Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California, is the most inhabited of the Channel Islands. Visitors can reach Catalina Island in as little as an hour from boats that depart from Marina del Rey, San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point and Newport Beach. For those that want to get there quicker, there is helicopter service that can arrive to Catalina Island within 15 minutes. Catalina Island offers much to do, including shopping, outdoor activities, restaurants and lodging. It is a popular destination for tourists as well as California locals.
The Catalina Express offers year round transportation to Catalina Island departing from Dana Point, San Pedro and Long Beach. During the busiest time of year, the Catalina Express will make up to 30 daily departures for Catalina Island. All boats are wheelchair accessible and offer cabin seating as well as outside upper deck seating. In addition, they have a full bar, refreshments, and snacks. Some vessels offer private lounges which can be reserved for an additional fee. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 310-519-1212 or 800-618-5533. There is a maximum of two pieces of luggage per person and one carry-on item. Pets are permitted, however, they must be transported in a carrier or leashed and muzzled. In addition, they are only permitted in certain areas of the ship.
The Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach at 9 a.m. and arrives at Catalina Island at 10:15 a.m. The return trip leaves from Catalina Island at 4:30 p.m. and arrives back at Newport Beach at 5:45 p.m. For frequent travelers, an annual pass can be purchased for $300. The Catalina Flyer does not allow you to take pets on its ship. In addition, you can only bring carry-on luggage with a limit of two pieces per person. A golf bag is considered to be one piece of carry-on luggage by the ship’s standards. More information can be obtained by calling 1-800-830-7744.
The Marina Del Rey Flyer offers transportation between Marina Del Rey and Catalina Island. The ship is a high-tech catamaran which is able to provide a smooth yet quiet ride across the sea. Seating is offered in the covered main cabin or on top of the sundeck where dolphins and whales are easy to spot. There is also an Admiral’s Lounge that seats eight and can be reserved for an additional fee. Seating comes with priority boarding, a complimentary drink and a snack. Reservations can be made by calling 310-305-7250.
