Catalina Island Ferry: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
From the Author: I tried to book the Catalina Express for October, and the early morning ferries from Long Beach were sold out three weeks in advance. So, even in the off-season, book your ferry in advance.
Curious about taking the Catalina Island Ferry?
You’ve landed on the right guide. I live in Los Angeles and have taken the Catalina Island Ferry, also known as the Catalina Express or the Catalina Flyer, many times.
No time to read this whole article? No worries!
Book the Catalina Express here! ⛴️
Catalina Island, a beautiful and mesmerizing destination, is only an hour away from the Southern California coast.
Ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you can reach this charming island by taking a ferry from various departure points.
With up to 30 daily departures, you have plenty of options to suit your schedule and travel preferences.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about taking the Catalina Island Ferry: reservations and prices, schedules, and other ways to get to Catalina Island once you’re there. At the bottom is an FAQ section with more answers to your questions.
No time to read this whole article? No worries!
Book the Catalina Express here! ⛴️
What is the Catalina Island Ferry?
The cheapest way to get to Catalina Island is the Catalina Island Ferry. Several ferry services offer convenient and comfortable transportation to Catalina Island.
Among these are the Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer, which operate from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.
Depending on your chosen route, you can sit back and enjoy the scenic hour-long journey aboard a modern and spacious vessel.
As you plan your Catalina Island trip, consider factors such as departure times, fares, and the proximity of the mainland ports to your location.
If you’re traveling from Los Angeles to Catalina Island, the closest port to catch a ferry is San Pedro or Long Beach.
Ferry Services
When planning your trip to Catalina Island, there are two main ferry services available to you:
These services offer convenient and comfortable transportation to the island from various locations in Southern California.
Catalina Express
Catalina Express operates round-trip service to Catalina Island from Long Beach, Dana Point, and San Pedro terminals daily.
To check current schedule availability and preview additional departures, you can visit their reservation system, select your date of travel, and click “Book Now.”
Enjoy the picturesque town of Avalon and explore various activities on land and sea, or discover the rustic village of Two Harbors, featuring spectacular campgrounds and beautiful beaches.
There are many reasons Catalina Island is worth a visit.
Catalina Flyer
The Catalina Flyer is a 600-passenger catamaran ferry offering round-trip service to Catalina Island from Newport Beach since 1988.
Located approximately 50 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego County, the Catalina Flyer is an easy access point for most of Orange County.
No matter which ferry service you choose, you’re bound to have an enjoyable and relaxing journey to Catalina Island with beautiful views of California and the Pacific Ocean.
Catalina Island Ferry Routes
Below is a map showing the access routes to Catalina Island from mainland California.
Mainland Ports to Get the Catalina Island Ferry
Catalina Island is an accessible and enjoyable destination, with several mainland ports offering ferry services to the island.
In this section, we will explore the ferry services available from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro, and Newport Beach.
Long Beach to Catalina Island Ferry
Located in the heart of Southern California, Long Beach is one of the primary ports offering ferry services to Catalina Island.
From the Long Beach port, you can easily reach both Avalon and Two Harbors, with numerous daily departures operated by the Catalina Express.
Dana Point to Catalina Island Ferry
Another option for your Catalina Island journey is to depart from the beautiful Dana Point harbor, located in Orange County.
Operated by the Catalina Express, the Dana Point port offers daily round-trip service to Catalina Island.
San Pedro to Catalina Island Ferry
The San Pedro port is a convenient gateway to Catalina Island, offering daily round-trip service through the Catalina Express.
From the Port of Los Angeles, you can travel to both Avalon and Two Harbors.
Newport Beach to Catalina Island Ferry
For travelers near Orange County, consider taking the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach to Avalon.
The ferry trip takes approximately one hour and offers a comfortable and scenic journey to Catalina Island.
Remember to book your reservations in advance, as the Catalina Flyer only operates once a day during peak seasons and weekends.
Catalina Island Ferry Schedule and Departures
When planning your trip to Catalina Island, it’s essential to choose a suitable ferry service and departure time.
With services like Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer, you can conveniently book a ferry between mainland California and Avalon, Catalina Island.
Catalina Express offers multiple departures daily from ports in San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point, ensuring you can find a time that fits your schedule.
You can view up-to-date availability and additional departure times by visiting their reservation system.
On the other hand, The Catalina Flyer’s schedule includes several daily departures from Newport Beach to Avalon and vice versa.
This ferry service advises to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled departure and check-in begins one hour prior to departure.
Boarding commences 30 minutes prior to departure.
Remember that both services require prompt arrival to ensure a smooth boarding process and a timely departure.
Take the time to consult each ferry service’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date scheduling information to ensure a hassle-free travel experience to Catalina Island.
Read our Ultimate Catalina Island Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
Reservations and Tickets for the Catalina Island Ferry
When planning your trip to Catalina Island via ferry, it is important to book your reservations in advance. Tickets book quickly, especially in summer.
Due to the popularity of Catalina Island, the Catalina Island Ferry sells out.
You can make your reservation easily by booking online or calling 800.481.3470. Upon reserving, you will receive a reservation number, which you must present at the ticket window.
The cost of a round-trip ticket on the Catalina Express is $84.00, depending on the departure location and destination on Catalina Island. Prices are subject to change, so make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
The Catalina Island Ferry: Need to Know
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Taking a Catalina Island ferry offers more than just transportation; it also provides a unique opportunity to spot dolphins, whales, and other marine life during the one-hour boat ride.
The high-speed catamarans used by both the Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer have spacious seating areas with ample viewing options for passengers.
Be sure to keep your eyes open and camera-ready for any potential sightings as you travel through the beautiful waters surrounding Catalina Island.
Parking at the Ferry Departure Site
When taking a Catalina Island ferry, it’s important to know the various parking options available at the different departure terminals.
Long Beach offers parking at the Catalina Landing, which is conveniently located next to the departure point for the Catalina Express.
💰Parking rates: $22/day. They accept cash and credit cards.
In San Pedro, the Catalina Express departs from 95 Berth, and there is an adjacent parking lot available.
💰Parking rates: $20/day or $2/hour. They accept cash, credit cards, and traveler’s checks.
Parking is also available at the Balboa Pavilion for those taking the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach.
Remember to arrive early to secure a parking spot, as spaces can fill up quickly during peak times.
General Information about the Catalina Island Ferry
When traveling to Catalina Island via a passenger ferry, you’ll need to consider luggage and sporting equipment policies.
Most ferry providers, such as the Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer, have size and weight limitations as well as additional fees for large or heavy items like bicycles, surfboards, kayaks, and scuba gear.
The Catalina Express: Good to know
⛴️ Duration of Ferry: About an hour
🛟 Closest Port to Los Angeles and LAX: San Pedro, 95 Berth, San Pedro, CA
🚾 Restrooms Available: Yes
🐶 Pets Allowed: Only service animals
🥤Food Allowed: Yes
🧑🏻🦽 Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible
👫 Maximum Capacity: 149
👜 Luggage: Yes. Two bags per person, weighing less than 50 pounds.
Pro Tip: I noticed these lockers as I got off the Catalina Express. So, if you go for the day and don’t want to lug around your things, you can store them here. To rent a locker, you need three tokens, each costing $1.
➡︎ To confirm a reservation on the Catalina Express, you must book your return time when you book your arrival time. 🧾
Other Modes of Transportation to Catalina Island other than the Catalina Island Ferry
There are a few more options to get to Catalina that aren’t as cheap as taking the Catalina Express.
🛳️ Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach
There is another ferry to Catalina from Newport Beach, the Catalina Flyer (not as accessible for Angelenos).
🛥️ Yacht/Boat Charters
You can book boat charters from Los Angeles to Catalina Island through Los Angeles Yacht Charter and Luxury Liners.
However, it’s important to note that this is a more expensive choice, with yacht charters ranging from $750 to $27,000.
⛵️ Sailing
For a truly eco-friendly journey to Catalina Island, consider sailing with companies like Bluewater Sailing and Mariner Sailing Charters.
These sailing options offer a sustainable and environmentally conscious way to reach the island.
🚣🏼♂️ Kayaking
It’s possible to kayak to Catalina. Embarking on a kayaking adventure to Catalina Island is indeed feasible, but it necessitates meticulous planning, thorough preparation, and prior experience in open-water kayaking.
🚁 Helicopter
The fastest way to reach Catalina Island is by Maverick Helicopter—pricier than the ferry, but it saves valuable time and adds a touch of luxury.
Skip the traffic and sail lines—arrive in style. Maverick Helicopters offers daily per-seat flights to Catalina Island from Long Beach (via the Queen Mary terminal) and weekend flights from San Pedro. In just 21 to 28 minutes, you’ll be soaring over the Pacific and touching down in paradise.
Catalina Island transfers range from $329 – $599.
Want a private experience? Charter flights from any local airport start at $2,699, making it the most luxurious and time-saving way to reach the island.
✈️ Private Planes
Private planes can fly directly to Catalina’s airport, known as “Airport in the Sky.” No commercial plans are allowed.
Want a private experience? Charter flights from any local airport start at $2,699, making it the most luxurious and time-saving way to reach the island.
Check rates & availability for the Catalina Express.
Where To Stay on Catalina Island
There are many hotels and accommodations to choose from on Catalina Island; here are some that I recommend:
Below are my top five hotel picks in Catalina:
The Most Popular Catalina Island Tours
Catalina Island Ferry: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are all of your questions about the Catalina Island Ferry answered.
Which ferry is better to Catalina Island?
Catalina Express is the best way to get to Catalina Island; it has eight boats and up to 30 daily departures year-round from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.
Can you go to Catalina Island for a day?
Yes, visiting Catalina Island is a nice day trip. I’ve done it several times. The island is over 20 miles long, so you can cover much of it during a day trip and come back another day to see more.
How long is the trip on the Catalina Express?
The Catalina Express is a one-hour high speed boat ride.
How long does the ferry ride take to Catalina Island?
The ferry ride to Catalina Island varies depending on the departure location. From San Pedro and Long Beach, it takes approximately 1 hour. Keep in mind that travel time may vary slightly due to various factors, such as weather conditions.
What is the cost of a round-trip ticket on the Catalina Express?
The cost of a round-trip ticket on the Catalina Express is $84.00, depending on the departure location and destination on Catalina Island. Prices are subject to change, so make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Which departure locations are available for the Catalina Island Ferry?
The Catalina Island Ferry has several departure locations in Southern California. These include San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, and Newport, making it convenient for visitors to choose the most suitable option based on their location and travel plans. The closest port to Los Angeles is San Pedro.
Do the ferries have a schedule for both weekdays and weekends?
Yes, the ferries have a schedule for both weekdays and weekends, with varying frequencies depending on the departure location. For instance, from San Pedro to Avalon, ferries run up to 7 times per day, while from Long Beach to Avalon, it operates up to 3 times per day. Always refer to the ferry company’s website for the most current schedule.
Wrap-Up: Catalina Island Ferry
When it comes to traveling to Catalina Island, the Catalina Express Ferry is the top choice. It is not only the most affordable and quickest option, but it also boasts an environmentally friendly ferry service.
Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- Wrigley Botanical Garden & Memorial on Catalina Island
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island & What You Need to Know
- Catalina Island in June
- Catalina Island in July
- Catalina Island in August
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
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