Discover Catalina Island’s New Opportunities for Outdoor Adventure and Relaxation

May 16, 2012 - PRLog -- (AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND, CA)—This summer, Santa Catalina Island Company (SCICO) is unveiling its latest offerings resulting from a two-year, $25-million dollar investment in its lodging, dining amenities and adventure experiences. In celebration of the unveilings, the Catalina Resort is launching the new Unlimited Catalina Resort Packages to make it easier than ever to book a Catalina Island getaway at www.UnlimitedCatalina.com.

“Our new expeditions, renovated hotels and restaurants provide more choices to couples, families and adventure seekers who have never before been to Catalina, and gives repeat guests new experiences to discover with each visit,” says Randall Herrel, CEO of Santa Catalina Island Company.

SCICO’s Catalina Expeditions now boasts 25 different expedition and tour offerings, including Night Zip, a new way to experience the popular day Zip Line Eco Tour. In this night-time adventure, thrill seekers step off a platform into complete darkness and go zipping at speeds of up to 45 mph along cables suspended 300 feet above the canyon floor.

New Extreme Hummer Expeditions takes guests along Catalina Island’s jagged coastlines and into undeveloped interior in an open-air bio-fuel H1 Hummer, which runs on used vegetable oil from local restaurants. Skilled driver guides entertain guests with humorous commentary and knowledge of local ecology as they maneuver the Hummer through technical terrain and along steep cliffs.

For the first time ever, visitors may experience Catalina Island's West End and wild side on a scheduled land and sea expedition. The new Ultimate Land and Sea Adventure, opening May 28, involves rocketing in a jet boat around the island’s wild West End and into Cat Harbor. After disembarking at Two Harbors for a picnic lunch, guests return to Avalon in an open-air bio-fuel H1 Hummer, which takes them along scenic dirt roads traversing the island’s rugged interior and undeveloped coastlines.

Guests will find the ultimate beach experience at the new Descanso Beach Club, which received $6 million in upgrades and is now open year-round. Descanso Beach offers pristine sand, calm clean water, luxurious Cabanas and Chaise Lounge area and three new exclusive Presidential Cabanas where guests will enjoy a day of ocean-side pampering. The Descanso Beach Club's beachside dining and bar is now complimented by the new Descanso Fresh sandwich bar, espresso bar and ice-cream shop and new retail stores. In the evening, the Beach Club features heated cabanas, fire rings, bottle service, DJs and entertainment.

While the luxury boutique Pavilion Hotel in Avalon received a major renovation in 2010, its sister property, the historic Hotel Atwater is unveiling major upgrades on May 11 that provide modern comforts without compromising the Atwater’s original charm and affordable rates.

The suite of all-inclusive Unlimited Catalina Resort packages, available at www.UnlimitedCatalina.com, cater to all types of guests from couples to families and adventure-seekers to the budget minded. Packages offer tremendous value and include lodging, dining, exclusive signature offerings and unlimited sightseeing and activities.

About Santa Catalina Island Resort Services

Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a popular outdoor recreation destination also known for its vibrant history as a glamorous retreat for Hollywood celebrities. SCIRS offers a wide range of services and amenities such as the newly renovated Descanso Beach Club, Pavilion Hotel, Atwater Hotel and Avalon Grille. SCIRS’s expedition operator, Catalina Expeditions has added new adventures to its menu of 25 expeditions and tours with the Zip Line Eco Tour, Eco Hummer Tour, Land + Sea Adventure, Sea Trek and many more, which are designed to introduce visitors to the island’s rich history, wildlife and backcountry. Other activities include hiking, bicycling, buffalo safaris, fishing, boating, kayaking, snorkeling, golfing or relaxing on the beach. SCIRS has operated much of the island’s lodging, dining and tour options for over 116 years. For more information please visit http://www.VisitCatalinaIsland.com.