
Catalina Island is a popular tourist destination, and getting there by boat is a breeze. The island has two main ports: Avalon and Two Harbors.
To get to Catalina Island, you can take a ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point. The Catalina Express ferry service is the most popular option, with multiple departures daily.
The ferry ride from San Pedro to Avalon typically takes about an hour and a half. During peak season, you can expect to pay around $70 for a one-way ticket.
Getting to Catalina Island
Getting to Catalina Island is a breeze, taking just about an hour via high-speed ferry. Two companies offer boat transportation from Southern California cities like Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach to both Avalon and Two Harbors.
You can also take a helicopter from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon, or charter a private boat for a more exclusive experience. Many visitors even sail over to the island and rent a mooring in either Two Harbors or Avalon.
For those who want to fly in, Catalina's Airport in the Sky is accessible by private plane.
Daily Boat Trips
Daily Boat Trips to Catalina Island are a breeze, with multiple departures each day from three mainland ports: Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. There are over 30 daily departures between these ports.
You can expect to catch a ferry from the Long Beach port between 6 am and 6 pm daily. This flexibility makes it easy to plan your trip to Catalina Island.
The ferry service departure schedule does vary throughout the year, but rest assured, there's always a boat waiting to take you to the island. Catalina Express is the way to go, with terminals in Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.
If you're looking for a relaxing and fun way to start your Catalina Island vacation, the ferry is the perfect choice. There's no bridge connecting the island to the mainland, so the ferry is your only option.
Here are the three mainland ports where you can catch a ferry to Catalina Island:
- Long Beach
- San Pedro
- Dana Point
Ticketing and Pricing
A round-trip ticket to Avalon on Catalina Island costs $84 from San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.
The price includes the fare, wharfage fee, and taxes.
Seniors aged 55 and over can ride for a discounted rate of $77 round-trip.
Children between the ages of 2 and 11 can ride for $68.50.
For babies under the age of 2, there is no ticket cost, but you will still have to pay the $7.00 wharfage fee.
Additional Fees:
- Bike or surfboard: $7.00 per item
- Captains Lounge upgrade: $120 per person
- Commodore Lounge upgrade: $40 per person
Price
The price to get to Catalina Island varies depending on where you're coming from. A round-trip ticket from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Newport Beach to Avalon costs $84.
If you're planning to travel from Dana Point, the price is still $88. Keep in mind that prices may change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information before booking your trip.
There are also different price tiers for seniors and children. Seniors aged 55 and over can ride for a discounted rate of $77 round-trip, while children between the ages of 2 and 11 can ride for $68.50.

If you're traveling with little ones, don't worry about the cost for babies under 2, but be prepared to pay a $7.00 wharfage fee.
Here's a breakdown of the ticket prices:
- San Pedro – Avalon: $84
- Long Beach – Avalon: $84 (or $124 for the Commodore Lounge)
- Dana Point – Avalon: $88
- Newport Beach – Avalon: $88
- Adult (round-trip): $84
- Senior (round-trip): $77
- Child (round-trip): $68.50
- Wharfage fee (per item): $7.00
Express
Catalina Express offers daily departures from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point to Avalon, as well as departures from San Pedro to Two Harbors.
Departures from San Pedro to Two Harbors are also available on Catalina Express.
Daily boat departures to Catalina Island from Newport Beach are provided by Catalina Flyer, which operates on the largest passenger catamaran on the West Coast.
Catalina Express offers multiple departure locations, making it convenient for travelers to choose the one closest to them.
You can catch a daily boat departure from Newport Beach on Catalina Flyer to Catalina Island, which is a great option if you're already in the area.
Getting Around the Island
Getting around Catalina Island is a breeze. Most residents get around by golf cart, which are available for rent on an hourly or daily basis.
You can also use public transportation in Avalon through COAST, which offers on-demand rides to and from anywhere within the city limits for just $2 per rider.
Taxi service is another option, available from the Catalina Island ferry terminal and the taxi stand on Crescent and Metropole Avenue.
Map with Routes

Getting around the island can be a breeze, especially when you know the routes. The ferry to Catalina Island is a direct connection with no stops in between, so you can enjoy the scenic views without any interruptions.
You can book your tickets in advance to ensure a spot on the ferry, and the prices vary depending on the type of ferry you choose. High-Speed ferries are available for those who want to get to the island quickly.
If you're planning to drive to the island, you can't take your car on the ferry, but you can explore the city and its parking options. San Diego to Catalina Island is a popular route, but be prepared for more expensive and complicated parking in the city.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind when planning your trip:
- Ferry tickets can be booked in advance.
- High-Speed ferries are available for a faster journey.
- San Diego to Catalina Island is a popular route.
- Parking in the city can be expensive and complicated.
Getting Around
Getting around Catalina Island is a breeze. Both Avalon and Two Harbors are easily accessible on foot, making it fun to meander around the city streets and take in the sights and sounds of these quaint villages.

Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation in Avalon, and you can rent them on an hourly or daily basis. Fares start at $2 per rider with COAST - City of Avalon Seaside Transit.
Taxi service is also available from the Catalina Island ferry terminal, as well as the taxi stand on the corner of Crescent and Metropole Avenue, to all areas of Avalon.
Shore boats are available in both Avalon and Two Harbors, offering a convenient way to get around the island.
Parking in Beach
Parking in Beach can be a challenge, but there are options available. Overnight parking is available at the Long Beach Port for $22.95 per 24hr period.
No parking reservations are needed, making it a convenient option. All major credit cards are also acceptable forms of payment, so you can just pull up and pay.
The only catch is that you can't park there for more than 30 days, so if you're planning a long stay on the island, you'll need to find alternative arrangements for your car.
Island Information
Catalina Island is located 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, California. It's a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational activities.
The island is 42 square miles in size and has a population of around 4,000 residents. You can get there by boat, which is the most common way to arrive.
Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer are two of the most popular boat transportation services to the island. They offer multiple daily departures from various locations in Los Angeles.
Beach Location
The Catalina Express departs from the heart of downtown Long Beach near Shoreline Village at Catalina Landing.
You can reach the ferry terminal easily from Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego. From downtown San Diego, it takes about an hour and 45 minutes to drive to the port.
The Long Beach port is the most attractive and popular place to set sail, making it a convenient option for island visitors.
The address of the ferry terminal is 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802, so be sure to save it for future reference.
The Long Beach port is located near the Aquarium of the Pacific, making it a great spot to combine a visit to the island with some marine life viewing.
Beach Safety Guide
The Catalina Island ferry ride can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to prioritize your safety. The Long Beach Ferry to Catalina Island is a relatively short ride, but it's still a good idea to pack a light bag with essentials in case of an emergency.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, check the weather forecast before boarding the ferry. The Catalina Express Ferry operates from several locations around Southern California, including downtown Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point.
If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before the ride. The ferry ride typically takes about an hour, but it's a good idea to bring snacks and water to keep you hydrated and satisfied.
Be aware of the ferry's departure and arrival times to avoid missing your connection. The Catalina Express Ferry offers a convenient and affordable way to get to the island.
What's the Beach Like?
The beach on Catalina Island is a must-see. You can easily spend a day soaking up the sun and playing in the waves.
Getting to the beach is a breeze, thanks to the ferry ride from Long Beach, which only takes about an hour. The ferry drops you off in the main town of Avalon, making it easy to find your way to the beach.
The beach is a great spot to relax and unwind, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the scenery.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Catalina Island is a great question, and the answer is that you can visit year-round. The peak tourist season runs from June through September, when temperatures are warm and sunny.
If you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, consider visiting during the off-season, which is a great option. Prices of hotels tend to be almost double during peak summer months.

Spring and Fall are ideal seasons to visit, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. The warmest month is August, with average daily temperatures in the low to mid-70s.
You can still have a great time visiting in the winter months, even though it can be somewhat chilly, with temperatures ranging between 45-59 degrees each day.
Things to Do
Catalina Island is a tiny island, so renting a golf cart is a great way to get around and explore.
You can choose to stay in either Avalon or Two Harbors, but Two Harbors makes for an excellent jumping-off point for outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, biking, or hiking.
Avalon has more hotels and dining options, so it's a great choice if you want to relax on the beach or enjoy some cocktails in a cabana at Descanso Beach Club.
Two Harbors is more relaxed and has a restaurant, a bed-and-breakfast, and a general store.
Traveling from Mainland California
Traveling from Mainland California is a breeze thanks to the Catalina Express, which offers multiple daily departures from three mainland ports: San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point.
The Catalina Express ferry ride from San Pedro takes approximately 1 hour, while the Long Beach and Dana Point routes take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, respectively.
If you're traveling from the mainland, be sure to check the Catalina Express schedule in advance to plan your trip around your schedule.
San Diego Cruises
San Diego Cruises are a unique way to travel, but they're not as straightforward as you might think. Currently, there are limited Pacific coastal cruises departing from San Diego, with occasional stops at Catalina Island.
These cruises can be quite pricey, especially considering the San Diego to Catalina leg is just a small portion of the overall journey.
Traveling from Mainland California by Boat
If you're planning a trip to Catalina Island, the ferry is the way to go. There's no bridge connecting the island to the mainland, and cars are not allowed on the island.
You can catch the ferry from three locations on mainland California: Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. The Long Beach port is the most popular and offers the most frequent ferry service, with multiple departures daily.
San Pedro is a convenient option if you're located in Los Angeles. The ferry service from San Pedro is likely the easiest and closest option.
Dana Point is close to both San Diego and the south of Orange County, but the ferry service only goes to the Avalon port once you reach the island.
There are more than 30 daily departures between the ports at San Pedro, Dana Point, and Long Beach. From the Long Beach port, you can expect departures between 6 am and 6 pm daily.
If you're planning to visit Catalina Island, it's worth noting that you can't drive to the island. There's no way to bring your car to the island on Catalina Express, and cars are incredibly limited there.
Terminal and Port Information
To get to Catalina Island, you'll need to know about the terminal and port information. There are three main ports in Southern California that offer service to the island: Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. Long Beach is the most popular and offers the most frequent ferry service, with multiple departures daily.
The San Pedro ferry service is likely the easiest and closest option if you're located in Los Angeles. The ferry terminal is located next to the Vincent Thomas Bridge at Berth 95, adjacent to the World Cruise Center.
If you're heading to the island from Dana Point, keep in mind that the ferry service only goes to the Avalon port, not Two Harbors. To get to the Catalina Air-Sea Terminal in San Pedro, take the 110 Harbor Freeway south to the CA 47 – Terminal Island exit.
Here are the three main ports in Southern California that offer service to Catalina Island:
- Long Beach
- San Pedro
- Dana Point
Once you arrive on the island, you'll land in one of two ports: Avalon or Two Harbors. Avalon is the main stop and offers a wider range of options for lodging and amenities. Two Harbors, on the other hand, is a more isolated area with fewer options.
Share Your Thoughts
Catalina Island is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts, with several transportation options available to get you there.
The Catalina Express ferry is a convenient and affordable way to travel to the island, with multiple daily departures from various ports in Southern California.
You can choose from a range of ticket options, including round-trip and one-way fares, as well as special discounts for seniors and students.
Traveling by ferry can take around 1 hour, depending on the departure and arrival ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the water taxi from Avalon to Two Harbors?
The ferry from Avalon to Two Harbors costs $18-$35.
Are there Ubers on Catalina Island?
No, there is no Uber or Lyft service on Catalina Island. Transportation is typically provided by golf carts, which are a common mode of transportation on the island.
Is there a shuttle between Avalon and Two Harbors?
Yes, there is a shuttle service between Avalon and Two Harbors, operated by the Catalina Island Company's Cyclone power boat. The trip takes about 40 minutes and runs multiple times daily during spring and summer.
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