Getting to Avalon, California on Catalina Island via the Catalina Express is an enjoyable and scenic journey. Catalina Express offers daily ferry services from three convenient Southern California departure points: Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. Each departure point provides a comfortable and efficient way to reach Avalon, the main town on the island known for its picturesque harbor, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
If you're departing from Long Beach, Catalina Express operates year-round from the Catalina Landing in Downtown Long Beach. The ferry ride from Long Beach to Avalon takes about 1 hour. Long Beach offers multiple daily departures, making it a popular and flexible option. Parking is available at the Catalina Landing terminal, and the boarding process is smooth and easy, with indoor and outdoor seating offering great views of the Pacific Ocean.
For those leaving from San Pedro, the Port of Los Angeles is another key departure point. Catalina Express operates from the Berth 95 terminal, and the ferry trip to Avalon also takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Like Long Beach, San Pedro provides multiple daily departures year-round. San Pedro may be especially convenient for travelers located in or near downtown Los Angeles, and the port’s historic setting adds a bit of charm to the beginning of your trip.
Departing from Dana Point, located in Orange County, offers a longer ferry ride, around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the southernmost departure point and is ideal for visitors from San Diego or South Orange County. The Dana Point terminal is located in the Dana Point Harbor, and the ferry service is offered year-round, though with fewer daily departures compared to Long Beach and San Pedro. The scenic views along the coastline from Dana Point to Catalina Island make this route especially beautiful and relaxing.
To get to Avalon from Newport Beach, you can take the Catalina Flyer, a high-speed catamaran that departs daily from Balboa Pavilion in Newport Harbor. The ride takes about 75 minutes and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel to Catalina Island. The Catalina Flyer operates seasonally, so it's best to check the schedule in advance. Alternatively, for a quicker and more unique experience, you can take a helicopter from IEX Helicopters, which offers flights from John Wayne Airport and Heliport in Newport Beach. The helicopter ride to Avalon takes about 15 minutes, providing breathtaking aerial views of the coastline and the island.
Here are some links;
https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/cali/catalina-transport.aspx
https://www.catalinainfo.com/