Why you should play hooky and go to Catalina for leap day: $29 boat ride, room or dinner

Catalina Island is rolling out $29 discounts for leap day (Feb. 29), but you have to register by Sunday to take advantage of them.

By Mary Forgione

Feb. 12, 2016 8:15 AM PT

Leap day is coming up at the end of the month, and Santa Catalina Island is hoping to see you on that “extra day” in 2016.

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UPDATE

Feb. 16, 11:30 a.m.: The Leap Over to Catalina package sold out on Monday; it’s no longer available.

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To win you over, the Santa Catalina Island Co., which oversees tourism as well as lodgings and transportation on the island, has put together a string of discounts just for Feb. 29.

Here’s what $29 per person will get you at the island’s seaside town of Avalon:

— a room at the Hotel Atwater,

— a round-trip boat ticket,

--a three-course dinner at Avalon Grille.

The savings are great on this offer. But the trick is taking Monday off (prices are good only on Feb. 29).

As a price comparison, boat tickets alone usually run about $74, and the best available rate at Hotel Atwater would cost $111 a night on leap day.

Here’s how you can get this deal:

On Monday, you’ll receive a promotion code via email that allows you to book the $29 specials. Follow the instructions and book through the Santa Catalina Island Co. website.

Info and registration: Leap Over to Catalina

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