Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Place Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | New Heli Expeditions Offer Catalina Island’s Most Scenic AdventuresCustomizable tours to Catalina’s West End include heli-hiking, heli-biking, and heli-picnic
“Never before has it been this easy for guests to experience the island’s most remote and scenic parts,” says Randall Herrel, CEO of the Santa Catalina Island Company (SCICo), which has managed island lodging, dining and tour services for over 118 years. “Helicopter expeditions are just another way that SCICo is elevating the visitor experience across the board, including other new tours, more nightlife, upgrades to our hotel properties and new dining options.” Each heli expedition includes transportation from the Pavilion Hotel to nearby Pebbly Beach Heliport, where guests board an Island Express helicopter to begin a narrated sightseeing tour from Avalon Bay to the island’s rugged, sparsely inhabited West End, home to Catalina Harbor and Isthmus Cove. Guests going on a guided heli-hiking excursion are taken to their choice of two exclusive locations, Empire Landing or Ballast Point, where they may choose between two challenging hiking routes. The Empire Landing route involves trails and dirt roads, with intermediate ascents and descents before joining an unpaved road leading to Two Harbors. The Ballast Point hike involves more vertical gain, taking hikers from sea level to the ridge line bordering the town of Two Harbors. Both hikes are fairly strenuous, approximately two hours in duration and are recommended for advanced hikers. Heli-bike tours begin and end in Two Harbors and include bike rentals. Guests are greeted at the Two Harbors Heliport and taken to the Dive and Recreation Center, where they are fitted with bikes and helmets for their excursion. They then set off to bike along the unpaved dirt roads that wind along the coastline of Catalina’s West End’s pristine coastline and through the island’s rugged interior. A detailed map, water and snacks are provided for guests with either package. After guests complete either their hiking or biking adventures, they have free time to relax, dine at the Harbor Reef Restaurant and shop at Two Harbors before re-boarding the helicopter and returning to Avalon. Guests can further customize their hiking or biking experience by adding a picnic to their package, provided in a backpack-style picnic basket containing delectable snacks. Bikers and hikers will enjoy these refreshments while taking a break to enjoy the breathtaking views and untouched landscape of Catalina Island. More information and reservations for the Pavilion Hotel and Catalina Heli Expeditions are available at http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com. Island Express also offers 15-minute helicopter flights from San Pedro or Long Beach to Avalon. About Santa Catalina Island Company Located off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is a popular resort and outdoor recreation destination also known for its vibrant history as a glamorous retreat for Hollywood celebrities. SCICo offers a wide range of services and amenities such as the newly renovated Descanso Beach Club, Pavilion Hotel, Atwater Hotel and Avalon Grille. SCICo’s expedition operator, has added new adventures to its menu of 25 expeditions and tours with the Zip Line Eco Tour, Eco Hummer Tour, Dolphin Quest, 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. SCICo has operated much of the island’s lodging, dining and tour options for over 118 years. www.VisitCatalinaIsland.com http://vimeo.com/ End
Page Updated Last on: Aug 13, 2013
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Account Phone Number