Getting to Catalina Island is an adventure in itself, you are traveling to an island!
Just the Facts
- Boats: Catalina Express & the Newport Flyer
- Helicopters: Island Express
- Private planes, small craft: Airport in the Sky
- Drive yourself: NO, there are no bridges or roads to Catalina, it is a true island
- Documents: Bring photo ID and credit cards, no passport required
Getting to Catalina Island
Traveling to Catalina Island is part of the adventure and 99% of the options involve you being chauffeured to your vacation get-a-way! Unless you are captaining your own ship or flying your own plane you will be on one of the few options to get you to Catalina. Avalon and Two Harbors are the only points of contact between the mainland of California and Catalina Island for passenger boat service. The Catalina Express operates year round ferry service from Long Beach and San Pedro ports. The Newport Flyer operates for most of the year from Newport Beach.
Words of Wisdom
You must book in advance to avoid frustration or complete disappointment. Getting to the island is your first and most important step and secures all your other adventures on Catalina Island. If you plan to stay the night getting your hotel room is something you need to do simultaneously with the transportation to the island. Ask the hotel if they have any discounts or at a minimum can they bundle your transportation into the booking. Remember to book your guided golf cart tour for the perfect introduction to the town. See Avalon through the eyes of a local and get the inside scoop for a better island experience.
