Getting to Catalina Island by Ferry, Helicopter, Boat, or Air

Reaching Catalina Island is simple and enjoyable, whether you travel over the water or through the air. Passenger ferries connect Catalina Island with four mainland ports in southern California: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point. Travel time is about an hour by boat, or about 15 minutes by helicopter.

Ferry transportation to Catalina Island

Passenger ferry boat service is available from four mainland ports in southern California. Ferry travel is the most common transportation choice for Catalina Island visitors, with the crossing taking about an hour. Most arrivals come into Avalon, CA.

Ferry operators

Catalina Express runs daily routes from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point to Avalon. Catalina Express also provides service from San Pedro to Two Harbors.

Catalina Flyer provides daily trips from Newport Beach to Avalon.

Choosing the best mainland departure port

Catalina Express leaves from two Los Angeles County ports: Long Beach and San Pedro. These departure points are closest for travelers using Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Catalina Express also operates from Dana Point in south Orange County, which is a convenient option for visitors coming from south Orange County, CA and the Greater San Diego area.

Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach in central Orange County. This port works well for travelers near John Wayne Airport (SNA) and other Orange County locations.

Terminal locations and parking

Paid onsite parking is offered at all three Catalina Express ferry terminal locations.

• Catalina Express terminal in San Pedro: Berth 95, San Pedro, CA 90731, at Swinford and Harbor Boulevard
• Catalina Landing in Downtown Long Beach: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
• Catalina Express in Dana Point: 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629

Catalina Flyer parking

For all-day or overnight parking, Catalina Flyer suggests the Balboa Pier parking lot. Rates vary by season, weekends, and holidays, but typically range from $15–$30 per 24-hour period. The lot is at 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92661.

For passenger drop-off, including ride-share options such as Uber and Lyft, Catalina Flyer recommends entering 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661 as the destination.

Helicopter transportation to Catalina Island

Traveling to Catalina Island by helicopter takes about 15 minutes with Maverick Helicopters. Daily departures to Avalon are available from Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank Airport, and John Wayne Airport/SNA. Maverick Helicopters uses the helipad at Pebbly Beach.

Once you arrive, Catalina can be explored by foot, bike, golf cart, taxi, public transit, water taxi, and shore boat.

Daily scheduled transportation to Catalina Island

Catalina Express

Catalina Express offers year-round service from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point, with up to 30 daily departures. Its fleet includes eight high-speed vessels that bring passengers to Catalina Island in about one hour. Passengers can relax in airline-style seating with snacks, beverages, and cocktails available. Outdoor seating provides wide views and the possibility of seeing white-sided dolphins nearby. Travelers may also upgrade to the Commodore and Captain's Lounge for priority boarding and check-in.

Maverick Helicopters

Since 2023, Maverick Helicopters has offered sightseeing experiences, luxury charters, and helicopter transfers throughout Greater Los Angeles and Orange County. Maverick Helicopters creates personalized trips using the flexibility and comfort of helicopter travel for corporate needs, special occasions, and private excursions. Maverick Helicopters maintains a commitment to 5-star service at its Long Beach and Catalina Island facilities. Departures are available.

Catalina Island Ferry-Catalina Flyer

Catalina Island Ferry-Catalina Flyer departs from the Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach and serves residents and visitors from Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego County, and Greater Los Angeles Area. The crossing takes only 75 minutes aboard the LARGEST catamaran to Catalina Island. Packages are available with most Catalina hotels, along with Junior & Senior rates, group rates for 20 or more persons, and private rentals for individual parties. Guests are asked to email or call for group and rental details and reservations.

Getting to Two Harbors

Travel to Two Harbors is available on Catalina Express from San Pedro, CA. Seasonal transportation between Avalon and Two Harbors is also offered aboard the Cyclone boat. Private Charter Transportation and Charter Services to Two Harbors and Emerald Bay are available as well. Visitors may also arrive by private boat.

After arriving on the island, Avalon and the village of Two Harbors are easy to get around on foot; Avalon covers only about three-square miles. Taxi, public transit, and shuttle transportation can also help visitors reach their destination.

Other transportation to Catalina Island

Boating To Catalina Island

Boaters can find moorings, but no slips, in Avalon, Two Harbors, and several coves around the Island. A brochure is available from Avalon Harbor.

Two Harbors Boating & Mooring Information

Two Harbors Boating & Mooring Information provides details about boating and mooring in Catalina Island's west end community of Two Harbors.

By Air

Daily helicopter service is available from mainland Southern California, and private aircraft may fly into Airport in the Sky. There is no commercial air service.

Charters & Freight Services

Boat and heli charter options make it easy to reach Catalina Island while setting your own route and schedule. Several companies provide yacht charters to Catalina Island.

How do visitors get to Catalina Island?

Most visitors arrive by passenger ferry to Catalina Island using either Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer. Helicopter service is also available through Maverick Helicopters.

Travelers may also reach Catalina Island by private boat or private aircraft.