How to Go to Catalina Island | Pick the Right Ferry

The easiest way to reach Catalina Island is a ferry to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, or Newport Beach.

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A one-hour crossing is the simplest route from mainland Southern California, and knowing how to go to Catalina Island comes down to two choices: which port is closest and whether you want Avalon or Two Harbors.

Most first-time visitors should choose Avalon, the island’s main town and the arrival point with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, beaches, and local transportation. Two Harbors suits hikers, campers, boaters, and travelers who want a quieter base on the island’s west side.

For most Los Angeles visitors, the Long Beach to Avalon sailing offers the broadest schedule and the shortest listed crossing. Compare the full route before fixing your mainland connections:

Choose Avalon Or Two Harbors Before Picking A Port

Avalon is the practical arrival point for a day trip or a first overnight stay, while Two Harbors is the direct choice for the island’s remote west end. Picking the wrong arrival town can add an island transfer and cut into a short visit.

• Choose Avalon for the Catalina Casino area, Descanso Beach, shops, restaurants, hotels, golf-cart rentals, and most organized activities.
• Choose Two Harbors for camping, the Trans-Catalina Trail, kayaking, moorings, and a small village atmosphere.
• Use San Pedro when Two Harbors is the destination; Catalina Express is the mainland operator with that direct route.

Avalon and Two Harbors are on the same island, but the road between them is not a normal public highway connection. Plan the island side of the trip before buying a mainland ferry ticket.

Which Mainland Port Should You Use?

The right mainland port is usually the one that minimizes Southern California traffic, not the one with the shortest sea crossing. Long Beach works well from Los Angeles, San Pedro covers Avalon and Two Harbors, and Dana Point or Newport Beach can save time for Orange County and San Diego travelers.

• Long Beach: The strongest all-around choice for Avalon, with many departures in peak periods and a crossing listed at about one hour.
• San Pedro: A useful Los Angeles-area alternative and the direct gateway to Two Harbors; Avalon crossings take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Dana Point: A sensible start from southern Orange County or San Diego County; the Avalon crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Newport Beach: Catalina Flyer service reaches Avalon in roughly 75 to 90 minutes, with frequency changing by season.

Travelers flying into Los Angeles International Airport should allow a large road-traffic buffer before the ferry. A same-day air arrival and island crossing is safer when the flight lands early and the ferry is not the day’s last departure.

Getting To Catalina Island: Every Route Compared

Passenger ferries are the lowest-cost and most frequent way across, while helicopters trade a far higher fare for a flight of about 15 minutes from Long Beach. Private boats and aircraft work for specialized trips but require more planning.

Catalina Express lists seasonal departures, travel times, and current adult fares on its official schedule and fares page. Published summer 2026 totals include the island wharfage fee and tax, but operators can change schedules, surcharges, and availability.

Fare note: A round-trip ticket is usually cheaper and simpler than combining separate operators. Compare the full total, including terminal parking and the island fee.

How Early Should You Arrive For The Ferry?

Catalina Express asks passengers to arrive at least one hour before departure, with boarding preparation finished well before sailing. Summer weekends and holidays need extra parking time because ferries can sell out and terminal garages can fill.

1. Reserve the outbound and return sailings before arranging a day trip.
2. Save the confirmation QR code on a phone and carry a backup screenshot.
3. Reach the terminal about 60 minutes early for parking, check-in questions, and baggage drop.
4. Stand in the designated boarding area when the crew calls the sailing.

Catalina Express allows two checked pieces per person, each up to 50 pounds and no larger than 23 by 23 by 37 inches, plus one small carry-on measuring up to 12 by 12 by 24 inches. Bikes, surfboards, camping gear, and unusual equipment have separate rules, so verify restrictions before arriving.

What The Ferry Crossing Feels Like

The Catalina Channel crossing is short, but the ride can be cold and choppy even when mainland weather feels calm. Indoor seating is warmer; outdoor decks offer open views and more wind.

Travelers prone to motion sickness should choose a seat near the vessel’s center, face forward, eat lightly, and use their usual approved remedy before departure. Operators can cancel or delay sailings for weather, so avoid a tight airline connection immediately after the return ferry.

Warm layers help on early and late sailings. Keep medications, identification, phone chargers, and anything needed on arrival in the small carry-on rather than a checked bag.

Plan The Mainland Connection Without Losing The Ferry

Mainland traffic is the largest timing risk, so choose the terminal by road access as well as sailing time. Long Beach is often easiest from central Los Angeles, San Pedro can suit the South Bay, and the Orange County ports reduce backtracking for travelers based farther south.

Driving gives control over departure time but adds daily parking charges. A rideshare avoids overnight parking, while public transit may require a final bus, taxi, or rideshare segment to the terminal. Check the return arrival time before deciding how late transit will still run.

Day-trippers should select the earliest practical outbound sailing and a return that leaves margin after planned activities. An overnight stay removes the pressure of fitting the island around one return boat.

Stay Near Avalon For An Easier Overnight Trip

Avalon is the easiest base for travelers arriving without a car because the ferry terminal, waterfront, restaurants, and many hotels sit within a compact area. Staying overnight also gives more room for a delayed ferry or a slower island schedule.

Compare Avalon lodging locations before paying, especially when steep hills or luggage make a longer walk less appealing:

Two Harbors has far fewer rooms and a camping-focused setup. Reserve accommodation before the ferry when traveling on a busy weekend, since an unsold boat seat does not guarantee an available bed.

The Right Route For Each Traveler

Long Beach to Avalon is the default pick for most first visits, San Pedro is the direct choice for Two Harbors, and Dana Point or Newport Beach makes more sense when the trip begins in Orange County. Helicopter service is mainly for travelers placing time above cost.

• For the simplest first trip: Sail from Long Beach to Avalon and arrive one hour early.
• For the lowest published Avalon fare: Long Beach and San Pedro both list a $99 adult round trip for the 2026 summer schedule.
• For hiking or camping: Take the San Pedro ferry to Two Harbors and confirm baggage rules for gear.
• For Orange County: Compare Dana Point and Newport Beach based on the day’s sailing times and road distance.
• For the shortest crossing time: Fly by helicopter from Long Beach, accepting the higher fare and tighter baggage allowance.

A day trip works when the first ferry arrives early and the return leaves enough time for the planned activities. Two nights fit better when the aim is to see Avalon at a slower pace, spend time at the beach, or add an interior-island outing without watching the clock.