Two Harbors, located at Catalina Island's west end, is a beautiful destination year round. Its laid back, South Pacific vibe, friendly locals and abundance of outdoor activities make it a perfect spot for outdoor exploration.
During winter months, typically November to February, transportation to Two Harbors becomes limited. The Catalina Express, which offers daily high speed ferry transportation to Catalina Island, offers transportation to Two Harbors from its port in San Pedro. During the winter months, this service is not offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ferry service is offered Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Subject to change, the ferry schedule from November 1 to February 27, 2022 between San Pedro and Two Harbors departs San Pedro at 8:45 am and 2:55 pm and between Two Harbors and San Pedro departs at 11:45 am and 4:45 pm.
Many visitors hike to Two Harbors from Avalon along the 38.5 mile Trans Catalina Trail, staying at campsites along the way. The typical stops are Black Jack Campground, Little Harbor Campground and Two Harbors Campground. If you arrive to Two Harbors on Tuesday or Thursday, plan to spend the night. In addition to Two Harbors Campground, consider the Banning House Lodge, a 12 room inn, or Villa Santa Cruz and Villa Santa Rosa, 3 and 4 bedroom vacation rentals.
If your primary destination on Catalina Island is Two Harbors, and you don't plan on hiking to Two Harbors, schedule around the non ferry days of Tuesday and Thursday. During spring, summer and fall, the Catalina Island Company operates the Cyclone boat. This is an enjoyable 40 minutes boat ride along the coast. The Cyclone boat services does not operate in the winter.
If you happen to plan your trip to Two Harbors on a day the ferry is not running, here are some options for getting to Two Harbors from Avalon.
Catalina Taxi & Tours offers a private interior shuttle from Avalon to Two Harbors. The cost is $246 one way (as listed on their website) for up to seven passengers. This must be scheduled in advance and is subject to availability.
The Catalina Island Conservancy offers the Wildlands Express Shuttle. This operates between Avalon and Airport in the Sky and Airport in the Sky and Little Harbor. There is no transportation between Little Harbor and Two Harbors. The fare from Avalon to Little Harbor is $34 each way. Reservations are required, and baggage is limited to a backpack. Once at Little Harbor, the hike is 5.14 miles along the Trans Catalina Trail to Two Harbors.
During the winter Catalina Coastal Tours offers "on demand" scenic private boat trips to Two Harbors. The pricing is a flat rate of $350 for up to 6 in your party (smaller groups are the same price).
IEX Helicopters offers private charters to Two Harbors. The cost varies, is subject to availability and must be booked in advance.
Catalina Island Backcountry offers gear haul along the Trans Catalina Trail. Travelers can combine this service with several different transportation/hiking options. The cost of gear haul from Avalon to Two Harbors is $250 (as listed on their website) for up to 12 items, not exceed 50lbs per item.
If your schedule permits, spend the night in Avalon. If you planned to camp, book a spot at Hermit Gulch. Avalon also offers a variety of hotels and vacation rentals.
