Get to Catalina by ferry
So you want to become one of the million visitors that visit Catalina Island every year.[1]Catalina Island in Numbersย – Catalinaintours.com But what is the best way to get there?
We did the research for you. Five ferry lines can get you there if you want to travel by ferry. Helicopters, planes, and private boat charters are also available, but those are far more expensive options. So for this time: let's go by ferry.
- The Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach to Avalon is the fastest ferry to Catalina.
This ferry is, however, a day-trip ferry, so this ferry only leaves at 9:00.Update: This changed recently, you are now also able to book multiple one-way trips! - The other four options are the regular ferries from the Catalina Express that leave from 4 harbors and arrive at two ports on the Catalina Islands. (Two Harbors and Avalon)
Please take a look at our map to see all possible options if you want to take the Catalina Island ferry.
Catalina Island ferry tickets and availability
Our online booking module makes finding and booking tickets for your desired ferry crossing very easy. All you have to do is enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates. The system will show you the best routes and possible alternatives. You can then choose the ferry that best suits your needs and budget!
Catalina Island ferry price
The price to get a round trip to Avalon on Catalina Island in 2023 is the following:ย
- San Pedro – Avalon $42.50ย
- Long Beach – Avalon $42.50, and $62.50 for the Commodore Lounge.
- Dana Point – Avalon $44.50
There are, however, different prices based on seniority or on what you bring along:
- Children @ $34.75 ea.
- Senior @ $39.00 ea.
- Infant @ $4.00 ea.
- Bike/Surfboard @ $3.50 ea.
And if you want to know if an upgrade to the Commodore Lounge is worth it, read the following:
As someone who dislikes standing in queues, I found some reviews about reserving a spot in the Commodore Lounge, which convinced me to do the same. It cost me $103.50 roundtrip for one person, but paying an extra $20 was undoubtedly worth it to access the Commodore Lounge. By choosing to upgrade, I was among the first passengers to board the ferry, and I was also given a voucher for a complimentary beverage and a snack. The seating inside the lounge was enclosed and incredibly comfortable, similar to what you might find in business class on an airplane. I was thrilled with our decision to upgrade, and I'm already looking forward to my next trip to Catalina!
Did you know this ferry used to be free on your birthday?
Until 2017 Catalina Express offered a free ride on your birthday, however, due to the popularity and too many people taking advantage of this offer, they stopped this promotion in December 2017.
High-Speed ferry day trip to Catalina
The quickest crossing is the Catalina Flyer to Avalon.
Newport-Avalon
The ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon is a very fast ferry that sails in about 75 minutes to Catalina Island. Important to know: Pets are not allowed on this ferry.
To Catalina island by carย
No cars allowed on Catalina Island
This island's popularity stems from its unique feature of prohibiting cars, making it a highly sought-after destination. Upon arrival, you have the option to rent golf carts. However, everything on the island is located within walking distance, rendering the need for a golf cart unnecessary. Except perhaps for Two Harbors, which is located 18 miles away.
San Diego to Catalina Island
When you want to take the ferry to Catalina Island, and you arrive from San Diego, the best ferry to take is the ferry between Dana Point and Avalon. Not only due to the distance but primarily due to the easiness of parking near the ferry terminal.ย
Navigate to: Dana Point Harbor Drive, and it's hard to miss all the parking spots. Also, check out this image we made with all parking spots at Dana Point Harbor.
All other connections are more into the city, meaning that parking gets more expensive and complicated, especially if you travel from San Diego.ย
Cruises from San Diego to Catalina Island
Currently, a limited number of Pacific coastal cruises depart from San Diego, with occasional stops at Catalina Island. However, as of the time of writing, there are no available cruises. It's worth noting that when these cruises are operational, the San Diego to Catalina leg is just a small portion of the overall journey, which can result in exorbitant prices relative to the experiences offered.
YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions: Catalina ferry
Yes, you certainly can, however, it's not a very fun day experience as it would take a complete day and it's not the best route on the Island. The hiking routes through the hills are a better option. Those hiking routes however take at least two days, so you would need to make sleeping arrangements.ย
The cheapest crossing is the crossing from San Pedro to Avalon. However, there isn't much difference in the 5 travel options. Are about the same price and distance.
At Downtown Long Beach (next to the Aquarium of the Pacific) you can leave by ferry to Avalon. This ferry takes about 1 hour and has several crossings per day.
Tickets for this ferry can be bought through the links above or through the booking engine on this page. Either way, the price will be more or less $50 for the crossing.ย
- Long Beach: $23 per day or ~$4 per hour.
- San Pedro: $20 per day or ~$2 per hour.
- Dana Point: $20 per day or ~$3 per hour.
- Newport: $27 per day or ~$2 per hour.
ย
Use our ferry guides and maps
Ferry talk: Share your questions and opinions
Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!
References
| ↑1 | Catalina Island in Numbersย – Catalinaintours.com |
|---|
I always park at Dana Point at Golden Lantern Parking, a very convenient and easy way to get to Catalina from the San Diego region.
Can't wait for my next trip to Catalina Island!
It's a great Island, getting more popular every year!
We would be coming in from the desert to the east (Palm Springs). Does anyone familiar with greater L.A. roads and traffic (weโre not) know if one of the departure points – San Pedro, Dana Point, Long Beach, Newport Beach – is better than others for us? I.e., would it make sense to drive farther, down to Dana Point, because we might miss some of the L.A. traffic by going east and south of the city? Or is it better just to aim for the closest ferry?
Hi Jeff,
We would go for Newport Beach, as the CA-91W is also a toll route and is now the fastest route to Dana Point due to traffic conditions. Navigate to the Balboa Pier Parking Lot.