Getting Here | Catalina Island Company

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People on board in the Catalina express near Catalina Island Company

Getting To Catalina Island

Getting to Catalina Island is fast and easy. It takes about one hour via high-speed ferry to get you to paradise. Two companies offer boat transportation from the Southern California cities of Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach to both Avalon and Two Harbors (San Pedro ferry only).

Helicopter service is available from Long Beach and San Pedro to Avalon. Boat charters from the mainland to the island are also available. Private planes can fly into Catalina’s Airport in the Sky. Many visitors sail over to the island and rent a mooring in either Two Harbors or Avalon.

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Catalina Express

Daily departures from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point to Avalon. Departures from San Pedro to Two Harbors.

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Catalina Flyer

Daily boat departures to Catalina Island from Newport Beach on the largest passenger catamaran on the West Coast.

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Traveling between Avalon and Two Harbors

TAKE THE CYCLONE SPEED BOAT BETWEEN AVALON AND TWO HARBORS ON CATALINA

It’s now possible to explore both ends of Catalina in the same day aboard the Cyclone speed boat. You’ll depart from the Green Pier in Avalon for an exciting cruise along the stunning Catalina coast to the rustic village of Two Harbors, where you can do as much as you like, or as little as you want. It takes less than 40 minutes! Discover Two Harbors is a seasonal tour, and only available during summer and early fall.

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Speedboat with passengers on sea near Catalina Island Company, one of the things to do in Catalina Island

How do I get to Catalina Island?

Most visitors travel to Catalina Island by ferry, with service to Avalon and Two Harbors from select mainland ports. Private boats and helicopter service may also be available. Before traveling, confirm your transportation details directly with your ferry operator or travel provider.

Where do ferries to Catalina Island depart from?

Ferries to Catalina Island typically depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach. Routes, schedules, and availability vary by operator, season, and destination, so guests should check their ferry company’s official schedule before booking or traveling.

Which ferry terminal should I use for Avalon or Two Harbors?

Avalon and Two Harbors may be served by different routes, terminals, and ferry operators. Choose the sailing that matches your final destination on Catalina Island, and confirm the correct departure terminal before you leave for the mainland port.

Do I need to book Catalina Island ferry tickets in advance?

Advance ferry reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, summer travel, and special events. Booking early helps ensure you have the sailing time, departure port, and island destination that best match your Catalina Island hotel stay, activities, or dining plans.

How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?

Arrival timing can vary by ferry operator, port, and sailing. Review your confirmation details and the ferry company’s current guidance before your trip. Allow extra time for parking, check-in, luggage, boarding, and busy travel periods.

Can I bring a car to Catalina Island?

No, ferries are pedestrian travel only. Avalon is walkable, and guests can use taxis, shuttles, golf cart rentals, bicycles, and guided tours to explore the island. If you are staying with Catalina Island Company or booking activities, review your itinerary in advance so you know where to go after arrival.

What is the best way to get around Catalina Island once I arrive?

Once you arrive, the best way to get around depends on where you are staying and what you have planned. Avalon is easy to explore on foot, while shuttles, taxis, golf carts, bicycles, and guided tours can help you reach beaches, scenic viewpoints, dining, and activities across the island.

Can I visit Catalina Island as a day trip?

Yes, Catalina Island can be visited as a day trip, but guests who stay overnight have more time to enjoy the island’s hotels, dining, beaches, tours, and activities without rushing back to the ferry. If you are planning a full itinerary, consider building in extra time between arrival, activities, meals, and your return sailing.

What should I do if I miss my ferry to Catalina Island?

If you miss your ferry, contact the ferry operator first to ask about available options for your ticket. If your new arrival time affects a Catalina Island Company hotel stay, activity, or dining reservation, please call us at (877) 778-8322 as soon as possible so our team can review your itinerary.

Are Catalina Island activities affected by ferry delays?

Ferry delays can affect check-in times, tour departures, dining reservations, and other scheduled plans. If a delay impacts your Catalina Island Company hotel stay, activities, or dining, please call us at (877) 778-8322 as soon as possible. We’ll review your itinerary and help explain the best available options.

What happens if weather affects travel to Catalina Island?

Ferry operators decide when weather or sea conditions affect service. Guests should monitor their ferry operator’s official updates before leaving for the terminal. If weather-related travel changes affect a Catalina Island Company hotel stay, activity, or dining reservation, call us at (877) 778-8322 for assistance with your itinerary.

Can Catalina Island Company change my ferry ticket?

Catalina Island Company cannot change, transfer, or rebook ferry tickets. Ferry changes must be handled directly with the ferry operator. If a ferry change affects your Catalina Island Company hotel stay, activity, or dining reservation, please call us at (877) 778-8322 so we can review the best available options for your plans.

What should I pack or prepare before traveling to Catalina Island?

Before traveling, bring your ferry confirmation, hotel or activity reservation details, comfortable walking shoes, layers, sun protection, and any essentials you may need for the day or overnight stay. Check your ferry operator’s alerts and your Catalina Island Company itinerary before leaving for the terminal.

What should I do if my ferry is delayed or cancelled?

Ferry schedules and operating decisions are controlled by the ferry company. Check your carrier’s official website and messages before leaving for the terminal. If your sailing changes and you are staying with Catalina Island Company or joining us for activities or dining, please call us at (877) 778-8322 as soon as possible. We’ll review your itinerary and help you understand the best available options for your plans.

Can I depart from a different mainland terminal?

Ferry reservations are issued for a specific operator, port, and sailing. Contact the ferry company before traveling to another terminal. Catalina Island Company cannot transfer or change ferry tickets. If your new arrival time affects a hotel or activity reservation, please contact us directly at (877) 778-8322.

What happens if a ferry delay causes me to miss an activity?

Contact our team at (877) 778-8322 as soon as you know you will be late. We will review later departure times or alternative experiences based on availability. Refunds remain subject to the terms of the original reservation, but the team will attempt to reschedule your experience when timely notice is provided.

Where can I find the latest travel information?

For ferry status, use your ferry operator’s official website, alerts, and customer service channels. For Catalina Island Company hotel, activity, and restaurant updates, contact (877) 778-8322. During disruptions, rely on official operating updates rather than social media reports.

Two people posing by the Via Casino archway near Catalina Island luxury hotels

Getting Around Catalina Island

Both Avalon and Two Harbors are easily accessible on foot. It’s fun to meander around the city streets and take in the sights and sounds of these quaint villages.

Most Avalon residents get around by golf cart, which are available for rent on an hourly or daily basis. There is public transporation available in Avalon through COAST. Thanks to a partnership with Circuit Transit, residents and visitors to Avalon now enjoy on-demand, point-to-point rides to and from anywhere within Avalon's city limits on COAST - City of Avalon Seaside Transit. Fares start at $2 per rider.

Taxi service is available from the Catalina Island ferry terminal, as well as the taxi stand, located on the corner of Crescent and Metropole Avenue, to all areas of Avalon.

Shore boats are available in both Avalon and Two Harbors.