Long Beach Trip Overview
Climb aboard the ‘Catalina Express’ ferry at either Downtown Landing in Long Beach or Catalina Sea and Air Terminal in San Pedro for round-trip service to Catalina Island. No matter where you depart from, you can expect awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean on your trip. Torn between taking a day trip and doing an overnight stay? You can use your ticket anytime you like, making it easy to stay and explore what Catalina Island has to offer at your own pace!
Additional Info
Duration: 1 hour
Starts: Long Beach, United States
Trip Category: Transfers & Ground Transport >> Ferry Services
Explore Long Beach Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Long Beach, California, United States
Climb aboard the ‘Catalina Express’ ferry at either Downtown Landing in Long Beach or Catalina Sea and Air Terminal in San Pedro for round-trip service to Catalina Island. No matter where you depart from, you can expect awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean on your trip. Torn between taking a day trip and doing an overnight stay? You can use your ticket anytime you like, making it easy to stay and explore what Catalina Island has to offer at your own pace!
In order to provide flexibility to our guests, passengers are not limited to one specific boat departure or return time. The Catalina Express boat schedule changes often depending on seasonality and terminal location. Once your Viator ticket purchase is complete, guests must call Catalina Express to book their actual boat reservation. Boats often sell out quickly, especially in Spring and Summer, so we always recommend calling to book your reservation as soon as you have purchased your ticket.
When it’s time to travel, hop aboard the Catalina Express in Long Beach or San Pedro, and relax on the 1-hour journey across the Pacific to Catalina Island. You’ll arrive in Avalon, the southernmost city in Los Angeles County.
When you get off the ferry, walk just five minutes into downtown Avalon to begin your independent exploration of the Island. This is not a guided tour – your time on Catalina is your own to do whatever you wish. Admire views of the waterfront along Avalon Bay, perhaps visit a restaurant or café, go shopping or do something more active (all at your own expense). The number of vehicles on the island is limited, so enjoy the pedestrian-friendly streets of town.
Return to your original departure point on the dock when you’re finished on the Island.
Long Beach
If you have time before or after your ferry departure or arrival at Catalina Landing, perhaps check out some of Long Beach’s attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific. You can grab food and drinks at the Catalina Bistro or Catalina Deli if you need something before or after your ferry ride. The ferry service runs daily (schedule varies by season) and can accommodate surfboards, strollers and bikes.
San Pedro
Part of Los Angeles Port, San Pedro is home to landmarks like the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, as well as the USS Iowa and SS Lane Victory ships. You’ll embark and disembark the ferry at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal, which opened in 2012. Ferry schedule varies by season; the ferries can accommodate surfboards, strollers and bikes.
REMINDER: Once your Viator ticket purchase is complete, YOUR RESERVATION IS NOT YET CONFIRMED UNTIL YOU CALL TO BOOK YOUR ACTUAL BOAT DEPARTURE AND RETURN TIME.
