Catalina Express is a ferry that travels between Los Angeles inland area (Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point) and Santa Catalina Island (also known as Catalina Island). The major town in Catalina is called Avaion. Catalina Expressway arrives and departs from Avaion. The ferry ride between Los Angeles and Catalina Island was almost one hour.
Catalina Expressway Seaports
Catalina Express arrives/departs the following four seaports:
- Los Angeles
- Dana Point (Orange County)
- Long Beach (Los Angeles County)
- San Pedro (Los Angeles County)
- Catalina Island
- Avaion
Fares and Classes
There are three type of classes on the ferry, General, Commodore and Captain (selectedx ferry type).
Commodore Class
Both Commodore and Captain class gets priority boarding and snacks & drinks are complimentary. Commodore seatings are a bit spacious and comfortable. Captain class (on selected ferry ships) have their own room and privacy.
General Class
On the other hand, the General class boards second and sit anywhere on the first deck or outside.
For both classes, there are no assign seats.
Fares
It is strongly recommended to purchase the tickets in advance (online) because some of the ferry trips could be sold out. You have to create an account before purchasing a ticket.
Luggage
If you have luggage (no more than 50 pounds), the ferry crew can accommodate your luggage. For more information about luggage, please visit Catalina Express Baggage Guidelines.
My Experience
I went to Catalina Island on August 2, 2023 and purchase a commodore ticket to Catalina (departing at 9:50 a.m.) and general boarding returning to Long Beach (departing at 5:30 p.m.). Here is how my trip went:
Parking
On a Wednesday morning, I drove from Culver City to Long Beach. Once I have arrived at Long Beach, by the Catalina Port, there is a parking garage. The parking garage charges by hourly rate, but since I’m going to spend the rest of the day in Catalina Island, the parking rate is $24 (per day). The parking garage is adjacent to the Catalina Express Port.
After parking my car, I walked towards the Catalina Express Port so I can checkin.
Tickets at Checkin
At the counter, I’ve demonstrate the purchase confirmation. In exchange, the attendant gave me a printed three tickets:
- Ticket 1: One way to Avion Catalina (heading to)
- Ticket 2: One way to Long Beach (returning to)
- Ticket 3: Commodore Voucher Ticket for a complimentary snack and drinks
After I have received the ticket, there are two options, there is a waiting lounge inside the building or form a line outside the port. If forming a line outside, there is no shade.
Boarding
Around 9:20 a.m, the ferry crew allowed Commodore Class passenger to board first. At the skybridge, there is a ticket master that quickly review your ticket. If the ticket is valid, the ticket master will allow to continue to board the ferry.
On the ferry, I’ve seen crew taking passenger’s luggage’s and accommodating at the aft ferry. Once I’ve walked inside the ferry, another crew redirected me (and other Commodore class passengers) to the second deck. At the second deck, passengers sat on any available seats.
While the ferry waits for the passenger to board, a crew took orders on what snacks and drinks. After I gave my requested, I hand over my snacks/drinks voucher ticket to the crew. A few minutes later, the crew that took my order gave me the snacks and drinks.
Departed to Catalina Island
At 9:50 a.m, the ferry departed from Long Beach. This ferry has three public decks, a lavatory and snack lounge (to purchase snacks or drinks). Passengers can also sit outside (located at the second deck).
Catalina Island
An hour later, a ferry arrives at Avaion seaport. Here are list of recommendations to do at Catalina Island:
- Catalina Charlie’s
- I highly recommend eating Bison Burger and Shrimp PoBoy Sandwich. Catalina Island main food dish is the bison. During the 1950s, a movie crew brought a herd of bison (for filming purpose). After the film, they had a difficult situation in returning the bison back to Los Angeles. The bison stayed on the island and overpopulated.
References
Catalina Express Website: https://www.catalinaexpress.com