Curious about how to get from Long Beach to Catalina Island? While there are several transportation options, there’s one that stands out for offering the best value without the hassle. After all, you don’t want to spend hours on the road or break the bank just to reach your destination.
As Californians, we’re all about finding the quickest, most budget-friendly ways to get to where we’re going. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest, most cost-effective way to reach Catalina Island from Long Beach, along with other transportation options and answers to frequently asked questions.
How To Get To Catalina Island From Long Beach
The Catalina Express Ferry is the best way to get to Catalina Island from Long Beach. Catalina Island is a popular destination for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming small-town vibe.
You’ll depart from Long Beach Port: 320 Golden Shore. This ferry is high-speed and uses environment-friendly engines.
You can book up to a maximum of 14 people for each booking. The price of the round-trip ferry is $83.50.
Booking the Catalina Express Ferry is a great way to access all that the island has to offer, from hiking and touring to dining and shopping.
The ferry will drop you in downtown Avalon. Along the way, you’ll see gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
What You Need To Know About The Catalina Express Ferry
⛴️ Closest Port To Long Beach: Long Beach Port (Address: 320 Golden Shore)
⛴️ Duration of ferry: About 1 hour
⛴️ Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible and stroller accessible
⛴️ Restrooms Available? Yes, on the ferry
⛴️ Pets Allowed? Service animals are allowed
⛴️ Maximum Number Of People Onboard: 149 travelers
⛴️ Luggage Allowed? Yes, you can carry up to 2 bags per person. Each bag shouldn’t way more than 50 pounds.
Ferry Parking Near Long Beach
The Catalina Express ferry has multiple departure points, and the parking options vary depending on the departure point:
🅿️ Long Beach Port: This is the closest port from Long Beach and another option from LA. Parking is also right next to the terminal. For daily parking, it’s 22. You can park overnight and you can pay with cash, Mastercard, or Visa.
Why Choose The Catalina Express Ferry
There are many reasons why to book the Catalina Express Ferry to Catalina Island:
😍 Convenient and fast transportation: The Catalina Express offers a convenient and fast way to get to Catalina Island. The ferry departs from multiple locations in Southern California and takes approximately one hour to reach the island.
😍 Scenic views: The ferry ride to Catalina Island is a scenic journey, with views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The open-air top deck of the ferry provides a great vantage point to take in the beauty of the ocean and the island.
😍 Multiple departure points and schedules: The Catalina Express offers multiple departure points and schedules, making it easy to fit a trip to Catalina Island into your schedule. The ferry runs year-round, with more frequent departures during peak season.
😍 Eco-friendly: It’s a more eco-friendly option compared to taking a personal boat or helicopter to the island. The high-speed ferries are equipped with modern engines that emit low emissions, and the ferry has a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Catalina Express Reviews
“First of all, I love the ease of booking with Viator. Everything was smooth and that made my trip enjoyable. Catalina Island is so relaxing no one bothers you. I love this place.” – Mercedes_M (Viator Reviews)
“1st time on Catalina express To Catalina island had a wonderful time and it was quiet. Wonderful ride From Long Beach to Catalina.” – Mike_M (Viator Reviews)
“Went with family to Catalina for the first time. The boat was beautiful, staff from check-in to your crew were delightful. Thank you so much for being a part of a great two days.” – Michael_P (Viator Reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions
Catalina Island is 22 miles from Long Beach.
There are a number of options: ferry, helicopter, boat charters, private planes, and sailing. The easiest way to get to Catalina Island is by ferry.
Taking the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach is the cheapest way.
No, you can’t drive to Catalina Island from Long Beach. Even if you can, you can’t drive your car on Catalina Island.
No, there isn’t Uber or Lyft on the island but there are other ways to tour the island.
You can get around by walking, public transit, taxis, or by golf cart. While you can’t rent scooter rentals, you can rent a golf cart to see the island!
There is no direct ferry from LGB airport to Catalina Island. The best way is to drive and park at Long Beach Port and then take the ferry.
The Catalina Express Ferry is the best way to get to Catalina Island from Long Beach. It’s the fastest and cheapest option among other options to get to Catalina Island.
The ride takes around an hour from any of the Catalina Express ferry ports to the island.
The round-trip cost of the ferry is $83.50 per adult.
No, the ferry doesn’t include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Yes, Catalina Island is definitely worth it! There is so much untouched natural beauty and lifetime tours to do on this island. Plus it’s more accessible and cheaper to get to Catalina for island life compared to other island destinations.
While it’s not mandatory to carry passports to go to Catalina Island and there aren’t any immigration checks, it’s best to carry a government-issued identification like a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport in case of emergencies.
Yes, you can bring your dog to Catalina Island, however, there are a few restrictions. For your pet’s safety, they must be kept leashed wherever you take them, and unfortunately, they may not be able to join you on certain beaches or attractions.
You can take the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors but they don’t run a regular schedule. It’s best to take a ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach to Avalon. You can get to Two Harbors from Avalon either by boat or taxi.
Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. There are different residential options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes in Avalon.
Some of the best restaurants on Catalina Island include Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood, Bluewater Grill, Descanso Beach Club, and the Lobster Trap.
Final Thoughts
While there are other options to get to Catalina Island from Long Beach, taking the Catalina Express Ferry is the best way. It’s the cheapest and fastest option and the ferry is environmentally friendly.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
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