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POINT OF INTEREST

Catalina Express

320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, California

Find an island escape right off the urban shore of Southern California by taking a quick ride aboard a Catalina Express ferry. Once on Santa Catalina Island, you can spend a day or more relaxing in the Mediterranean-like atmosphere; wildlife watching on the island’s interior; or scuba diving, kayaking, or fishing just offshore.

Trips to Catalina Island aboard the Catalina Express depart from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point on the mainland and take about an hour one way. All three mainland ports offer ferry service to the town of Avalon, while San Pedro also offers service to Two Harbors, a better choice for visitors wanting to hike or mountain bike the interior portion of the island. Explore Avalon at your own pace by downloading an audio guide for a leisurely, educational walk around town.

  • The Catalina Express is one of the best ways to reach Catalina Island from the mainland.

  • Book your roundtrip ferry service ahead of time to skip the lines at the port and guarantee your spot on the ferry.

  • Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as it’s often sunny on the island.

  • Both the San Pedro and Long Beach ports offer on-site restaurants.

  • Ports and vessels are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

San Pedro and Long Beach ports offer the closest access from Los Angeles and Anaheim, California, while the Dana Point location is most convenient for travelers coming from South Orange County or San Diego. The easiest way to reach the ports is to drive or take a ride-sharing service or taxi.

Each Catalina Express port has its own schedule of departures, which often sell out during the summer and on holiday weekends. Weather on the island is best during spring and fall. The water can get choppy during the winter.

Catalina Express began operating in 1981. Today, the fleet comprises eight high-speed vessels, including four spacious catamarans. Passengers will find seating inside and on the outdoor upper deck and a full bar with snacks and refreshments on each ship.

The Catalina Express ferry, which takes passengers from the Southern California coast to Catalina Island multiple times daily, departs from three different ports: Catalina Landing in downtown Long Beach, the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal in San Pedro, and the offices of Dana Wharf Sportfishing in Dana Point Harbor.

The length of a one-way trip to Catalina Island on the Catalina Express ferry depends on the port of departure. Ferry rides from Long Beach take about 1 hour; trips from San Pedro take about 1 hour and 10 minutes; and trips from Dana Point take about 1.5 hours.

All Catalina Express ferries have indoor cabin seating, outdoor seating on the upper decks, and a bar serving drinks and snacks. Some ferries offer Commodore or Captain’s private lounges for an additional fare. These can be prebooked and offer more privacy, priority check-in and boarding, and a free drink.

Yes, you can bring two pieces of luggage and one carry-on that fits in the seats or overhead bins. Size and weight restrictions do apply, so check the Catalina Express website before you travel. Additionally, you can bring bikes if space is available—reservations are recommended.

Yes, there is parking at the Catalina Express ferry terminals. Keep in mind that the parking rates differ depending on the ferry terminal, though each usually offers daily rates, long-term parking, and reservations. Check the Catalina Express website for daily rates and more detailed parking information.

Yes, pets are allowed on board the Catalina Express ferry, with some restrictions. All pets must be leashed and secured in a commercial grade muzzle or an airline-style carrying case throughout the duration of the trip and kept close to the owner on deck. One pet is allowed per passenger.

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