluded beaches and coves, such as Bird Rock, Empire Landing, and Isthmus Cove.
Plus, the tour offers a glimpse of historical sites, including Middle Ranch, El Rancho Escondido, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
During the exhilarating aerial tour, guests can spot an array of captivating wildlife native to Catalina Island. Soaring high above, they may catch glimpses of majestic bald eagles circling the skies.
Keeping an eye out for the iconic Catalina bison, visitors can observe these shaggy, historic inhabitants grazing on the island’s untamed landscapes.
Dolphins are another common sight, their sleek bodies gliding effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters of Catalina Bay.
From the air, guests can survey the island’s remote coves and beaches, where diverse marine life such as seals and sea lions can often be seen basking on the rocks.
This airborne adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness Catalina’s vibrant ecosystem from a bird’s-eye view.
Exploring Catalina Island’s History
Steeped in a rich history, Catalina Island’s past can be uncovered through the aerial tour‘s exploration of its iconic landmarks and sites.
From the majestic Wrigley Memorial to the serene Catalina Island Golf Course, the helicopter journey offers a unique bird’s-eye view of the island’s storied past.
Visitors can spot the historic Middle Ranch, the picturesque El Rancho Escondido, and the tranquil Catalina Botanic Garden, each with its own captivating tale to tell.
The tour also showcases the island’s natural beauty, including the dramatic Mount Orizaba, providing a captivating blend of natural and cultural heritage that promises to leave a lasting impression.
- Wrigley Memorial
- Catalina Island Golf Course
- Middle Ranch
- El Rancho Escondido
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?
Yes, passengers can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. However, they should ensure it’s securely stowed and doesn’t interfere with safety or the pilot’s operations during the flight.
Is There a Weight Limit for the Helicopter?
There is a weight limit for the helicopter – passengers over 300 lbs/136 kg must buy an additional seat. This ensures proper weight and balance for a safe and comfortable flight experience.
What Is the Refund Policy if the Tour Is Cancelled?
The tour has a free cancellation policy – passengers can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 3 days in advance. This provides flexibility and peace of mind for tour participants.
Can I Request a Specific Seating Arrangement?
Passengers can’t request specific seating arrangements. Seating is assigned post check-in based on weight and balance limits to ensure safe operation of the helicopter. The tour operator assigns seating to optimize the overall flight.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the tour. Passengers aged 18 and over must provide a valid photo ID, and children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for all ages.
Recap
The Avalon: Santa Catalina Island Aerial Helicopter Tour offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the island’s iconic landmarks and untouched landscapes. Soaring over the picturesque Catalina Bay, passengers can spot wildlife like buffalo, eagles, and dolphins, while learning about the island’s rich history through live English commentary. This intimate 20-minute journey is an unforgettable aerial adventure above one of California’s most stunning destinations.
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