Hop on the Catalina Express

Get_therePlanning to visit Catalina Island but don’t have your own boat? Catalina Express is one of two modes of sea transit to the island.

This year marks Catalina Express’ 35th year of cross-channel transportation to and from the island from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. All three cities service Avalon, while San Pedro also has a vessel connecting Two Harbors to the mainland. Hours of service vary upon where you depart from and the time of season you travel. Catalina Express still runs its Free On Your Birthday promotion.

Traveling to and from Avalon is about one hour in length. (The voyage will be longer if you travel from San Pedro to Avalon via Two Harbors). Buying a general ticket will allow you to sit anywhere on the boat’s first level and in the open-air area of the second deck.

Travelers who wish to have a little more comfort can purchase a seat in the Commodore’s Lounge, which is an enclosed area on the second deck.

Details of fares, schedules, birthday promotion and Commodore’s Lounge are available at catalinaexpress.com/schedules-fares.html.

Catalina Flyer is the other commercial sea transit option for island visitors and navigates between Newport Beach and Avalon. Passengers can move freely up and down the vessel’s three decks. A snack bar is available on the first deck; the second deck is home to an alcohol bar. No credit cards are accepted on the boat, so be sure to bring some cash if you want to purchase a snack or beverage.

Information about the schedule, fares and departure location is available at catalinainfo.com/catalina-flyer-schedules-fares.html.

Boat owners who travel to the island aboard their own vessels can moor in Avalon Harbor or off Descanso Beach. Those navigating to the island’s West End can moor at Two Harbors or any of the nearby coves.

Parimal M. Rohit photo
Parimal M. Rohit photo

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