About Us
We have been operating ferry service to all points on Catalina Island, including Avalon, Two Harbors and private camps, since 2004.
Our service was born out of frustration with LA traffic . Ron Hoffman, an avid sailor living near Marina Del Rey and one of the founders of the Catalina - Marina del Rey Flyer, often took his boat to Catalina early to secure a good weekend mooring, then waited for his wife to arrive after work on Friday. On one too many occasions, Hoffman's wife called, saying she'd missed the last San Pedro or Long Beach ferry, stuck in the notorious I-405 traffic. With his wife on the mainland without a ride, Hoffman spent many a Friday night alone at Catalina. Out of frustration came opportunity.
"Research told us," comments Hoffman, "that a third of Catalina visitors, mostly Westside and San Fernando Valley residents, plus LA visitors staying near LAX, found the drive to San Pedro or Long Beach ferries excessively time consuming and frustrating. Yet it is their only option." The Hoffmans decided to take matters into their own hands, and shortly thereafter, the Catalina - Marina del Rey Flyer began service. |
Recent News
Stuck on I-405? Buy the ferry says L.A. sailor
By Chris Bertrand
When Los Angeles traffic through the I-405 corridor made his wife miss the last ferry from San Pedro to Catalina Island, California, Ron Hoffman decided to buy the darned thing! An avid sailor living near Marina Del Rey, Hoffman will often sail his boat to Catalina early to secure a good weekend mooring and his wife would catch the ferry after knocking off work on Friday.
After this occurred numerous times, it just got to be too much. Hoffman got angry enough to do some checking. Could he be the only one frustrated by the ferry's infrequent schedule? Could the traffic support a greater number of trips back and forth from San Pedro and Long Beach over to the island paradise?
"Research told us that a third of Catalina visitors, mostly Westside and San Fernando Valley residents, plus LA visitors staying near LAX, found the drive to San Pedro or Long Beach ferries excessively time consuming and frustrating," says Hoffman. "Yet it is their only option." The Hoffmans decided to take matters into their own hands. "We saw a better way, and invested in a Marina Del Rey-based ferry service. After their investment, Hoffman also accepted the CEO position at Catalina-Marina Del Rey Flyer during its startup years.
After three years of leasing boats, the company came to commission a vessel to serve as a state-of-the-art passenger ferry. Hoffman comments, "The new vessel, Marina Flyer, is the first of its kind, constructed of light but strong aerospace materials. This stable, new hydrofoil-assisted catamaran is fast, efficiently powered by waterjets."
Designed to store luggage on the main deck, rather than the hold, Marina Flyer's passengers carry their luggage right onto and off the boat. As a result, Catalina visitors can begin their precious vacation up to an hour quicker than competing services using conveyor unloading. "We can usually get a boat loaded or unloaded in less than ten minutes," Hoffman mentions. Bikers and kayakers are delighted they can bring both aboard the Catalina Ferries for a minimal charge. The friendly crew assists on and off-loading recreation gear as well as luggage.
Beginning mid-June, a Two Harbors "day trip" will be available most days. Taking this 4-6 hour roundtrip excursion allows those spending a few days in Avalon the perfect opportunity for lunch and fun at "the other Catalina." Just 11 beautiful miles from Avalon, Two Harbors is perfect for hiking, swimming, kayaking, diving, boating, beach BBQ's, even dancing to a live band or DJ. Don't miss tasting their "world-famous" Buffalo Milk cocktail!
The Catalina-Marina Del Rey Flyer now offers this stress-reducing alternative to the Westside and the Valley, and can eliminate the call, "Honey, I missed the ferry. I'm stuck on the 405 again!" Departing from Marina Del Rey spends an extra fifteen minutes on the water, but saves Westside Catalina visitors hassle, headaches and gridlock!
CATALINA-MARINA DEL REY FLYER
13737 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Reservations: 310-305-7250
Information: info@catalinaferries.com
http://www.catalinaferries.com/
For More Information:
Contact: Cody Lassen, cody@catalinaferries.com
Director of Marketing
310-305-7250
Tom Brady, tbrady@dgrp.com
The Destination Group
626-355-3471 |
