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Catalina Express: San Pedro to Avalon One-Way Ferry
Los Angeles, USA
- 1 hour
- Mobile ticket
Don’t worry—here are some similar options
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
- ONE-WAY ferry service from San Pedro to Avalon
- RETURN TICKET from Avalon to San Pedro
- Parking ($20/USD per day) Subject to change
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 95 Berth, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA
Meet at the Catalina Air and Sea Terminal to board our vessel.
Start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Opening hours
- 4/1/2024 - 6/20/2024
Monday - Sunday : 06:00 AM - 07:30 PM
End point
- Avalon, CA 90704, USA
You will arrive at the Cabrillo Mole in Avalon, Catalina Island.
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
- Stroller accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Infants will be provided their own seat and safety seats are not required.
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- 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.
Filter by:
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
Traveler Photos
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Reviews
4.5
278 reviews
Maria_T, Apr 2024
Overall a very smooth and enjoyable ride to Catalina and back! Super great definitely recommend. Already wanting to go again
Viola_W, Apr 2024
Although I got motion sickness. The boat ride on the Catalina Express was great. Can’t wait to do it again
Charlena_G, Apr 2024
The island of Catalina has beauty and a sensational views. Thank You Viator for making my dreams happen. The entire planning process was seamlessly executed.
Charlena, from Inninois
GAURAV_S, Mar 2024
The trip was fun however the lady who work there was so rude to my kids when he was little cranky instead of giving him something to calm him down she yelled at him (this is was a bigger set lady)
Karen_L, Feb 2024
I've been talking about getting to Catalina for YEARS! A business trip brought us to Long Beach and I thought, "Why not go a couple of days early and visit Catalina on Valentine's Day?"
Getting there on the Catalina Express was lovely. Great waiting area, great onboarding, lovely seating area on the ferry with plenty of windows.
Please bring cash if you want to buy something at the bar, please get there early if you want a seat next to a window because the line gets pretty long, but all the seats are good. There are some 2-seaters, 3-seaters, and some seats with a table.
It was a 70-minute ride for us.
The staff were all super friendly and pleasant.
Excellent experience all around.
Mark_N, Dec 2023
This was my first time using their service. With that said, the boat was clean and the trip was on time and felt safe. The employees were very friendly and professional.
I would not hesitate to book with them again.
Peter_A, Oct 2023
It was a perfect experience till waiting to board for the ride back to Long Beach. Swarms of bee's at the trash cans were harassing us and reallly getting after our 1yr old. The bee's followed us on the ship too. Harassed us on the top deck till we go underway.
Darren_P, Oct 2023
Ride was safe, smooth and fast. Captain and crew were professional.
Galley was well stocked.
Dolphins were seen!
Thomas_A, Sep 2023
Comfortable one hour trip to Catalina Island. There was a small cafe area where you can order coffee, alcoholic beverages, and snacks. Catalina Island was beautiful and amazing. Plenty of shopping and restaurants. I highly recommend it!
Carlos_M, Sep 2023
The Ferry Company provides a reliable service to the passengers.
Even though it costs more than the competition, the quality of the service is there, not to mention, that you get to Catalina in 60 minutes MAX unlike the competition, which takes 30+ minutes to get to the Island.
On another note, the views from the Pier on the way to the Catalina are simply "Fantastic"
Keep up the Good Work.
Carlos, Isabel & Michelle / Ottawa-Ontario, Canada.
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