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Catalina Express Round-Trip Ferry Service: Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon
Long Beach, United States
From US$84.00
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
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- 1 hour (approx.)
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Overview
Travel to Southern California’s Catalina Island by boat with this round-trip ferry service from Long Beach or San Pedro on the 'Catalina Express.' Enjoy views of the Pacific during the journey, and then spend the day exploring Catalina at your leisure. The ferry drops you in the town of Avalon, the main town on the island, home to shops, restaurants, hotels, activities and more.
Select your departure point—Long Beach or San Pedro—when booking. This is a ticket purchase only, not a reservation for travel. To allow guests the flexibility of choosing their own travel time, guests must call in advance to reserve seats on a specific departure and return boat. You may return on the same day or stay overnight. We advise calling to make your reservations as soon as possible as boats often sell out.
- Round-trip day ferry service to Catalina Island from Long Beach or San Pedro
- Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour cruise on the Pacific Ocean to arrive in the quaint town of Avalon
- This is a leisurely, fun and scenic way to experience Catalina Island!
- Your ticket is NOT confirmed until you call to book your actual departure and return time.
What's Included
- Round-trip ferry service
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Parking (USD20 to USD23, based on departure point)
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting points
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Start time
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Opening hours
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End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Ticket redemption points
What To Expect
Hop aboard the Catalina Express in Long Beach or San Pedro, and relax on the 1-hour journey across the Pacific to Catalina Island, where you’ll arrive in Avalon, the southernmost city in Los Angeles County.
When you get off the ferry, walk just five minutes into downtown Avalon to begin your independent exploration of the island. This is not a guided tour—your time on Catalina is your own to do whatever you wish. Admire views of the waterfront along Avalon Bay, perhaps visit a restaurant or café, go shopping or do something more active (all at your own expense). The number of vehicles on the island is limited, so enjoy the pedestrian-friendly streets of town.
Return to your original departure point on the ferry when you’re finished on the island.
Long Beach
If you have time before or after your ferry departure or arrival at Catalina Landing, perhaps check out some of Long Beach’s attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific. You can grab food and drinks at the Catalina Bistro or Catalina Deli if you need something before or after your ferry ride. The ferry service runs daily (schedule varies by season) and can accommodate surfboards, strollers and bikes.
San Pedro
Part of Los Angeles Port, San Pedro is home to landmarks like the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, as well as the USS Iowa and SS Lane Victory ships. You’ll embark and disembark the ferry at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal, which opened in 2012. Ferry schedule varies by season; the ferries can accommodate surfboards, strollers and bikes.
Once your Viator ticket purchase is complete, your reservation is not yet confirmed until you call to book your actual departure and return time.
When you get off the ferry, walk just five minutes into downtown Avalon to begin your independent exploration of the island. This is not a guided tour—your time on Catalina is your own to do whatever you wish. Admire views of the waterfront along Avalon Bay, perhaps visit a restaurant or café, go shopping or do something more active (all at your own expense). The number of vehicles on the island is limited, so enjoy the pedestrian-friendly streets of town.
Return to your original departure point on the ferry when you’re finished on the island.
Long Beach
If you have time before or after your ferry departure or arrival at Catalina Landing, perhaps check out some of Long Beach’s attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific. You can grab food and drinks at the Catalina Bistro or Catalina Deli if you need something before or after your ferry ride. The ferry service runs daily (schedule varies by season) and can accommodate surfboards, strollers and bikes.
San Pedro
Part of Los Angeles Port, San Pedro is home to landmarks like the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, as well as the USS Iowa and SS Lane Victory ships. You’ll embark and disembark the ferry at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal, which opened in 2012. Ferry schedule varies by season; the ferries can accommodate surfboards, strollers and bikes.
Once your Viator ticket purchase is complete, your reservation is not yet confirmed until you call to book your actual departure and return time.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- REMINDER: Once your ticket purchase is complete, your reservation is NOT YET CONFIRMED until you call to book your actual boat departure and return time.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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Q:Where does the Catalina Express Ferry depart from in Long Beach?
A:The Long Beach departures leave from 320 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802. The Catalina Landing at Downtown Long Beach is located in the heart of the city, along the waterfront beside the Pike and the Aquarium of the Pacific near Shoreline Village.
Mar 2021
Q:Is there parking near the Long Beach departure location for the Catalina Express?
A:Yes - there is parking available directly across the street from the terminal. There is a $19 daily max per 24 hr period.
Mar 2021
Q:Where does the Catalina Express Ferry depart from in San Pedro?
A:San Pedro departures leave from the Port of San Pedro, Berth 95 AKA Catalina Express, San Pedro. The Catalina Sea and Air Terminal in San Pedro is located at the heart of the waterfront promenade in the LA Port.
Mar 2021
Q:Is there parking near the San Pedro departure location for the Catalina Express?
A:Yes - there is parking available in front of the terminal. Parking fees are free for the first hour and $2 per hour after the first hour with a $20 daily maximum.
Mar 2021
Q:How long is the ferry ride on the Catalina Express?
A:Long Beach/Avalon trips take approximately 1 hour (each direction.) San Pedro/Avalon trips take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (each direction.)
Mar 2021
Q:Can I bring luggage on the Catalina Express?
A:Each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of luggage, no larger than 23”x23”x37” and weighing no more than 50 lbs each. In addition, each passenger may bring one carry-on. Please make sure you have an ID tag on each item.
Mar 2021
Q:How do I redeem my Catalina Express ticket?
A:Once your booking is confirmed, please call the local operator at the phone number on your ticket to confirm your departure time. You may also confirm your return date/time directly with the local operator.
Mar 2021
Q:Do I have to use the round trip Catalina Express tickets on the same day?
A:No - you may absolutely stay overnight (or a few nights) in Avalon and use your return ticket on another date.
Mar 2021
Q:How early should I arrive for my trip on the Catalina Express?
A:Please plan on arriving at least one hour prior to departure and check in at the ticket window.
Mar 2021
Q:Is the Catalina Express handicap accessible?
A:Ports are wheelchair accessible. Restroom doorways on certain vessels are narrow and may not accommodate scooters and large wheelchairs. Smaller wheelchairs are available upon request.
Mar 2021
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Featured review
Eileen_T
great experience, helpful and friendly crew. visiting from new york, and definitely would recommend this experience to other friends!
Reviews
4.0
228 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 228 reviews
Catalina Express from Long Beach to Catalina Island
Nancy_T, May 2023
Very easy process to purchase tickets for the Catalina Express from Long Beach. No problems whatsoever.
I would recommend booking...
Irma_R, Apr 2023
I would recommend booking directly with Catalina Express. The price is the same, the only difference is that with Viator, you have to make an extra step. After you purchase through Viator, you MUST call Catalina Express to confirm your trip
Gal pla fun under the sun
Orquidia_C, Apr 2023
We did the zip lining adventure with Mary and Elena (both super friendly and professional) was a beautiful way to see the island and learn some history about the place.
I'd do it again...
Doug_E, Apr 2023
Cocktails and snacks on the Commodore Deck were great. Service folks very friendly. We did have to wait longer than usual to board as they were running about 30 minutes late. But who cared. It was a lovely day in Long ⛱️
friendly service
Eileen_T, Apr 2023
great experience, helpful and friendly crew. visiting from new york, and definitely would recommend this experience to other friends!
It was affordable and...
Patricia_V, Apr 2023
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
Our crossing experience-
Dolly_W, Apr 2023
The ride to Catalina from Long Beach felt occasionally like flying in an airplane! Lovely trip. Coming back we had to deal with some rough water due to heavy winds. Many people got sick (we did not) and the attendants were wonderful, helping everyone. My cousin and I are slightly handicapped and everyone was so kind and helpful.
Fun times in Catalina
Daniela_D, Jan 2023
The mansion house and the bus ride was awesome and the zip lineing looked very fun but will try next time
Worrysome travel
Lulu_d, Dec 2022
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.
1st time on Catalina...
Mike_M, Oct 2022
1st time on Catalina express To Catalina island had a wonderful time and it was quite Wonderful ride From Long Beach to Catalina
...
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Current
Catalina Express Round-Trip Ferry Service: Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon
228
1 hour
Free Cancellation
From
US$84.00
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