Catalina Getaway

Catalina Island, only about 25 miles from the harbors of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Newport Beach, is a favorite getaway destination for seniors. Activities are plentiful, including guided sightseeing tours, fishing, biking, camping, horseback riding, snorkeling, golf, tennis, scuba diving, boating and browsing the art galleries.

Senior discounts are available in a number of hotels and inns on Catalina. Three cruise lines have daily crossings from mainland cities and offer discount fares for seniors. The trip takes one to two hours, depending on vessel. Call the following cross-channel lines for free brochures:

* Catalina Express--Round-trip fare from San Pedro is regularly $34.50, reduced to $31.50 for travelers age 55 and over. From Long Beach, the regular $35.50 fare is reduced to $32. (310) 519-1212.

* Catalina Cruises Inc.--From Long Beach, regular round-trip fare is $28.50, reduced to $24.50 for travelers over 55. (800) 228-2546.

* Catalina Flyer--From Newport Harbor, adult fare of $32.50 round trip is reduced to $30 for travelers over 60. (714) 673-5245.

The hotels and inns on Catalina that are listed below offer discounts for seniors over 55. Most have fewer than 30 guest rooms:

* Catalina Island Inn--Guest room for two with breakfast, $45 per night Sunday through Thursday. (Regular rates $65-$80.) (310) 510-1623.

* Cloud “7” Hotel--Seniors receive 20% off on weekends. (Regular rates $40-$130.) Includes continental breakfast, in-room coffee maker, refrigerator. (800) 422-6836 or (310) 510-0454.

* Glenmore Plaza Hotel--50% discount from regular rate Sunday through Thursday, valid until June 2. (Regular $85-$175.) Includes continental breakfast, evening wine and cheese. (800) 748-5660 or (310) 510-0017.

* Hotel St. Lauren--Two-night package includes guest room, round-trip channel crossing, two island tours and taxi service to and from hotel; $85 per person Sunday through Thursday. Valid through June 15. (Regular rate for room only is $85 per night.) (800) 645-2475 or (310) 510-2299.

* Villa Portofino--Through May 30, special room rate of $48 per night, a 26% savings from the regular $65 rate. (800) 346-2326 or (310) 510-0555.

* Hotel Vincentes--Seniors receive 10% off on all two-night weekend bookings for ocean-view suites or regular rooms, 15% off on weekdays year-round. Regular $65-$150, suites $100-$295. (310) 510-1709.

Information and brochures on Catalina and its attractions are available by calling (310) 510-1520 or writing Catalina Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 217, Avalon, Calif. 90704.