Circumnavigate Santa Catalina Island and support the Island Museum

Guests of Round the Island 2017 view Catalina Island’s backside. Courtesy photo

For the Islander

It is not every day that you can cruise all the way around Catalina Island; however, your chance is coming up on Tuesday, Oct. 16. A truly unique experience, the Catalina Island Museum’s ’Round the Island Cruise aboard the Catalina Express is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy Catalina’s natural beauty in a way that few people ever have.

With a host of local experts sharing their knowledge and insider stories, passengers will learn about the island while enjoying miles of rugged coastline and secluded coves.

You will ride in comfort on the Catalina Express boat as it leaves from the Cabrillo Mole in Avalon and heads along the leeward side towards Two Harbors, makes its way around the West End of the island, and returns via the ruggedly beautiful windward side. Along the way, learn about and view the island’s coves, camps, quarries, geography and wildlife. Catalina Express founder Doug Bombard will speak about the island’s history, especially that of Two Harbors. Hillary Hunt of the Catalina Island Conservancy will talk about the island’s flora and fauna and others will chime in with historic information about various landmarks and updates on the coves.

In addition to bragging rights, you will earn the status of Shellback, a title given to those who have circumnavigated the island or you can upgrade your status to Trusty Shellback by doing it once again.

Lunch is included. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the tour. Space is extremely limited. This event will sell out.

The ’Round the Island Cruise will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check-in will take place at 11:30 a.m. near Floats 4 and 5 at the Cabrillo Mole. The cruise will depart at approx. 11:45 a.m. Tickets may be purchased in person at the museum, online via CatalinaMuseum.org, or by contacting Stephen Weber at 310-510-4650. Single tickets are $200 and double tickets are $350. Visit CatalinaMuseum.org for more information. All proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Museum.

The Catalina Island Museum offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The new Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Ave. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website: CatalinaMuseum.org.