Looking for how to get to Catalina Island from Santa Monica? While there are many choices available, finding the right one that offers the best value for money is important to avoid long travel times and costly transport. In this post, we’ll discuss the best way to get to Catalina Island from Santa Monica, other options to get to the island, and FAQs.
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Planning your trip to Catalina Island? Here are the best tours, hotels, and ferry service:
📸 Best Tours In Catalina Island:
- Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon (see more sights in less time)
- Mermaid Photo Shoot
- Bison Expedition
- 2 hour Inside Adventure Tour (visit the highest point of the island!)
- Undersea Expedition Tour (5 feet below the sea)
- 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour (best thing to do with kids!)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (see schools of fish w/o scuba diving or snorkeling)
😴 Best Hotels On Catalina Island:
- Hotel Atwater (💲) (free access to Descanso Beach Club)
- The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island (💲💲) (360 views of Avalon!)
- Hamilton Cove (💲💲💲) (includes golf cart to explore the island)
⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)
How To Get To Catalina Island From Santa Monica
The most convenient way to get to Catalina Island from Santa Monica is through the Catalina Express Ferry, which offers a fast, affordable, and eco-friendly means of transportation.
Catalina Island is a highly popular destination that boasts natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a quaint small-town atmosphere.
The closest port to Santa Monica is the San Pedro Port located at 95 Berth, San Pedro. The ferry also departs from Dana Point and Long Beach.
The Catalina Express Ferry offers a round-trip fare of $83.50 and uses eco-friendly engines. It can accommodate up to 14 people per booking.
Booking the Catalina Express Ferry is a great way to explore everything the island has to offer, including hiking, sightseeing, dining, and shopping.
The ferry drops passengers off in downtown Avalon, offering scenic views of the Pacific Ocean during the trip.
Check availability for the Catalina Express Ferry.
What You Need To Know About The Catalina Express Ferry
⛴️ Closest Port To Santa Monica: San Pedro Port (Address: 95 Berth, San Pedro)
⛴️ 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.
⭐ Your reservation is confirmed only if you book your departure and return time. Call Catalina Express Ferry to book your timings. ⭐
Ferry Parking Near Santa Monica
The Catalina Express ferry has multiple departure points, and the parking options vary depending on the departure point:
🅿️ San Pedro Port: This is the closest port from Santa Monica. Parking is right next to the terminal. For hourly parking, it’s free the 1st hour and $2/hour after the 1st hour. For daily parking, it’s $20. They accept cash, credit cards, or traveler’s checks.
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 an easy and quick 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. 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.
Check rates & availability for the Catalina Express Ferry.
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 44 miles southwest of Santa Monica.
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.
The cheapest way to take the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach.
No, you can’t drive to Catalina Island from Santa Monica. 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 LAX airport to Catalina Island. The best way is to drive and park at San Pedro Port and then take the ferry.
The Catalina Express Ferry is the best way to get to Catalina Island from Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica, 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
Cheapest Way To Get To Catalina Island
San Diego To Catalina Island: 3 Best Options
How To Get To Catalina Island From Long Beach
How To Get To Catalina Island From Los Angeles
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