Some here have requested details around the trip. Here’s how we manage the trip and some thoughts on alternative options.
Where we stay
We stay at Lava Wall. In the Descanso site below you’ll see a map of the boat in camp site locations along the front side of the island and the number of sites at each location. Bounce the sites off MLPA areas so you understand where you have to paddle to fish. The web site has a lot of information about camping on the island. The first year we stayed at Italian Gardens B. That’s a great site but is now in a MLPA zone. Keep in mind the current and wind can change so straying too far from the camp site could be a tough paddle getting back.
http://kayakcatalinaisland.com/
Getting stuff to the island
We ship the kayaks and gear using Catalina Freight Lines. With the Marina Del Rey ferry no longer in business there is no other way to get your kayaks to Catalina.
You’ll find rates in the link below. Kayaks are $80 round trip. The cost to ship additional gear is pretty reasonable. Their business hours and 405 traffic could be an issue if you don’t live within reasonable driving distance. If you use them, they are friendly, customer oriented, treat your gear with care and you can be in and out of there in 15 minutes. Don’t forget you have to go back and pick it up after the return trip.
http://catalinafreight.com/
If using the freight line is not an option, then you can rent fishing kayaks (Ocean Kayaks) from Descanso Beach Ocean Sports. They have kayaks with rod holders. The cost is $140 for 3 days. That’s $60 more than using the freight service however with your gas and time not included it’s not much more than shipping. They also rent all the camping gear you may need as well.
Getting to the Island
We use the Catalina Express out of Newport, the cost is $70 round trip. You can carry on two bags each. We carry our rods on as well. They do not go to Two Harbors, there are other boats that do.
Getting to the site from Avalon
We use Descanso Beach Ocean Sports to get our gear to the site. The owner, Randy, will pick up your kayaks and gear prior to your arrival and have it on his boat at the dock when you arrive. You walk off the ferry, over 2 docks and you are on the way. Or worst case, Randy has it staged right by the dock and you help carry it down and help load his boat. Randy will also buy anything you need, water, propane, wood, ice and have it on the boat. The costs for this are identified in the site.
Note you need a portable PETT toilet for the camp site. Not something most people have. We invested in one because we go every year. Randy can rent that to you. The rangers check to make sure you have this and Randy is one of the rangers. You must pack everything out including trash and waste.
There may be cheaper options than using the boat service to get to the site. Using Randy to truck your kayaks to Two Harbors on the west end may be a cheaper option. Check to make sure your ferry service goes to Two Harbors. You can then meet Randy in Two Harbors. If you are traveling light, you can then paddle with the wind and the current to camp sites east of Two Harbors. Or you can camp in Two Harbors.
I’ve seen posts here where Iceman coordinated trips to the back side. Using Randy to get your kayaks there is an option. I’m not sure how you would get there unless Randy has an option to drive you.
Leaving the site
Randy will pick you up around noon, you help him drop off the gear at Catalina Freight lines and the ferries return the mainland around 4 or so.
Overall cost
You can use the pricing in the web sites to identify what trip will cost. If you have the budget for this I would highly recommend it. If you like any combination of the following I don’t think you can top this trip: the beach, kayaks, fishing, ocean, freeze dried food, bathing in the ocean, only seeing people when they pass by on boats, portable toilets, no email, no laptops and if you so choose, top shelf rum and tequila and good beer.
If you would like more information please send a PM.