Catalina Express

We took the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Avalon on Catalina Island. There were many departure times available. We chose an early time to make it for a mid morning excursion. The ferry was fast and reliable. I picked a late return since I wasn’t sure how long we wanted to be on the island. When we decided to come back earlier, the office on the island was glad to accommodate us. They charged a small change fee of $5 a ticket and got us on the next departure. I would recommend getting in line early if you want an outside seat on the top deck. This will give you the chance to search the horizon for dolphins and whales. If not, there are plenty of seats inside.

Catalina Express - San Pedro boarding point is in a protected area with ample parking space ( parking is paid - $2/hour, maxing out to $22/day). You just need to swipe your credit card at the gate while coming and while returning swipe the same credit card, and parking fee gets auto deducted. Now at the office, couple of staffs help with tickets and customer service. Also there is a cafe service few food items and drinks. We had booked tickets to Avalon- journey took 1 hour 15 mins. Was lucky to see pod of dolphins on our way to Avalon. Our ferry also had people traveling to Two Harbor- port at Catalina Island for campers.

🦞ATTENTION OWNERS!!! two stars just because it has potential to be a booming destination. In my opinion it is aggressively mediocre and the owner is not maximizing the utilization of this amazing space. They should either build or rent out a space for a world class restaurant and market it as a one of a kind historical landmark. You can add a stop with the red trolley, have a water taxi from Maritime museum, and there is ample parking.Right now it is a huge disappointment, basically an Amtrak snack bar serving microwaved, processed foods. There is this beautiful background with gorgeous sunsets daily and they are closed at 3pm. Why not take advantage of the putting greens that are collecting dirt, and build some sort of golf/nautical themed restaurant and put the fire pits to use serving sunset dinners and fresh caught fish/lobster??🦞Just an idea, because to be honest the dining options in San Pedro are few and far between. 🌉

Nice boat to be taken over to Catalina Island. They are into safety. One of our sessions was cancelled due to wind and they went out the next day, when they didn't even run that day. Very nice folks working on here. They are quick getting your luggage back up for you too, when arriving. We really appreciate this ferry and the employees. We saw some dolphins on our ride back to the LA side. Clean bathrooms and clean seats. There is a little snack bar and bar on here too.

Captain and team were great. Ride was smooth, even seen some dolphins on the way. Bar had nice mixed drinks. We got from San Pedro to the island in what felt like just minutes.

Clean, safe, easy. We went on a Monday from San Pedro to Avalon so it wasn't too busy at all. I wouldn't go on a busy day but, even then, I don't think it would be horrible. You do need to show up early for boarding. The ride was smooth but windy. If you get seasick or don't like the wind in your face, you can sit in the middle on the first or second level and that should help. If you don't want to look through windows, you can sit in the back on the second level (chairs) or on the top level (benches). We sat on the top and it was easy to take pictures. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen if it's hot or UVI is high, you'll need them. You can leave suitcases on the first level. They have an area with luggage racks but they put most of the suitcases in the middle of the floor instead. There is a bar with drinks and snacks available. The ride took a little over an hour but it felt much shorter. Parking: From my understanding, the parking garage that's right at the port is operated by a third party; however, I'll comment on it anyway as it might help someone. Coming down Swinford St, you'll end up right at the parking garage. You pull in, get your ticket (this would probably take the longest because there's only one line), park, then walk the short distance to the port.

Easy to get to, parking available, and the staff is nice. This entire Catalina Express and visit to the island feels like a vacation within a vacation - I am surprised not many people know about this. Would definitely do this again when im back. Visited in May 2023 and the weather was fantastic. Also picked up some Catalina Island sweaters as a souvenir when I was there.

It's very good, clean and safe. The best form to go to Catalina Island. You can park your car here and pay 20 $ for the entire day . Also it's recommended yo buy the tickets in advance online . You can stay the day in the island and return at night

2024 & 2025 | San Pedro | The Catalina Express is always a fun adventure with friends or when I travel solo! Great customer service, speedy ride & well-organized! I also love the great vibes of everyone excited to get to Catalina Island, it's awesome!! On Board | Plenty of seats, upstairs and downstairs of the boat! It also depends on which boat arrives, one is bigger than the other! I like sitting on the inside of the ferry & glancing out of the large windows! Sometimes there are Catalina Express Magazines on board to look through! Restrooms are inside of the building, as well as on board! Tickets | Buy online! $42 each way! I always buy a round-trip ticket, as sometimes, especially on holidays, the ferries can be fully booked; sold out! Also, if you need to change the time on your booking, it's $5! Parking | Plentiful! $22 per day! Free for the 1st hour! $2 afterwards! Refreshments | Cafe | Upon arrival, inside of the building and on board! I usually go to the café inside of the building and get a freshly made egg and cheese burrito to go...so delicious, especially with the side of salsa! There are tables and chairs outside to sit down and eat! Arrival | Arrive early to get a great seat, as there are no assigned seats! Customer Service | Incredibly friendly! You're greeted by someone who scans the ticket on your phone, as you're boarding, as you hand your one item/luggage(23″x23″x37″, also allowed 1 carry-on) over to the baggage handler, on board and during the trip! I've gone back-and-forth to Catalina so many times that some of the crew and I recognize each other! Hahaha! Larger Ferry Arrives | There are tables & seating and some areas! Instead of having over your luggage, you wheel your luggage onto the ferry! Other Passengers | On my first ferry ride, a day trip, I sat near a solo traveler from South Asia! We ended up talking plenty, had plenty in common, including travels and she joined my friend and I throughout the day exploring Catalina Island, was so much fun! Overall | I'm always excited to board the Catalina Express, as there's always an adventure in store! Let's go!!

3 strikes you're out! 1) website unclear regarding tickets not including a return upon booking. We had to scramble to purchase return tickets which were scarcely available, shortening our time on the island and breaking up our party who had to depart 5 hrs later returning to a different port. 2) the shared area with benches to wait in line for the gate was not labeled at all nor did the layout indicate where the entrance to board was, knowing it would be a mad scramble for desirable seating, I walked into the office and politely asked for more information and direction. The woman I spoke with was condescending, saying it should be obvious and just follow the direction of the benches. When I pressed further, she told me just to ask someone else that was there. I told her there was no staff, just a collection of predominantly foreign speaking tourists. I asked for someone to physically walk me over, since there was 5 staff members behind the desk and zero customers to be helped in the office. She refused, and when I persisted, she asked Evan to assist. Evan was polite, helpful, knowledgeable and it is thanks to him I give this company any stars at all. Ultimately, all she had to tell me was that the line started on the far right, Again, thank you Evan!

For my first experience on the Catalina express, I was pretty happy with the ride and smoothness of the trip. Although I took Dramamine on the way to Catalina, on the way back I opted to just ride it through and made it back without any motion sickness. Lots of seating and a bar inside. Boat leaves on time and staff is friendly!

Terrible customer service, woke up with food poisoning so called to cancel my reservation expecting to pay a fee but instead got told I can only gift the tickets to someone else or book another trip within 24 hours! Im not guaranteed to feel better within 24 hrs so I asked to reschedule for a week later and was met with a no. Guess they prefer I puke in front and around everyone than to help a customer. Never using them again.

The staff needs to be friendly & polite. A smile goes a long way. They need training in dealing with the public. You chose this people serving employment and you need to like it or get out of it. Customers are not stupid & do not need to be treated like a child. Don't be rude.

The ride was good. The ship is clean and in good repair, but the lining up to get back from the island was disorderly. There were no signs for Long Beach. Everyone had to use the power of deduction that since they hadn't yet seen Long Beach that the blank one at the end was it. The line was wrapped around forever, and there was a lot of confusion and it felt like some people may have cheated and went to the Captain's Club? Commodore's Club entrance. If they were all legit, the way it was handled you'd have no confidence because it didn't really look like they were checking all that hard, and no one was sent away. I'd have to think that merely by accident at least 1 or 2 people would have been in the wrong line. But there was NOBODY on the outside to make up for the lack of signage. Even a megaphone announcement would've helped and it just made people REALLY antsy. The morning trip over to the island was great, though!

Beautiful ride over to Catalina from San Pedro. We saw dolphins on the way. I recommend sitting near the front if you get seasick.

If I could give - 0 I would. These bitter employees are the worst so unhelpful and rude. The Hispanic lady in the front needs to be fired didn't provide help until I asked her for a solution. The man who told us to stay seated & he would come get us when our boat arrived was sitting there not saying a word. Think twice about getting your ticket here is go to Long Beach harbor instead

I was not thrilled at all to spend $80/RT for a ferry ride. But it was soooooo totally beyond worth it, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I've found it easier to book thru San Pedro than Long Beach, and it's better for me as I live in LA, only 30 mins away. The boats are kinda old and shabby but the crew was soooo nice and fun. They were hyping everyone up to start their trip with alcohol haha I don't think u should have to arrive so early as they require. But we left promptly on time so that was nice. The ride over was beautiful and sunny! On the way back we saw a pod of dolphins swimming and jumping right next to us! It was so cute and awesome. As for Catalina, it's amazing. I could go into details on that part but this review is just for the ferry (: Oh yes parking is $2/hour or $20/day

It does the job. You get from San Pedro to Avalon in 1h15. Snacks and drinks onboard. Smooth ride. Come early if you want the outdoor seat. Removed one star because of the unfriendlinesses of some of the staff.

Catalina Express goes back and forth between Catalina and the mainland and they do a pretty decent job of that. However, I wish they made more of an effort to accomodate bicycles. There is clearly huge demand for this service, and biking on the island is highly promoted, but the main way folks get back and forth is barely equipped for them if at all. First: buying tickets. When I bought tickets for my last trip between San Pedro and Two Harbors, I couldn't buy or check availability of bike passes online, you have to call. Bit annoying, especially with the often long hold times, and it turns out they only sell 4 bike passes per boat on this route so knowing availability more easily would be very helpful when traveling in groups. Second: Actual storage or racks or anything to secure bikes to, or the lack thereof. I've been on a few trips, and on the first I took (Long Beach - Avalon) there was a row of bike racks on the back of the boat. This was great, and maybe is why my expectations were set so high, but no trip I've taken since, not even the return trip on the same route, had the same accomodation. On the return route, the bikes were put in the corner of the indoor luggage area, which was mostly fine, but not as good as the actual racks were. On another trip, when I traveled between San Pedro and Two Harbors both ways, the boat was much smaller and there was no designated place for bikes, so on one trip they were stacked up in the back of the boat leaning against one another and they slowly fell more and more onto each other over the course of the journey. Lots of pedals jamming into spokes, luckily no one got to Catalina with broken spokes or damaged rims, but certainly seems possible. My bike was scratched by one of the adjacent bikes though. On the next journey, the bikes were stacked up on the front area of the boat that's generally closed off, but similarly not put on any racks or tied down, just left to bounce around. Looking at this otherwise completely unused space, there was room for several bike trays, which would allow bikes to be strapped securely in place without touching each other instead of damaging each other in a pile. They could easily fit far more than the 4 bikes they generally allow for, and if they were carrying other gear (as I also saw stored out there), it could fit between them. But one more thing about that 4 bike limit on the San Pedro - Two Harbors route. On my last return from Two Harbors, two of my companions and I, all three of us with bikes, were waiting to board. We were, at this point, the only three bikes that were in line. When we got to the ticket taker, she asked us "are those your bikes?" and we answered yes, and she said "we can only take four bikes," which was a bit confusing because the ticket office was happy to sell us bike tickets, and more importantly, three is less than four, so it seemed odd that she already had a problem. We eventually went down the ramp and another employee showed us where to put the bikes, and we were able to stack them up ourselves and strap them together to minimize the possibility of damage. We sat down in the cabin, and saw two other cyclists come up to the ticket taker. I was aware at this point of the four bike limit, but having observed the area the bikes were being stored, it became apparent that this rule was one they weren't too concerned about bending in the moment, as they seem well aware that there's room for more than four bikes. We watched as one of them walked down the ramp with their bike, while the other was detained for some time by the ticket taker. Some back and forth evidently happened between her and the ticket office, and eventually she relented and allowed the fifth bike to pass, though she was visibly very annoyed. She made a point to take out her phone and take a picture of the fifth cyclist decending the ramp with their bike, and took the most furious vape hit I've ever seen afterwards. After the other two cyclists stored their bikes, I talked to them and discovered that they had previously purchased tickets for a later boat, and had just changed to the early one we were on, and that the ticket taker had threatened to make them leave one of their bikes behind! It was clear that the ticket taker, who was somewhat young, had never been given any power before in her life, and was intent on exercising what little she had. Anyway. Right now adding a bike to a ticket is $3.50. A very low price that I don't particularly mind paying, but I wouldn't want to pay more especially considering the current bare-bones accomodation for bikes. But if they made an effort to actually provide a service and install actual racks, I'd gladly pay more. There's an opportunity to add real racks to unused space that exists on every boat, but I think Catalina Express is kind of coasting on the assumption that most folks don't look for other transport, if there is any.

Catalina express never disappoints even during pandemic time. Eating and drinking weren't allowed at the terminal or on the ferry at all. So no outside food and drinks on the boat! Masks had to be worn the entire time and they were pretty strict about it. The check ins were always fast and hassle free. The crews were super friendly and took very good care of our luggages each time. I hope the restrictions will be over soon cause I miss the Bloody Mary and mimosa on the boat trips! Ps. They currently only sell general tickets due to covid restrictions. So go upstairs if you want a smoother ride!

Some of my earliest memories with my family were of times visiting Catalina. Avalon was a different place then-- not quite as hustle and bustle, not so many chic boutique stores, or shoals of questionably-sober college kids running amok. Camping at Hermit Gulch didn't include drunken, yelling people until dawn; and of course, the price of a modest "motel" room wasn't akin to staying somewhere in the Newport Coast section of OC. But there are still times when I enjoy heading over, and now that I'm well past the age of being one of those aforementioned "college kids," my trips there generally include fishing, camping somewhere more remote than Avalon, visiting the Boy Scout camp or Outdoor Science Camp with students, and occasionally a little permit-powered backcountry hiking. In those olden days, passage across the San Pedro channel was limited to the slow, deep-v hulled fleet of boats that took a good 2 hours to make the trip. On days with any measurable swell or chop, those old boats really felt the bump, and so did a lot of stomachs on those trips. The Catalina Express' fleet includes boats that can get up on plane, and cut right through the slop. A lot faster, too. The new facility in the shadow of the Vincent Thomas Bridge is nice, also-- the whole area has received a considerable facelift in recent years... harder to sneak down on the rocks and catch a few bay bass without getting hassled by security, but a lot more organized and convenient, too. Probably cheaper most of the time to catch a Southwest flight to a lot of places than to buy a Catalina Express round trip ticket, but as my dad says in Vegas: "We're not here for a haircut."

Booked our excursion online and appreciated having all of the needed info right there at my fingertips. Instructions were clear regarding check-in times, what to expect, rules about carryon items, etc. The actual check-in process was efficient and the young lady very friendly and helpful.

Excellent trip! Even stopped for some Whale watching!! Highly Recommend, well organized and friendly staff.

The boats are on the older side. On the trip back one of the panels was open. I am guessing some motor problem, and it was an extremely loud ride home. The whooshing wind from the open panel made it uncomfortable.

Location Easy exit off 110 to berth 95 Parking Large lot-pay for parking at kiosk before departing-$2/h or $20/day. Food Closed for now. No eating/drinking on board. A coffee truck could make a fortune here! Tip No free birthday trip.

Very easy parking situation: $2/hr or $20/day. There's no validation for parking. The boat itself is fairly old but decently maintained. Reminds me of the late 90s or early 00s. Due to Covid there is no food being sold on deck but you can bring your own snacks. The ride to Catalina island is around 70-80mins. On the way there, we came across a whale so the boat slowed down a little bit and the ride was probably around 90 mins. Tip: once you purchase online tickets you must checkin at the counter at San Pedro Port to get physical tickets and line up to board the boat as seating is first come first serve. At the counter they will give you departure and return tickets so you don't need to checkin again at Catalina island when you return. I'd say arrive 30 mins prior to departure to account for the checkin process.

I had issues booking online so had to call to book. There was a bit of a hold time but booking was surprisingly smooth. I just had to go to the counter on the day of to pick up my tickets and pay for them. The ferry was old but it did it's job of taking us to and from Catalina Island. We were backpacking the trans-Catalina trail so we took it to Avalon first. On our third day, we left from Two Harbors to return to San Pedro. Parking at the port can get expensive since it's $20 a day.

What a fun ride from San Pedro to Catalina Island. The lines can be very long in the boarding areas. I do recommend buying your tickets well in advance. Because they are known to sell out when the weather is nice. There was a nice couple who were told that the ship was full, so their names were placed on standby. We were already onboard the ship and you could see them with one of the crew members at the loading dock. The ship was just about to depart, when finally they allowed them to board, due to a no-show. The ship and crew were great. They do sell snacks and beverages on board however they are a bit on the pricey side. Better to wait until you get to Avalon there are plenty of real nice places to eat. It does take around 1 hour and 15 minutes for the trip. Sometimes the water can get a little choppy, just be sure to hold on while your walking around the ship. Lower and above deck seating is available. Seats are first come first serve, they are not assigned, so if you prefer to sit in the above deck area you really want to arrive and get in line early as the above deck seats are the first ones to fill up. This is not a 24 hour service, fares and schedules may vary so for the most accurate information you should call ahead.

Pleasant and relatively simple experience. COVID: Another reviewer complained that they weren't enforcing social distancing. The boat didn't seem particularly crowded to me (both there and back). They're not going to tell you where to sit but I assume they reduced their capacity. They did enforce masks (you can't get on without one) although it seemed slightly more lax on the way there. On the way back, they had constant announcements about wearing your mask ("you can take a sip of your water but pull your mask up immediately thereafter!") Anyway, if you're that concerned about Covid, maybe don't get on a boat with strangers? BOOKING: Easy via their website. Departures from LB were sold out for my desired date/time but San Pedro still had options available. PARKING: Huge lot. Reasonable price at $18/day. There's a pay station by the gate and I recommend you use that. You can also pay as you exit but then you'll hold up the line. CHECK-IN: They tell you to show up an hour before most likely because people always tend to be late. I'd say thirty minutes is safe. Don't cut it too close because you'll have to wait in line to check in and the line can be pretty long (because later departures can be checking in also). Make sure you grab some pamphlets and maps to prepare for your visit. SEATS: The chairs are pretty hard and not particularly comfortable. We had no problem snagging tables on the way there and back. REFRESHMENTS: They have coffee, water, beer. I didn't see any food but I also didn't inquire.

We had a really nice ride to Catalina and then a nice ride back, the only complaint I would have is that the boat was really really full, at capacity. I wish it had not been so crowded. We bought soft drinks from the snack bar on the way home. We had a really nice time, they departed pretty much on time both times. We would do it again.

Drive into the driveway on Swinford Street and there is a large parking lot specifically for the Catalina Express that leads you directly to the ticket/waiting area as well as the loading docks. For those taking Uber, taxi, friend's car, Hourly: FREE for the first hour, $2 per hour after first hour. If you bring your own car since there is no nearby street parking: Daily: $18 per day. Cash, credit cards or traveler's checks only. Prices are subject to change and prorated rates may be available. Check with parking vendor for details. Parking operated by PCI Parking - (310) 547-4357 Once in, just go straight to the loading area if you've prebooked your ticket via their website. Carry your own luggage, but calling ahead to Cat Express, you may be able to get assistance if handicapped. Check in luggage: 23"x23"x37" less than 50lbs. Carry on: 12"x12"x24" Fast & easy transport to Avalon or Two Harbours. Take the bigger boat since it rocks less if you are prone to seasickness and take dramamine just in case you ride in the smaller boat. With a two night stay on Catalina Island, parking is $36, and ticket for two is about $150 for a grand total of $186 which may be pricey for some. There are large group rates as well as 1/2 price offers on the internet. 3+ Yelp stars.

So I went to Catalina and I had the best time with my family! I went snorkeling, I went in a submarine, I even went to a great hotel! Then about the ride home... it was a great boat ride, an hour and a half. Then I went to my car to greet a homeless man in my car. He left saying "want some weed?" Over and over again! And that's not even the worst part. It was supposed to be a 45 minute ride home, turns out it was a 3 hour ride home just because of the parking lot. One lonely person sitting there just to get overtime money. She laughed that it's like trying ti get out of Tijuana. A while later I finally got home- what a relief! Next time I'll go to Long Beach.

This is the only company I know of that will take you to the Catalina Islands. Easy to get to and affordable parking for the day. They are affordable and have lots of boats going to and from the island everyday. You can easily prebook your tickets on line and you just need to show up about 1/2 hour before you board. The only down fall is that the food at this place sucks! Plan to bring a dog on board, you better have a muzzle or something like a muzzle before getting here, if not they will make you buy one from them, no matter how trained or well behaved your dog is. The boat ride is an easy 60 min to 90 mins depending on the day and if there are any animal sightings.

It's a nice ride to Catalina! The boats are comfortable and fast, with inside and outside seating options. Bathrooms are clean and the staff's attention is great. The crew was excellent both directions and it was so efficient that we didn't notice the time. We were busy studying up on the island via the many brochures and magazines they provide! Before we visited, my mom researched the many Catalina transportation options and the most popular and affordable is the Express. Their terminals are well designed and comfortable and they even had exhibits about the Island (my mother loved it). I just wish they had better options in the food court (see where my interest lies). Not much to see in that regard and I would've given anything for a cup o' Starbucks before the ride! Food court aside, I'd definitely recommend them for your Catalina visit!

My niece got married on the island last weekend n the trip was magnificent n we had a beautiful time... the ride their with bartender Sofita in the commode lounge was lovely. On our ride back to LBC, we had an awful experience with a man name Clark. He was very rude and treated us like lowlives... he acted like my grandbaby was stealing chips after I payed for everything and tipped his sorry self. That man has no business working in customer service, period. For him I would leave zero stars, but the rest of the people on the boat was very nice.

They need to open the restaurant back up. They make you arrive 30 min early and the restaurant is closed due to COVID for 2 years. There are no food options anywhere near the terminal. The boat is basically a vending machine that has crappy snacks. They have the staff and they have the l capacity to open. They just don't care about how the guests feel. This is what happens when there is no competition for business. They are still selling tickets are full price ($175 round trip btw) even though the amenities are gone. Why would they ever open the restaurant if they sell out? What a joke, garbage business who treats their guests like crap.

Was going into Two Harbors, so the Catalina Express San Pedro was the best option for a direct trip. When I called to book tickets, I was told there is a $20/day secure parking lot at the dock with 24hr surveillance. Upon my return, I was shocked to find my car windows smashed, and the Catalina Express personnel wouldn't help in any way. When I called the police, the officer said this has been an on-going issue with Catalina Express's lot there, especially since there aren't any cameras or security overnight. Just a warning if you're planning a Catalina trip through this port.

Get on board first if possible and go through the cabin to the front deck - standing room only and it's not really all the way to the front but it's the absolute best spot on the boat. Wind blowing through your hair, amazing views, and speed! This ship goes around 28-30 knots and it feels really fast when you're standing next to the spray. The trip was an hour +15, but we were laughing and loving it the whole way and it felt much shorter. We watched the sun set just as we pulled in to dock at San Pedro and the views of the USS Iowa are fantastic! Staff is friendly and helpful. Luggage is limited to 2 pieces- check the website for size limits, and it's stowed safely below deck. Make sure you label clearly so you know which are yours. It gets piled on the dock and mistakes can happen. One carry-on is allowed. There is a full bar so order there because personal beverages are not allowed. Parking is $19/day. Ferry is $74.50 round trip per adult and $59 for kids 2-11. I've been told the Captains Lounge upgrade is worth every penny of the $120 extra if you have a big group. Next time maybe! Loved this ride!

Crew is beyond rude and terrible to large groups boarding. Really gross treatment this past weekend. Not worth the trip.

Best customer service! I travel often for business to Catalina and I have experienced nothing but friendly crew members and clean boats. One thing you want to keep in mind is always arrive early, the boat waits for no one. It takes off with or without you when it is time to leave!

Don't travel if you are like social distancing to be enforced This business is doing absolutely nothing to enforce social distancing on their boat in terms of how people are sitting and space in between them. They don't even enforce it when you lineup waiting for the boat by at least putting markers or stickers on the floor and respecting 6ft rule. They do enforce masks but social distancing is non existing and it's concerning that this company is not doing their part to enforce these safety guidelines

Booked tickets on the Catalina Express it's $74.50 per adult Round trip to town of Avalon, FREE on your Exact Birthday Day!! Got to San Pedro dock ok. You need ticket to pay for parking that's extra like $1/hr or max $12. Check in, bathrooms available. Get tickets. Boarded boat. Later found out the 9:30am boat was cancelled and had to wait for another boat to leave before we could dock. We didn't get on the island until like 10:15am. Take dried ginger if you get seasick. I felt a bit queesy on the outside and it's cold and windy, should have stayed inside. Some Indian lady barfed outside on the ship - so gross. On the way back we stayed on the lower part of the boat inside, it was nice and comfy and I didn't feel sick. Even got to sleep a bit. Boat ride is 1hr15min and can feel longer! TIP: FREE on Your Birthday!! if not another tip: Go to website below if your a member and save $7.50 off adult; $2.50 child! Print out Coupon!! https://imgc.nxjimg.com/emp_image/upload/propoffer/tmp/44102385_CouponAAA_CatalinaExpress_expires_2.28.15.pdf Website where I found the coupon (to use after one I link expires): http://memberdiscounts.calif.aaa.com/offer/index/offerId/137655/uSource/PSRV2

NOTE: This review is directed squarely at the upper executive schmuck in the cozy office who decided they didn't have enough money. Not the people who actually work to implement his shi#@y change in policy. I used to look forward to my Birthdays on Catalina Island I used to reserve my tickets months in advance, and then proudly print and hang them excitedly where I could see them daily. I did that this year. On the day of my birth, after a healthy breakfast at Denny's, I drove an hour south to the Catalina Express San Pedro port to claim my free trip to my birthday island adventure. It would be fun. It would be exciting, it would be awesome. I happily walked up to the girl at the counter and showed her my printed pass that had been hanging in my cube for two months. Then she informed me of the new policy. " The policy is now Two go for the price of one. Or one also goes for the price of one." "Wait....on my birthday?" "Yup." My happy cheery smile instantly vanished. I took a moment to regain myself. I think I might have even been a bit rude....and I'm honestly sorry girl behind the counter for that. So, I pulled out my wallet, and paid the $75 dollars for the round trip tickets to Catalina island...on my birthday. Screw you upper executive schmuck in the cozy office who decided they didn't have enough money. Screw you. So, before my adventure on the birthday island even started, the cheery and happy winds of awesome were robbed from my sails. Screw you upper executive schmuck in the cozy office who decided they didn't have enough money. Screw you. I dejectedly took my birthday button and sadly pinned it to my shirt. The people on the boat were great. The ride was great. The people on the island were great. Although even the promotions on the island are also now a lot of buy one get one. So....a big F-You to the single folks. What? You're not happily in a couple? Screw you and your broken heart. We're gonna rub that open wound in some salt and take money from you. On top of the unexpected cost to travel to the island, they've also jacked up the price to park. I spent $20 to park in their parking lot for the day. So, Until this policy changes, Catalina island will no longer be my fun awesome exciting birthday adventure. I actually was penny pinching on the island due to the added costs of getting there. Rather than a full meal, I got a basket of fries. I even put postcards back on the shelf because I didn't want to spend the extra dollar. Screw you upper executive schmuck in the cozy office who decided they didn't have enough money. Screw you. #notmybirthdayisland

EXTREMELY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE at San Pedro Counter: Does not open their counter until exactly 1 hr. before first departure (my departure was 5/1/17 at 8:45am) -- Don't come before-- you will stand in line for 15-20 minutes like I did-- with no one saying "you can go sit down"-- just was told, "we'll be with you in a minute"-- 10 minutes before they actually opened the counters-- Like any other monopoly "They don't care, they don't have to". They also don't reply to questions posed on their web site. On board it was different-- the people working the snack counters [CASH ONLY-beware] were talkative and nice (both comeing and going)... The boat was precisely on-time regarding their departures at San Pedro and Avalon-- Nice to see that. My crossings were uneventful...POOR first impression at the counter in San Pedro

I took the Catalina Express a few weekends ago. We were camping so we brought on all of our food and gear. When the boat got out into open water I opened a spiked seltzer. Some random guy that worked there walked up and literally lost his shit on me. Complete power trip because I couldn't have a personal drink but could only drink things I paid for because of their liquor license. However, by no one and nowhere was that previously stated. 1. I have been on cruises and you can.. have your own drinks once you get out to open water. 2. If this is an issue, state the issue and be kind.. you are selling vacations right? 3. Random dudes do not have the right to power trip and yell at women, who are not at all being confrontational.. ever. And why the hell would you.. you are selling vacations right? 4. I am a 40 year old woman. A solid part of the California community. Why is it appropriate to think, as a worker on a boat, you can yell at me? 5. Parking to board the boat is 20$ a day, the boat is 75$ round trip, camping at the island was 100$ a day. No one should pay that kind of money for "camping" when it involves being policed by power trippers. The island is overpriced and understaffed. There isn't anything specifically cool to see until you get to the northern islands (ocean kayaking is super fun in Anacapa and no one yells at you) I personally would never take a trip back and not give my money to the Catalina Express. Chill out and be fun.. you are selling vacations. No one cares about your power trip.

Perfect trip. We almost missed our take off time but we made it. Such a fun experience. Very accommodating. I was feeling nauseated and they helped me feel better. Lots of couples. Everyone ready for a great trip. Romantic. When my kid's are older and potty trained I will be excited to bring them. Until then this trip will be just for mom and dad:)

Booking online was easy, boats arrived and left on time. The ferries were fairly clean, but starting to show a bit of age. Parking is available for $20/day but you can also park for free at the city-owned lots a 1-2 miles away.

Our first time riding Catalina Express. The ride to Catalina was awesome, and so was the staff! I did a YouTube video review check it out click here https://youtu.be/FE7Tw319LGk

The boat ride from San Pedro to Avalon was long because we stopped at Two Harbors before arriving in Avalon; which added at least an hour to the trip. Keep that in mind if you have the option between departing from San Pedro or Long Beach. We tried to get tickets at the Long Beach Pier, but they were sold out. The boat(s) coming to and from San Pedro had inside seating but the seats were dirty and it was really hot because there was no air conditioning, you couldn't open windows. During COVID it would be nice to have air circulation. My suggestion would be to get an outside upper deck seat when you board; since these boat(s) were on the smaller side, the outside seating filled up quickly.

Super quick and easy process to get tickets to the ferry for Catalina. The transportation to the island took about 2 hours and the staff was super helpful and kind when my friend got seasick. They have a rule that everyone must wear a mask while on board and they do not have food or drinks available and ask the passengers do not eat or drink on the ferry. The port in LA did not have food or drinks either so I recommend you eat before you go and bring a bottle of water for while you wait!

I enjoyed the entire experience, from check-in and the wait area, to the I hour ride over. There was even a whale sighting but I missed it! Great service and a fairly smooth ride.

The ferry this morning was a smaller, older boat, not the catamaran. The crew took our luggage and stowed it for us. The boat departed from San Pedro exactly on time!

When we went back so we should to wait our boat . Our time in ticket was 22-30 , but island we leave just 23-20 Was so cold to waiting

Decided to go for a day trip out of San Pedro. This boat was smaller than what I expected but could fit a good amount of people. The trip to Avalon was beautiful out and smooth all the way as we sat outside. The trip was was a little choppy but still made it within 70 minutes on both trios. They are very good at enforcing mask wearing thought still not much distancing going on.

FREE birthday ride! Make reservations online in case it gets busy. The process was simple. Pay for it, they'll send you with an email, print it out, day of take it to check in and redeem it for real tickets. The boat ride was rough going there because it was smaller. On the way back, the boat was 2x as bigger, so it was smoother. The staff is nice and I recommend sitting out on the deck. If it's the smaller boat--you'll get wet. If you get motion sickness, stay outside. I find staying inside of a small room filled with people makes it worse.

Terrible service! Be warned! After failing to warn us that e bikes are not allowed on board when we bought our 1/2 ticket per bike they then refused to help us store the bikes once they refused to let us bring it on board. Monica at the front desk was especially unhelpful and refused to even try anything. Catalina Express clearly does not give a shit about their customers. I would almost skip Catalina just I don't have to deal with this terrible company.

Booked the catalina express to go to Catalina Island (Avalon), staff were friendly, takes about 1 hour to go from San pedro to Avalon. Costs about $70 for an adult. Ship can be a bit rocky at times because of the waves, some people did get sea sick. They sell coffee and snack on the ferry as well.