The only thing that turns our heads faster than the word "free" is when it's preceded by the word "unlimited." So we did a doubletake at the Unlimited Free Activities package offered by the Santa Catalina Island Company, a hotel and tour operator on this 22-mile-long island, located about 20 miles off the coast from Los Angeles and Orange County.Once you book your hotel of choice, you'll get comped for a wide variety of activities, as well as for your ferry ride from L.A. or Orange County (departing from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach or Dana Point). The nightly rate is $117 per adult on weeknights and $175 per adult on weekends, with the nightly rate for kids 2-11 coming in at a flat fee of $47 each. So, for a two-night weekend stay, a family of four would pay $794. The package includes:
- round-trip transit on the ferries (normally $68/adult and $51/child 12 and under = $238 for a family of four)
- lodging at either the Pavilion Lodge or the Hotel Atwater. Of the two hotels, we thought the Pavilion looked the most family-friendly, set across the street from the beach and offering a free daily continental breakfast. (Rates at the Pavilion start at $324/night on weekends, so worth $648 for two nights)
- unlimited access to dozen-plus list of of island activities, valued between $17 to $80 apiece
Deal or no deal? If booked separately, the total for the hotel and transport would come to $886—so the package saves about $90 from the get-go. But this offer isn't just about discounted lodging; it's all about added value.
Those free activities can quickly add up to some serious triple-digit savings. Consider, for example, the Undersea Tour, which takes you five feet below the water's surface in a “semi-submersible” vehicle to check out aquatic wildlife. The tour normally runs $38 per adult and $28 per child—or $132 for a family of four. Other fun activities include tours such as a Flying Fish Boat Trip, a Glass Bottom boat tour, or easy crowd-pleasers such as mini golf, entry to a local beach club, or first-run movies at a local theater. The only catch: You must book your activities either the day of, or late the day before, so there's a chance your desired activity will wind up being full.
The package is good through November 1, and requires a minimum two-night stay. You can book it online or by calling 800/322-3434.
