Located on the west end at the island’s Isthmus, Two Harbors is a unique and rustic getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience the rural surroundings of Two Harbors and Catalina’s interior. Enjoy the stunning views of both Catalina Harbor and Isthmus Cove where you can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or rent a kayak. Explore Catalina’s interior where you’ll find plant life that is not found anywhere else…and animal life that’s just as rare. Visitors may spot fox, quail, buffalo, and even bald eagles while hiking along well-marked trails, biking over mountain roads or a high adventure tour aboard a hummer. For more information on rentals, hours and pricing please call the

• Two Harbors Dive and Recreation Center at (310) 510-4272
• Two Harbors Visitor Services (310) 510-4205.

Lodging-The Banning House Lodge was built in 1910 as a summer home for the pioneering Banning brothers, who owned Santa Catalina Island. Now a charming, Craftsman-style bed and breakfast, the Banning House Lodge offers sweeping views of the Isthmus of Catalina and Catalina Harbor from its romantic, hilltop perch above Two Harbors.

Each of the eleven rooms is individually decorated and has a private bath. There is also a trellised courtyard where you can sip a cool drink and view the California mainland on the horizon.

• For Banning House Lodge reservations, please call 1-800-626-1496.

Bicycling

Mountain biking on Catalina is a must-do for serious bikers. The dirt roads of the island interior offer challenging biking plus awe-inspiring views. Mountain bike rentals are available.

Fishing

Fishing in the sparkling waters off Catalina’s coast is some of the best anywhere. Sea bass, yellow tail, and halibut are just a few varieties of fish you can catch. Equipment and skiffs are available.

Hiking/Backpacking

The Two Harbors area offers day hikes ranging from easy to difficult, allowing both the casual hiker and serious trekker to traverse into the interior of the island. Some trails follow existing roads and some lead to ridges offering expansive views of the ocean, Channel Islands and mainland. Free hiking permits are required for extended treks.

Kayaking

The crystal clear waters around Two Harbors lead into secluded coves, caves, and reefs with amazing sea and bird life. Many of these areas are reachable only by watercraft. Spend the day kayaking, fishing, or try a naturalist guided tour.

Scuba Diving

The island’s favorite dive sites such as Ship Rock, Bird Rock, Emerald Bay, Isthmus Reef, Eagle Reef and Blue Cavern’s Point are all within 15 minutes aboard Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center’s dive boat, the “Garibaldi”. You can also enter the water right off the no-surf sandy beach, or paddle a specially designed diving kayaks and discover your own secluded cove.

Snorkeling

Two Harbors offers easy access to some of the world’s best snorkeling. Voted “World’s Healthiest Marine Environment” by Scuba Diving Magazine, the water is clear and clean, with visibility ranging from 40-100 feet. Water temperatures vary from 55-72 degrees. Lessons, rentals and guided dive trips are available.

You can enter the water right off Two Harbors’ calm, sandy beaches, or paddle a specially designed diving kayak to a secluded cove. Dive masters are available for guided kayak/snorkel tours.

Lessons, rentals, charters and guided trips are available from the Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center. They also offer snorkeling excursions aboard their 45-foot catamaran, Garibaldi.

Camping

Two Harbors Campground is located on a bluff overlookling the beach, ¼ mile from the Two Harbors Village. Group rates are available and the site is open year round.

• Call Two Harbors Visitors Services for reservation information (310) 510-4205.

Reservations Recommended