So you're thinking about taking the Long Beach CA ferry to Catalina Island? Smart move. I've made this trip more times than I can count since moving to Southern California, and honestly, it's one of the easiest ways to escape to the island without breaking the bank. But let's cut through the fluff – I've seen too many generic guides that don't tell you what actually matters when planning this trip.
Who Actually Runs These Long Beach to Catalina Ferries?
You've got two main players for the Long Beach CA ferry to Catalina Island run, and they couldn't be more different. First there's Catalina Express – the big yellow boats you've probably seen in harbor photos. They've been doing this since 1981 and honestly run like clockwork. Then there's Catalina Flyer, which is technically based in Newport Beach but uses Long Beach as overflow during peak season. I'll be straight with you: If departure location flexibility matters, Catalina Express is your main Long Beach Catalina ferry option year-round.
Last July I made the mistake of not checking which operator I'd booked with. Showed up at the Catalina Express terminal only to realize my reservation was with Catalina Flyer down the pier. Not the best start to a vacation with cranky kids in tow. Learn from my fail – triple-check your departure point.
| Ferry Operator | Departure Point (Long Beach) | Year-Round Service? | Crossing Time | My Personal Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina Express | 320 Golden Shore (main terminal) | Yes | 1 hour | The workhorse – reliable but can feel crowded in summer |
| Catalina Flyer | 400 Main Street (Seasonal) | No (seasonal only) | 75-90 minutes | Smaller boats, fewer amenities – okay for last-minute trips |
Ferry Schedules That Actually Match Real Life
Look, those pretty online schedules? They're more suggestions than ironclad promises. After five years of monthly trips, here's what you won't find on most websites:
Catalina Express Real-World Departures
| Season | First Departure | Last Return | Frequency | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (June-Aug) | 6:00 AM | 9:45 PM | Every 60-90 min | Friday afternoon sailings sell out 3+ weeks ahead |
| Shoulder (Apr-May/Sep-Oct) | 7:15 AM | 7:15 PM | Every 2-3 hours | Weather cancellations more common |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | 8:15 AM | 5:15 PM | 2-3 sailings daily | Limited return options if you miss your boat |
Catalina Flyer Seasonal Reality
They claim to run Memorial Day through Labor Day but last year they didn't start until mid-June. If you're banking on Catalina Flyer for your Long Beach CA ferry to Catalina Island trip, call them directly at (949) 673-5245 before booking anything non-refundable.
What This Actually Costs (Hidden Fees Included)
Let's talk real numbers because those "from $39" ads are borderline fiction. Here's what you'll actually pay for the Long Beach Catalina ferry:
| Fee Type | Catalina Express | Catalina Flyer | Can You Avoid It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Round-Trip | $84.50 | $79 | No – base fare |
| Terminal Fee | $12 per person | Included | No – Catalina Express adds this separately |
| Luggage (over 25 lbs) | $7 per bag | $5 per bag | Pack light or wear heavy clothes |
| Priority Boarding | $15 | N/A | Yes – but worth it for families |
| Parking (per day) | $20 | $18 | Take Uber/Lyft instead |
Pro Tip Nobody Tells You: Book exactly 56 days out for Catalina Express online deals. Sounds random but their system releases discounted tickets exactly 8 weeks before sailing. Saved $87 on our group trip last fall.
Getting to the Long Beach Ferry Terminal Without Losing Your Mind
The Catalina Express terminal is at 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802. Sounds simple until you're circling looking for parking at 6 AM. After ten trips, here's my field-tested approach:
- Driving & Parking: Structure parking sucks. Use the outdoor Catalina Landing lot at 330 Golden Shore – $20/day but you won't get trapped when 10 buses arrive simultaneously.
- Rideshare Drop-off: Tell drivers "Catalina Express terminal, NOT the Carnival cruise terminal." They always confuse them. Adds 15 minutes if they mess up.
- Public Transit: Metro Blue Line to Downtown Long Beach Station then 15-min walk. Only do this if you have wheeled bags – trust me.
Boarding Process Survival Guide
Arriving "30 minutes early" as they suggest? That's for people who enjoy standing in zig-zag lines. Here's the real timeline:
- 90 minutes before: Parking secured, coffee in hand
- 60 minutes before: Check bags (if needed) at counter
- 45 minutes before: Get boarding group pass
- 30 minutes before: Actual boarding starts
My biggest pet peeve? The "priority boarding" scam. Paid $15 extra last summer only to discover they boarded 5 coach groups before priority. Complained and got vouchers for future trips. Moral: Complain politely if things seem off.
What the Ferry Ride Is Actually Like
That "60-minute crossing" claim? Only true on military-grade calm days. Expect 70-90 minutes realistically. The boats have three seating areas:
- Main Cabin: Where 80% of people sit. Fine if you take Dramamine 30 min before.
- Commodore Lounge: ($15 upgrade) Quieter but smells like stale coffee.
- Outdoor Seating: Best views but guaranteed to get salt spray on your glasses.
The snack bar serves $8 microwaved burgers and $4 coffee. Pack your own sandwiches – nobody cares and you'll save $25.
Landing in Avalon Like a Pro
When you take the Long Beach CA ferry to Catalina Island, you'll dock at Green Pleasure Pier. It's picturesque chaos. Here's what travel blogs don't show:
- Baggage Claim: Takes 15-25 minutes after docking. Don't book tours starting within 30 minutes of arrival.
- Transportation: No Uber/Lyft! Only golf carts and shuttles. Rent carts near pier exit ($50/hour + $50 deposit).
- Immediate Attractions: Casino Building (5-min walk), Descanso Beach (15-min walk), Botanical Garden (uphill trek)
| Activity | Cost | Booking Tips | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Bottom Boat Tour | $29 adult | Book on ferry for $5 discount | Yes – best bang for buck |
| Zip Line Eco Tour | $139 adult | Sells out 48+ hours ahead | For adrenaline junkies only |
| Casino Theatre Tour | $23 adult | Walk-ups available | Skip if short on time |
Where to Stay Without Going Broke
Hotel prices are brutal July-September. My budget-saving strategies:
- Last-Minute Deals: Call Hotel Mac Rae (310-510-0246) after 4 PM day before arrival
- Apartment Rentals: VRBO has better inventory than Airbnb
- Camping:
$27/night at Hermit Gulch Book 6 months ahead Great views but steep hike The Return Ferry Reality Check
Getting back to Long Beach CA via ferry from Catalina Island seems simple until everyone tries to leave Sunday afternoon. Hard-won advice:
- Check-in Cutoff: 30 minutes before sailing isn't enforced – until it is. Saw 3 families denied boarding last October.
- Swell Delays: Afternoon crossings get bumpy. Take morning return if prone to seasickness.
- Luggage Storage: Avalon Express (Sumner Ave) holds bags for $8/day if you have late departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (Actual Questions from Travelers)
Can I take my car on the Long Beach CA ferry to Catalina Island?
Nope, not possible. Catalina has strict vehicle restrictions. Even residents need permits. Rent golf carts on arrival.
Is there Wi-Fi on the Catalina ferries?
Technically yes, practically no. Signal is spotty even near shore. Download movies/playlists beforehand.
Can I bring alcohol on board?
Officially no. But I've seen people discreetly pour wine into coffee thermoses. Not endorsing, just observing.
What if I get seasick?
Upper deck center seats have least motion. Non-drowsy Dramamine works but take it BEFORE boarding. The crew sells ginger pills for $3 if you forget.
Are there any discounts for locals?
Catalina Express offers 15% off for LA/OC residents Tuesday-Thursday. Requires ID at terminal.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry?
Only service animals. Catalina has kennels but must reserve months ahead.
My final take? The Long Beach Catalina ferry beats driving to San Pedro any day. Cleaner terminal, better parking, and you actually feel vacation starts the moment you board. Yeah the snacks are overpriced and the WiFi sucks, but watching dolphins race the boat at sunrise? Worth every penny.Bottom line – booking your Long Beach CA ferry to Catalina Island doesn't need to be complicated. Avoid summer weekends if possible, pack light, and bring snacks. And for god's sake, don't expect your cell phone to work consistently until you're back on the mainland. The island forces you to disconnect – which might be the best part after all.
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