Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island

---

Getting to Catalina Island

The only way to get to Catalina is by boat. (or private plane).

Cars aren’t allowed on Catalina Island, there is no bridge from mainland California to Catalina Island, so one of the best things to do there is to rent a golf cart and tool around the island for a few hours.

If you don’t have a boat or a friend who does, two carriers will take you to Catalina: the Catalina Express and the Catalina Flyer.

Your choice will be determined by where you want to catch the ferry.

The Catalina Express Ferry is the ultimate choice for reaching Catalina Island; it’s fast, cost-effective, and eco-friendly transportation.

Catalina Express	Depart From	To
San Pedro (closest port to Catalina	95 Perth Street, San Pedro	Avalon
Long Beach	320 Golden Shore, Long Beach	Avalon

Reserving a spot on the Catalina Express Ferry provides an excellent opportunity to explore all that the island has to offer, including hiking, sightseeing, dining, and shopping.

Please reserve in advance; tickets sell out, especially in the summer.

Passengers disembark in downtown Avalon, relishing picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean throughout the one hour high-speed ferry ride.

Check rates and availability for the Catalina Express Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro.

Flights to Santa Catalina Island

Skip the ferry and arrive in style: the helicopter ride from Long Beach to Catalina Island

Looking for the cheapest way to get to Catalina Island? The ferry is a solid choice—but if you’re open to a splurge, why not treat yourself to a quick, unforgettable journey?

Just imagine: a 15-minute helicopter flight is all that stands between you and paradise. You’ll take off from Long Beach’s Queen Mary Terminal and touch down on Catalina Island in less time than it takes to sip your morning coffee.

Step aboard a luxurious Airbus 130 helicopter, where unparalleled comfort and excellent visibility make every minute a treat. Forget about seasickness or crowds—this is island hopping at its finest.

Just remember to bring a valid photo ID for all passengers 18 and older. It’s time to skip the lines and soar straight into your Catalina adventure!

Where is Catalina Island?

Catalina Island, also known as Santa Catalina Island, is located off the coast of Southern California in the United States.

It’s part of Los Angeles County and is situated approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of the city of Los Angeles. 

The island is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, recreational activities, and the town of Avalon.

15 Reasons Why Catalina Island is Worth Visiting

What You Need To Know About The Catalina Express Ferry:

⛴️ 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.

➡︎ To confirm a reservation on the Catalina Express, you must book your return time when you book your arrival time. 🧾

Parking Near The Port to Catch the Catalina Express Ferry

Parking will vary depending on which departure point you choose. Let’s start with the closest departure port to Catalina Island.

Catalina Island from San Pedro

🅿️ San Pedro Port: Parking is conveniently located next to the terminal. 

💰Parking rates: $20/day or $2/hour. They accept cash, credit cards, and traveler’s checks. 

Catalina Island from Long Beach

🅿️ Long Beach Port: Parking is conveniently located next to the terminal. 

💰Parking rates: $22/day. They accept cash and credit cards.

Why Take The Catalina Express?

I’ve taken the Catalina Express many times when family comes to town or just to get away from Los Angeles for the weekend. It’s super convenient and easy to take.

😎 It’s Easy: Catching the ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro is easy. Parking is accessible once you get to the port. It only takes about an hour to get to the island because, as the name suggests, it’s an express. As someone who gets seasick and doesn’t care for boats, I can stand out on the deck and don’t feel too nauseous.

😎 Nice Views, Baby: It is so much fun taking the ferry. The cool air whips through your hair. You can face the back of the boat and feel the water spray your face while watching beautiful views of the mountains pass.

Check rates & availability for the Catalina Express.

😎 Convenient pick up from several ports: With a range of departure points and schedules available, the Catalina Express provides convenient options for planning a visit to Catalina Island. Throughout the year, the ferry operates regularly, and during the peak season, it offers even more frequent departures.

😎 Eco-friendly: The modern engines on the high-speed ferries of Catalina Express are designed to emit low emissions, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship. Taking the Express is more environmentally friendly than taking your own boat there as well.

Catalina Express Reviews

Here are comments from previous passengers of the ferry,

Very easy process to purchase tickets for the Catalina Express from Long Beach. No problems whatsoever.

— Nancy

---

It was affordable and very worth the price!! We had a fun day with lots of activities ☀️🛳. It was nice to ride on the boat and seat at the top and enjoy the view.

— Patricia

---

I put a wrong date on my ticket. Viator was very accommodating and Catalina Express was very helpful and able to accommodate the changes. Catalina Express station is very clean, bathroom and surroundings. Catalina Express ferry was clean as well.

— Lulu

Read more reviews on Viator.

Other Options to Get to Catalina Island

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: Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters provides convenient flights from Long Beach or San Pedro to Catalina Island, with a quick 15-minute journey. 

Catalina Island Transfers range from $329 – $599.

Maverick Helicopters offers per-seat flights from Long Beach (Maverick Queen Mary terminal) daily, and San Pedro on the weekends. 

Additionally, charters are available from any local airport starting at $2699. The flight duration for these routes can vary from 21 to 28 minutes.

✈️ Private Planes

Private planes can fly directly to Catalina’s airport, known as “Airport in the Sky.” No commercial plans are allowed. 

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:

Best Beach Access: Catalina Island Inn

Best Luxury: Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast (gorgeous views of Catalina!) 

Best for families with little kids: Hotel Atwater

Best Things to Do On Catalina Island

For a small island, Catalina offers many things to do. One of our favorite ways to see the island is by renting a golf cart. If this is your first time, we’ve highlighted some favorite tours that will give you a good taste of Catalina Island life.

⛳️ Golf Cart Tour: Take this top-rated 5-star Golf Tour to see a lot of Catalina at once. As we’ve mentioned, no cars are allowed on Catalina, except for a few exceptions (you have to apply to get a car), so you’ll see many locals and tourists using golf carts to get around. It’s a ton of fun.

Note: this tour is very popular and likely to sell out. Please purchase tickets in advance.

🚁 Maverick Helicopter Tour: Soar above Catalina’s most iconic sights—from the Catalina Casino and Descanso Beach Club to remote coves, buffalo-dotted hills, and the island’s highest peak. This unforgettable helicopter tour offers sweeping aerial views of Avalon, Two Harbors, Mount Orizaba, and more in just 20 exhilarating minutes.

👣 2-Hour Inside Adventure Tour on Catalina Island: Get ready for a scenic 10-mile ride to Catalina’s legendary Airport-in-the-Sky, where bison, bald eagles, and the elusive island fox might make a cameo. At the summit, explore a Native American gathering site and wander through the nature center’s wild wonders.

🤿 Semi-Submarine Tour: This is a great experience to do with children. The sub dives six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers’ Cove in Avalon.

🎰 Private Guided Avalon Tour: Climb into “Gary the Garibaldi,” our one-of-a-kind electric golf cart, for a fun, breezy, and eco-friendly tour of Avalon. Soak in sweeping views, uncover fascinating island history, and snap postcard-worthy photos as you cruise in comfort.

When is the Best Time to Visit Catalina Island?

The ideal time to visit Catalina Island varies depending on what type of activities you’re most interested in. If you enjoy water activities, the summer months are recommended because it’s warmer.

Conversely, if you prefer to avoid large crowds, the winter season will suit you best.

Spring: Spring means fewer crowds and mild weather.

👉🏻 See also: Spring Weather Info For Catalina Island: March, April, and May.

Summer: Warmer temperatures, great for the many water activities on Catalina Island.

👉🏻 See also: Summer Weather Info For Catalina Island: June, July, and August.

Fall: Fall means fewer crowds and mild weather, and is one of the best times to visit. 

👉🏻 See also: Fall Weather Info For Catalina Island: September, October, and November.

Winter: Winter means fewer crowds and a bit cooler weather. Great time to hike on Catalina Island. 

👉🏻 See also: Winter Weather Info For Catalina Island: December, January, and February.

Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island: FAQs

Here are more answers to some common questions about the cheapest way to get to Catalina Island.

What is the cheapest way to get to Catalina Island?

The cheapest way to get to Catalina Island is the Catalina Express Ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach. 

What’s the easiest way to get to Catalina Island?

The easiest way to get to Catalina Island is to take the Catalina Express Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro.

Are there other ways to get to Catalina Island?

Yes, other than taking the Catalina Express Ferry, you can take the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach. You can also take a helicopter or a private plane, charter a yacht, buy a boat, and sail into Catalina on a raft.

Are there lockers on Catalina Island?

Yes. There are lockers to keep your things on Catalina Island. You may store baggage at Avalon Blue Line Baggage. If you are going to Catalina for the day, this is a great option. 

How do people get to Catalina Island?

There’s one way to get to Catalina Islands, that is by boat. You can take a private boat in or take on of the two carriers: Catalina Express and the Catalina Flyer. 

Is Catalina free on your birthday?

Not anymore. The Catalina Express Ferry used to be free on your birthday. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. 

How long is the ferry to Catalina Island?

The ferry to Catalina takes about an hour from Long Beach or San Pedro. 

Can you drive from mainland California to Catalina Island?

No. You can’t drive to Catalina Island. Cars are prohibited on the island, with few exceptions.

Is there Lyft or Uber on Catalina Island?

No. Uber and Lyft are not allowed on Catalina Island. Locals and tourists travel the island by walking, biking, and renting golf carts.

How do you get around Catalina Island?

Locals and tourists travel the island by walking, biking, using public transportation, taking taxis, and renting golf carts.

Does the Catalina Express Ferry include hotel pickup and drop off?

No. The ferry doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off. 

Is Catalina Island worth visit?

Yes, I’ve been to Catalina Island several times. It is an unusual trip and an easy day trip from Los Angeles. It is unique because you are on an island! It forces you to relax and chill out, so city dwellers love to visit Catalina.

There is also something nice about not having to drive, park, or worry about a car.

Do you need a passport to go to Catalina Island?

No. It is not mandatory to carry a passport to get to Catalina Island. There are no immigration checks. However, it is wise to carry government-issued identification, like a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport in case of emergencies. 

Are dogs allowed on Catalina Island?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on Catalina Island with a few restrictions: they must be leashed in town and aren’t allowed on the beaches or most attractions.

Can you live on Catalina Island?

Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. You’ll find single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums on Catalina Island to buy and rent. 

How do you get to Two Harbors on Catalina Island?

Once in Avalon, you can get a boat or taxi to Two Harbors. You can also take the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors, but they don’t run a regular schedule, so availability is limited. 

Is it expensive to go to Catalina Island?

It can be. Catalina is like any tourist destination in California; it depends on when you go and where you stay. There are budget hotels on the islands, and the ferry to Catalina, the Catalina Express, is the cheapest way to get there.

To make it more affordable, go for the day. Book an early departure time on the Catalina Express from Long Beach or San Pedro and the latest departure from Catalina that evening. I’ve also done this, and it is doable.

Wrap-Up: Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island

While there are more pricey options to get to Catalina Island, like private yachts and helicopters, taking the Catalina Island Express is the cheapest. Enjoy your ferry ride!

Check rates & availability for the Catalina Express.

---

Check Out More Catalina Island Content:

• 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

---

---