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If you are planning a trip to Catalina Island, you’re probably wondering what port you need to depart from. There are three port locations: San Pedro, Dana Point, and Long Beach. The most popular port of embarkation is Long Beach and that is the port I used for my journey to Catalina Island as it was the closest to me with several departure times throughout the day.

This was my first time traveling to Catalina Island and here is my step-by-step guide from booking my ticket to the onboard experience on the Catalina Express:

1. Reserve Your Catalina Express Ticket Online

I booked my tickets online as I didn’t want to purchase it the day of my departure. It’s strongly advised to reserve tickets online as they sell out often, especially in the summer and on holiday weekends. I booked my tickets a week prior to my departure and the time I selected was available; however, I had to call to reserve the spot. I’m not sure why I had to call for that specific departure time but when I spoke to the operator, she was able to book the two tickets I needed. Maybe it was some sort of glitch on their website. Regardless, I reserved my tickets. If I wanted to cancel, I could do so 24 hours prior to departure free of charge.

There are two types of seating arrangements: Commodore Lounge and General Seating. The Commodore Lounge is their first-class option and it costs $15 one way for this upgrade. If you purchase this ticket, you get priority check-in, boarding, and comfy seating, plus a complimentary beverage with snacks. For an extra $30 round trip, the Commodore Lounge is a nice option; however, I was bringing my dog Zooey with me, and pets are not allowed in the Commodore Lounge.

2. Driving To The Port

If you are driving to the port, there will be an overnight parking garage conveniently located adjacent to the port entrance. You will need to park here since there is not an option to bring your vehicle onboard the Catalina Express. The daily parking fee is $19 and reservations are not necessary. The address to the parking structure is: 330 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802.

There were several parking spots available and I felt safe leaving my car there for the weekend. It’s not a huge structure like an airport garage, but it’s a good idea to make note of where you parked for when you return.

3. Check-In At The Ticket Window

From the parking garage, it was an easy walk across the street to the port entrance where I needed to get in line to collect my reserved tickets. There is no option to print your tickets online, so you must visit a ticket window to retrieve them. It’s best to plan on arriving at least one hour prior to departure as you’ll want to have your ticket in hand 30 minutes prior to your ferry’s departure. If you are not checked in 15 minutes prior to departure, then your seat will be forfeited and you will still be charged for the full amount of the round-trip fare.

I arrived an hour before departure and am glad I gave myself this time as there was a long line at the ticket window. Plus, the process of finding parking took a little bit longer than expected since I missed the entrance to the parking garage and had to turn around.

4. Get In Line For The Ferry

General boarding line at the Long Beach Port

General Boarding Line at The Avalon Port

Once you have your tickets, immediately get in line for general boarding. You’ll have better seating options the closer you are to the front of the line. Seats are not assigned, so it is first come, first serve if you did not upgrade to the Commodore Lounge. If you are traveling with your pet, your fur baby will stand in the same line as you. More on pet rules next.

5. Dog-Friendly Rules

I was so happy when I heard that pets were allowed onboard free of charge. Your pet does not need to be a service animal and one pet per person is permitted. However, your dog must be on a leash with a muzzle or in a pet carrying case for the duration of the trip. I was a bit worried about Zooey wearing a muzzle, but she did surprisingly well with it on. If your dog isn’t used to wearing a muzzle, just wait until the very last minute to put it on.

Zooey much happier after we removed the muzzle

6. Where to Store Your Luggage

As you make your way onto the ferry, you will be directed to store your luggage inside. I thought there was going to be a designated storage area below the deck, but it was simply in the same room where the passengers sat. There is a large open space towards the back of the seating area and this where the staff directed us to place our luggage.

7. Find Your Seat

After you store your luggage, you can sit wherever you like (with the exception of the Commodore Lounge). We chose to sit outside to enjoy the views and fresh air. Plus, I had Zooey with me and I felt that she would probably enjoy sitting outside.

That’s It!

Once you are seated, you can sit back and relax. There is a brief safety instruction announcement and, if the waters are calm, walking around the ferry is permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry ride?
From Long Beach Port to Avalon Port the entire trip was approximately 1 hour.

Can I take my car on board the ferry?
No. You will need to park your car as Catalina Island does not allow vehicles.

How do I get around Catalina if I can’t bring my vehicle?
Catalina Island is small, so many activities are within walking distance. There are taxis and golf cart rentals available at Avalon’s port.

Are there bathrooms on board?
Yes.

Do you get seasick?
This really depends on the person and how rough the waters are during the trip. I am very prone to motion sickness and on the day of my departure, a storm was approaching so the waters were choppy. I did feel a little uncomfortable, but luckily, I planned ahead and took some Dramamine to help ease the motion sickness. On the way back to Long Beach Port, the waters were calm and I did not feel any discomfort. I did, however, take Dramamine just in case.

Is it cold if you sit outside on the ferry?

This definitely depends on the time of year you go. I went in November and it was pretty chilly sitting outside. Luckily, I was prepared and brought a heavy jacket and a throw blanket that kept Zooey and I cozy.

How much are the ferry tickets?
A round-trip Adult (12-54 years old) ticket from Long Beach Port to Avalon Port is $74.50. For a complete list of fares, visit their Schedule & Fares page.

Where To Stay

We stayed at a VRBO rental with a spectacular harbor and ocean view. We couldn’t have asked for a better location and accommodation and would eagerly stay here again. If you prefer hotels, I spotted a couple of pet-friendly hotels when I was walking around town.

Check current pet-friendly hotel rates HERE.