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How We Made Our Catalina Family Vacation Unforgettable: Helicopters, Yachts, and Pure Bliss
Let me tell you, I’m all about making memories that stick. For several years now, Joe and I have talked about creating an annual family trip that our three kids would look forward to each year—a tradition that would bring us closer together and create amazing memories. This year, it finally happened, and let’s just say we went all out.
Hawaii was the initial dream, but life threw in some extra expenses, so we had to pivot. Why not have our first vacation together at our oceanfront home in California? We focused on Catalina Island, which we can see from our backyard as the perfect overnight getaway. Spoiler alert: it was perfect.
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The Helicopter Surprise
I wanted to start with a bang, and what’s more exciting than taking a helicopter over to Catalina instead of a crowded ferry? Imagine the kids’ excitement when they realized they’d be taking in the ocean views from above. We pulled up to the major docking location in Long Beach, and they asked, “Are we getting on a cruise ship?” But once we got to the helicopter launching pad, they were so excited—this was the first time for most of them. The waters were crystal clear, and the pilot was amazing. He shared the history of the island and even treated us to a couple of flybys. (The best part? Nobody got sick!)
Then came the highlight of the surprise. After landing, we headed for what the kids thought would be a “nice little boat” to hop on for the day. We took the water taxi out, and just as they were admiring a lovely, modest boat on the left, the taxi veered right—and there it was: a stunning 102-foot yacht, complete with a captain in tuxedo shoes and a steward offering us glasses of champagne as we boarded. The looks on their faces were priceless. The best part was hearing them say, “No way! Is this what we are staying on? You have got to be kidding me!”
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Living the Yacht Life
Once on board, the real luxury hit. We had en-suite bedrooms, a full living room, a bar, a kitchen, and a Jacuzzi on the top deck! And the kids? They were beyond thrilled. We all toured the yacht, made decisions about where to sleep, and, of course, rushed up to the deck to see the view and the Jacuzzi! There were so many amenities onboard: fishing poles, a jet ski, scuba diving gear, a lily pad, and paddleboards—anything you can think of to keep us busy.
We didn’t just get a yacht; we got an experience. A private chef crafted a breakfast spread for us, complete with everything from mimosas to freshly baked pastries. I even sent a detailed list of our favorite drinks, so every detail was perfect. Trust me, high-quality liquor makes all the difference the next day. Our steward was incredible! She could whip up any cocktail imaginable, and her bright, lovely demeanor was contagious. The captain was fun to talk to and shared stories about his sea adventures around the globe. The chef was spot-on and easy to communicate with while planning each meal.
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Exploring Catalina in Style
To make the day even more memorable, we rented private golf carts with guides to tour Catalina. It wasn’t just about driving; it was a personalized tour, complete with stops at iconic lookouts and even a famous pet cemetery (the inspiration for Stephen King’s Pet Sematary). By the time the tour ended, we were all ready to return to our floating paradise.
We anchored in a secluded cove where the kids spent hours snorkeling, paddleboarding, and jumping off the boat. There was even a massive yellow floaty we spread out to relax on. With the crew taking care of every little thing—snacks, drinks, music—the whole day was effortless fun under perfect weather.
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A Perfect Night and Starlink Magic
That evening, the University of Texas football game was on, which is where my stepson went to school. Needless to say, he is a HUGE fan, and we were way more entertained by him than by the game! Afterwards, we sat down to an incredible meal that I curated with the chef ahead of time—short ribs, red wine, and a chocolate soufflé for dessert. (Californians always want fish for dinner; us Texans need our red meat!) Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, the stars aligned—literally. We were on the deck stargazing in the Jacuzzi when Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites passed right overhead, providing us with a light show we’ll never forget!
The next morning, the chef greeted us with freshly baked croissants, homemade yogurt, and yet another beautiful day. Dolphins even joined us on the ride back, and for a good two hours, we soaked it all in from the top-deck Jacuzzi, waves and seals on both sides, and that perfect blue sky. It was one of those pinch-me moments we have ever experienced. The kids looked at each other and said, “Is this for real?”
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Creating a Tradition
By the time we got back, all of us were talking about next year’s trip. And that was the goal: to make this a family tradition so fabulous that everyone counts down the days until the next one. Eventually, the kids will all be married and start their own families. We anticipate it will get harder to get them all together, but until then, October is the perfect time of year for vacations, so we’re already brainstorming the next location. If anyone has ideas, let me know!
These moments of family, laughter, and over-the-top fun are what life is about. I can’t wait to do it all again, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise!
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Trip Details
Helicopter Ride: Maverick Helicopters was only $160 per person, give or take, and it was just us on board. To rent a private helicopter would cost at least $3,000.
Yacht Rental: Luxury Liners. We worked with Brian. If you’re looking for a yacht over 100 feet, this one is WAY less expensive, very clean, and newly renovated. The owner essentially gave us a price for one full day. If you have questions about the different options, just email me or DM me. I have an entire notes section.
The Crew: Captain Seth, steward Shan, deckhand Juan, and chef Bobby.
To God be the Glory!
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Amy & Joe
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