Bringing Your Group to Catalina Island

Traveling to Catalina Island for a meeting, group event, or retreat is straightforward and convenient. Catalina Express operates daily, year-round service from three mainland ports: San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Catalina Flyer provides 1 daily departure seasonally from Newport Beach in Orange County. Both ferry companies provide group rates for groups of 20 or more. Catalina Express also offers educational rates for students K-12 for groups of 10 or more. Maverick Helicopters provides helicopter group charters from Long Beach, Burbank, and John Wayne Airport (SNA).

Transportation

Catalina Express

Catalina Express starts your Catalina Island trip with the largest fleet to Catalina Island and up to 30 daily departures from three accessible mainland ports: San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Guests can choose First-Class Treatment at Sea through a Commodore Lounge upgrade, which includes cabin attendant service, leather reclining seats, a complimentary beverage, and a snack. For groups of 20 or more adults, contact groups@catalinaexpress.com or visit the Catalina Express.

Catalina Island Ferry-Catalina Flyer

Catalina Island Ferry-Catalina Flyer focuses on speed, service, and comfort, departing from the Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach. The service supports 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 just your party. Guests should email or call for group and rental information and reservations.

Maverick Helicopters

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

Catalina Classic Cruises

Catalina Classic Cruises helps groups set sail for memorable occasions on the water. For a wedding celebration, private party, corporate gathering, or group transportation to Catalina Island, its vessels create a distinctive setting with ocean views. Charters depart from Long Beach and offer a scenic, relaxed two-hour cruise to Catalina Island, making the journey part of the experience.

Once your group has arrived on Catalina Island, island transportation is simple. In Avalon, most group lodging properties and activities are within a short walk of the passenger ferry landing. Lodging properties located more than a 5 or 10-minute walk away provide free shuttle service.

Mini-van taxi service meets arriving passenger ferries and can also transport passengers who arrive by helicopter at Pebbly Beach.

For groups arriving at Two Harbors on the island’s west end, ground transportation is not necessary. Lodging, restaurants, and services in this island village are all within walking distance of the passenger ferry.

Getting Around Catalina Island

Catalina Taxi and Tours

Catalina Taxi and Tours makes local travel part of the Catalina Island experience while keeping it easy. Whether guests arrive by boat or land by helicopter, transportation is available for getting around the island.

Wildlands Express Airport Shuttle

Wildlands Express Airport Shuttle offers a convenient and inexpensive way to travel to and from the world famous Airport in the Sky while seeing Catalina’s wildlands. Riders may also get a look at the island’s natural landscape along the way.

COAST Avalon Public Transportation - Ride Circuit

City of Avalon runs COAST, an on-demand, point-to-point public transportation service. COAST stands for City of Avalon Seaside Transit and provides rides around Avalon.