Catalina Express
Catalina Island, California
In 1981, Doug Bombard, along with his son, Greg, and friend, Tom, realized there was a need for fast, reliable transportation to and from Catalina Island and California’s southern coast. That year, they purchased their first vessel, and today, the company has grown to a fleet of eight high-speed ships that annually transport more than 1 million passengers around the bright blue waters of southern California’s scenic bay.
“Passengers get the most incredible views of the SoCal coast and the approach to Avalon,” said Elaine Vaughan, vice president of marketing and sales for the outfit.
The fleet’s four catamarans are designed for both comfort and speed, each able to reach up to 43 miles per hour. The boats’ leather-trimmed, airline-style seats; “Commodore’s Lounges”; and spacious upper decks with beverage and snack services might have groups wondering if they mistakenly arrived on the set of James Bond.
“[Actress] Zooey Deschanel just rode free on her birthday, and her fiance proposed to her there,” said Vaughan, noting that any guests can ride the ferry service for free on the date of their birth.
The Catalina Express Staff is happy to work with groups to help them plan a custom, multistop trip that can include Long Beach’s iconic boardwalk or a walk through the USS Iowa in San Pedro.
DC Harbor Cruises
Washington, D.C.
Washington is known for many things — history, government, world-famous cherry blossoms — but not necessarily its waterways. This natural asset is often overlooked by groups touring the area in favor of attractions such as the Smithsonian museums or the national monuments that are located securely on dry land.
“The fact is, D.C. is a city on two rivers, the Potomac and the Anacostia,” said Kate Gibbs, a spokesperson for Destination DC. “What the D.C. Harbor Cruises do is offer a new perspective, even for people who have been to the city many times.”
From the cruises, which leave from Water Street, just south of D.C.’s central Capital Hill district, you can take in everything from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, and the parks and sights in between. Nor are these lonely waters during cruising season.
“The D.C. waters have become very active,” Gibbs said. “Rowing clubs, kayakers and sailors all congregate there. It has a very unique, communal feel. It’s very new, very exciting.”
Gibbs recommends visiting during the fall or during cherry blossom season to fully appreciate the D.C. scenery. D.C. Harbor Cruises offers group rates and can help you plan the rest of your trip in the city with tour, dining and lodging recommendations.
