You're standing on the dock at 7:00 AM. The air in Long Beach smells like salt, diesel, and that specific brand of anticipation you only get before a boat ride. Most people think grabbing a ticket for the santa catalina island ferry long beach is as simple as showing up and hopping on. It isn't. Not if you want to avoid the crowds or the dreaded sea-sickness that hits right when you pass the breakwater.
Catalina is a weird, beautiful rock. It’s technically part of Los Angeles County, but once that ferry clears the Port of Long Beach, you might as well be in the Mediterranean. Or at least a very rugged version of it. The Catalina Express is the primary lifeline here. They run the show. If you’re leaving from Long Beach, you’re likely heading out of the Downtown Landing near the Aquarium of the Pacific. It’s the busiest terminal for a reason: it’s convenient, the parking is right there, and the boats are big.
The Long Beach Advantage (and the Logistics)
Why choose Long Beach over San Pedro or Dana Point? Honestly, it’s mostly about the frequency. Long Beach has the most daily departures. If you miss the 9:50 AM, there’s usually another one soon enough that you aren't stranded for half a day.
The ride takes about an hour. Give or take five minutes depending on the swell.
Parking will cost you. Currently, the parking structure at the Long Beach Downtown Landing charges about $20 to $25 per day. Don't try to find "street parking" to save a buck; you’ll end up towed or walking three miles with your luggage. The terminal itself is efficient, kinda like a mini-airport but with more flip-flops. You check in, get your boarding pass, and wait in lines that look chaotic but actually move pretty fast.
What the Ferry Ride is Actually Like
The Catalina Express fleet isn't just one type of boat. You might get the "Jet Cat" or one of the larger catamarans. These things haul. They utilize high-speed water jet propulsion, which is fancy talk for "they go fast and don't have traditional propellers that get caught on kelp."
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Once you leave the harbor, the boat enters the San Pedro Channel. This is where things get interesting. The channel is deep. Really deep. Because of that, you get a lot of marine life. It is almost a guarantee that you’ll see dolphins. Not just one or two, but sometimes "mega-pods" of hundreds of common dolphins leaping through the wake. Keep your eyes peeled for the blow of a gray whale or a humpback, especially in the winter months.
A pro tip regarding the seating: If you have a sensitive stomach, sit on the lower deck, mid-ship. It’s physics. The boat pivots around its center, so the middle moves the least. The top deck is great for the breeze and the views, but if the swell is over three feet, you’re going to feel every roll.
Commodore Lounge: Is it Worth the Extra Cash?
You'll see an option to upgrade to the Commodore Lounge for an extra $15 or $20 each way. People ask me if it’s a scam. It’s not, but it depends on your vibe. You get a priority boarding line—huge plus when the terminal is packed—a reclining seat, and a complimentary drink (yes, that includes a beer or a bloody mary).
If it’s a holiday weekend? Do it. The peace of mind of not fighting for a seat is worth the price of a mediocre airport sandwich.
The Avalon Arrival
As the santa catalina island ferry long beach approaches Avalon, the harbor opens up like a postcard. You see the Round Casino—which, fun fact, was never a gambling hall but a ballroom and theater—and the colorful houses stacked on the hills.
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Avalon is tiny. Like, one-square-mile tiny. Most people walk everywhere, or they rent those ubiquitous golf carts. But here is what the brochures don't always emphasize: the "main" beach right by the ferry terminal is small and can get crowded. If you want better water, you have to walk past the Casino to Descanso Beach Club.
Misconceptions About the Trip
One big thing people get wrong is the weather. They see "Southern California" and assume it's 80 degrees year-round. The channel is cold. Even in July, that ocean breeze on the back deck of the ferry will bite. Bring a hoodie. Seriously.
Another mistake? Not booking in advance.
The santa catalina island ferry long beach sells out, especially the return trips on Sunday afternoons. If you try to wing it, you might find yourself stuck in Avalon an extra night. Which sounds romantic until you realize every hotel is booked and you’re sleeping on a park bench (don't do that, the local sheriff isn't a fan).
Beyond Avalon: The Two Harbors Option
Occasionally, a boat runs from Long Beach to Two Harbors. This is the "other" side of the island. If Avalon is a party, Two Harbors is a camping trip. There is one bar, one general store, and a whole lot of nothing. It’s spectacular for hiking and getting away from the "fudge shop" crowds of Avalon. But check the schedule carefully; the Long Beach to Two Harbors route is way less frequent than the Avalon run.
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Critical Logistics Summary
- Terminal Address: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802.
- Check-in Time: Be there at least 60 minutes early. They stop boarding 5-10 minutes before departure.
- Luggage: You’re allowed two bags per person, but there are weight limits (50 lbs). If you’re bringing a bike or a surfboard, you have to pay an extra fee and notify them ahead of time.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but must be muzzled and on a leash. It sounds mean, but it’s the rule.
The Santa Catalina Island ferry from Long Beach is the most reliable way to hit the island. It’s faster than the helicopter (though less flashy) and cheaper than private charter.
The "Hidden" Expenses
Expect to pay for the convenience. Between the ferry ticket (roughly $84 round trip for adults), parking ($20+), and the inevitable "island tax" on food and drinks in Avalon, a day trip for a family of four can easily clear $500 before you even rent a kayak.
Is it worth it? Yeah. There is no place else in California that feels like this.
Moving Forward with Your Trip
To make the most of your trip, your first move should be checking the Catalina Express schedule for "Early Bird" departures. Getting to the island by 9:00 AM gives you a massive head start on the crowds that arrive at noon. Once you have your boat times, immediately book any tours—like the Interior Buffalo Expedition or the Zip Line—because those sell out faster than the ferry seats do. If you're prone to motion sickness, grab some non-drowsy Bonine or Ginger chews at the CVS in Long Beach before you head to the terminal; the gift shop on the boat sells them, but at a premium.
Pack light, bring a jacket for the crossing, and keep your camera out for the dolphins. The channel is one of the most active marine corridors in the world, and sometimes the ferry ride itself ends up being the highlight of the whole weekend.
Check your return time twice. The boat won't wait for you, and the walk from the far end of town to the mole (the ferry terminal) takes longer than you think when you're carrying souvenirs and a tired toddler. Set an alarm on your phone for 45 minutes before departure so you can wrap up your last drink at Luau Larry's and stroll to the dock with time to spare.