Компания Catalina Express празднует 45-летие и разыгрывает бесплатные билеты на круизы

AVALON, BEACHES, BISON, FLYING FISH: If you've made your way to Catalina Island over the last few decades, and back to the mainland, chances are extremely good that you enjoyed a trip on the Catalina Express, that crisscrossing icon of the SoCal surf. The boats are eye-catching fixtures around the island, in both Avalon Harbor and Two Harbors, and they collect passengers in San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point (and return them, too, of course). The trip from Long Beach to Avalon takes around an hour, give or take, but during those 60 minutes you might settle in for a cocktail and snack, chat with fellow holiday-makers, or spy some dolphins escorting the vessel. Call it a SoCal staple of the splashiest order, and raise your on-board wine glass high to the fleet: Catalina Express is turning 45, and to celebrate, there shall be social media giveaways. THURSDAY, JULY 16... is the date when you'll want to watch the company's Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for the chance to score a round-trip ticket on one of the vessels, the high-speed crafts that cover 22 miles or so in nearly a blink, or so it seems. If you are awarded one of the coveted prizes, there are several happenings just ahead, with the Palette of Catalina Color Walk and Summer Nights at the Ranch on the calendar. Oh yes: Summer also means flying fish season, too, if you're tempted by boarding a night cruise to find some of the fin-rocking wonders swimming just off Catalina's shores. Read more about the founding of Catalina Express in 1981, its biggest boat (the Catalina Jet, which can transport 450 passengers), schedules, and fares. Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are.