Before picking a cute hotel or filling your Catalina itinerary, work out how you’re getting there. Your departure point and return time can shape the whole getaway, especially if you’re visiting for the day.
I flew with Maverick, which I shared in my Catalina Island getaway. If you’re planning your own trip, here’s a look at the main ways to reach Catalina, from the passenger ferries to private boats and flights.
Coming from San Diego? Start with the ferry ports
The official scheduled-ferry listings place the mainland departures in Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach and San Pedro, so plan on heading north rather than catching a regular ferry directly from San Diego.
Dana Point is a sensible first option for San Diego travelers. Newport Beach is another Orange County departure, while Long Beach is worth comparing if you want more sailing choices. San Pedro matters most if Two Harbors is your destination. Compare the drive, parking and return sailing together, not just the time on the water.
Take a passenger ferry to Avalon or Two Harbors
Catalina Express schedules and booking cover these routes:
- Dana Point to Avalon: about 90 minutes.
- Long Beach to Avalon: about an hour.
- San Pedro to Avalon: about 75 minutes on a direct sailing.
- San Pedro to Two Harbors: check the selected sailing carefully, as some trips stop at Avalon along the way.
Indirect sailings take longer, and schedules change with the season. Avalon and Two Harbors are different island destinations, so match your ticket to your accommodation or plans. Don’t treat them as interchangeable arrival points.
From Newport Beach, book the Catalina Flyer to Avalon. Its current schedule page lists a crossing of approximately 75 minutes. Check the live calendar for your dates rather than relying on an old departure time.
Book both your outbound and return ferry in advance. Make this part of planning the trip, especially for weekends and holidays. Both operators advise arriving at least an hour before departure, which gives you time to park and board. These are passenger ferries, so your car stays on the mainland.
Fly over with Maverick Helicopters
For an arrival from above, Maverick’s Catalina transfers currently list departures from Long Beach’s Queen Mary Terminal and Santa Monica Airport. Advertised flight times are approximately 15 minutes from Long Beach and 30 minutes from Santa Monica, before check-in and ground transportation.
Book ahead and double-check the exact terminal on your confirmation. Maverick’s Catalina transfer terms list a 25-pound baggage allowance per guest and recommend soft-sided carry-on-sized luggage. Read the current dimensions and check-in requirements before packing.
There are also private helicopter charters for a customized departure. Ask the charter team about your starting point, including San Diego, rather than assuming every location has a scheduled per-seat service. Allow for transportation from the island heliport into Avalon too.
Make the crossing by private boat or charter
A private sailboat, motorboat or crewed charter is another way to reach the island. For a charter, confirm the mainland pickup, island destination, time ashore and return arrangements before booking. It’s a different kind of outing from buying a ferry seat.
If you’re bringing your own boat, research the harbor arrangements first. Avalon’s public moorings are assigned first come, first served, not reserved in advance. Two Harbors has its own mooring system, so check the rules for the harbor you’ll actually use.
Private planes and cruise visits
Private aircraft can land at Airport in the Sky, about 10 miles from Avalon. This is a private-aviation option, not a regular airline ticket. Arrange ground transportation separately, including advance reservations if using the Conservancy’s Wildlands Express shuttle.
You can also visit on a cruise itinerary that includes Catalina. That works for a port-day visit, with your time ashore set by the cruise, rather than an independent island stay.
Leave a little room in the plan
Whichever way you arrive, check the latest schedule and weather-related notices before leaving home. Compare the full cost, including parking, baggage and transfers, and give yourself breathing room before the return journey. Once those details are settled, you can get back to planning the fun part.
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