How to Get to Catalina Island From Long Beach Guide
Ready to visit one of California’s hidden gems? Catalina Island is a fun, unique experience for travelers looking for adventure and relaxation – and with just a short boat ride away from Long Beach, it couldn’t be easier! Once you arrive in Avalon or Two Harbors on Catalina, you can explore the sites, enjoy stunning ocean views and take part in all sorts of activities like snorkeling and hiking. Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about how to get to Catalina Island from Long Beach.
How Do You Get to Catalina Island From Long Beach?
The Catalina Express Round-Trip Ferry Service is the easiest and most common way to get from Long Beach to Catalina Island. The ferry is easy to access, quick, and affordable.
The ferry service runs multiple times a day (though the schedule varies by season) and can accommodate larger items such as surfboards, strollers, and bikes. You can choose to return the same day or stay overnight and there is parking conveniently located onsite.
You can also take a helicopter ride to the island if you’re looking for a more unique travel experience! Or, sail your own boat out. I am no boating expert so please do your own research here on what is allowed.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island?
The Catalina Express Ferry Service is the cheapest option to get to Catalina Island. The other
Catalina Express Ferry Service FAQs
How Long Is the Ferry Ride?
The ferry takes about 1 hour each way to get to the island from Long Beach. There are restrooms onboard as well as light snacks and a full bar available to purchase refreshments.
How Much Does the Ferry Ticket Cost?
An adult ferry ticket from Long Beach to Catalina Island costs approximately $42 and a roundtrip ticket is $83.50.
A roundtrip ticket for Seniors ages 55+ is $76.50, children ages 2-11 is $68, and infants are an additional $6.50.
What Is Included?
Included with your ferry ticket are two bags per person with a maximum of 50lbs (28kgs) per bag and dimensions of 37″ x 23″ x 23″ (94cm x 58cm x 58cm). You are also allowed one piece of carry-on luggage per person that must fit under your seat.
Special luggage requests can be accommodated, but you will need to get in touch with a reservation agent by calling (800) 613-1212.
Where Does the Catalina Express Ferry Depart From in Long Beach?
Your ferry will depart from 320 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802. The ferry departure is at a very convenient location in downtown Long Beach along the waterfront near the Pike Outlets and Shoreline Village.
There are typically quite a few departure times from Long Beach. The schedules change depending on the time of year, but usually, the earliest departure is around 6am from Long Beach and the latest return boat is around 7:45pm from Catalina Island.
Make sure to arrive and check in for your ferry at least one hour prior to boarding.
Recommended HOTEL close to the Long Beach ferry terminal:
👉🏽 Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach
Parking for the Catalina Express Ferry in Long Beach
There is safe parking directly across from the ferry terminal that has a daily maximum of $22 per 24 hours (in 2023). Overnight parking is allowed and you do not need a reservation.
Where Does the Catalina Express Land on the Island?
You will arrive at Avalon Bay and dock at the Cabrillo Mole boat landing. From there it’s a short walk into the main part of town where you will find hotels, restaurants, and activities.
⭐️ How to Book the Catalina Express Ferry Service ⭐️
To book the ferry you can❗️CLICK HERE❗️
Once you have secured your ticket, you will need to call the local operator at the phone number on your ticket to confirm your departure time and your return date/time.
NOTE: If you are an international traveler and cannot call, please email the Passenger Services Representative at mail@catalinaexpress.com.
Flying to Catalina Island From Long Beach
There is an airport on the island that is open to the public, however, there are no scheduled passenger flights to and from Catalina Island.
IEX Helicopters offers direct flights to Catalina Island from Long Beach in about 15 minutes. A one-way helicopter ticket costs $159.
You can find out more information on IEX Helicopters and book your flight HERE.
Can You Get to Catalina Island With a Car?
Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take your car to Catalina Island and cannot get to the island by car. Catalina Island regulates the number and size of vehicles allowed to drive on city streets.
Luckily, the main town of Avalon is only one-square mile, so everything is within quick and easy walking distance. Otherwise, there are hotel shuttles, taxis, and a public bus/beach shuttle. You will see many locals driving golf carts around the island, and one of the most popular activities is to take a guided golf cart tour.
👉🏽 LEARN MORE AND BOOK A PRIVATE GUIDED GOLF CART TOUR HERE
What Are Some of the Best Things to Do on Catalina Island?
>>> RELATED POST: A Guide to Snorkeling on Catalina Island
Best Places to Stay on Catalina Island
💵 Budget-Friendly: Seacrest Inn
If you need an affordable and quaint beach-style place to stay in Catalina, Seacrest Inn will work great for you. What it’s lacking in amenities, it makes up for in charm and location. It’s close to Avalon Bay, shops, and restaurants plus it’s clean and the beds are comfortable.
❗️CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS & TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗️
⭐️ Best All-Around: Bellanca Hotel
This gorgeous hotel overlooks Avalon Bay and is close to all the best things to do from the Descanso Beach Club to the best snorkeling spots and is just one minute from the Catalina Island Golf Course. The staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating.
❗️CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS & TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗️
💎 Luxury: Hotel Atwater
Known for its superb service and quality of care for its guests, Hotel Atwater is an exceptional place to stay. The resort includes property beach club access as well as spa services and special touches like a bottle of champagne upon your arrival.
❗️CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS & TO CHECK AVAILABILITY❗️
CONCLUSION: How to Get to Catalina Island From Long Beach
Whether you’re looking to get away for the weekend or just want to explore a new place without going too far from home, Catalina Island is the perfect spot. And now that you know how easy it is to get there from Long Beach with the Catalina Express Ferry – there’s no excuse not to go!
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☀️ California FAQs ☀️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to California?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in the U.S.?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing. It covers some medical as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care.
>>> CLICK HERE FOR INFO
☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit California?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest (in some parts it can be pretty hot) but you will have the most crowds. Some parts of the state get “June Gloom” where it can be cloudy during the morning and burn off by mid-day.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have the potential of rain, but you will beat some of the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in California?
Hotels, vacation rentals, and house-sitting are all available for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Vrbo
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
🌴 Where Can You Find Tours?
I find incredible tours around the world >>> HERE with private and guided group tours of the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in California?
I very highly recommend renting a car in California so you don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! California is fantastic for road trips – there is SO much to see up and down the coast. Plus, sites are often spread far out, even in the cities, so having a car is the most convenient option.
>>> Best car rental rates and deals
