Orange County with Anaheim: Boat & Ferry Travel

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Boat & Ferry Travel

Two companies offer ferry service to Catalina Island. The boats have both indoor and outdoor seating and snack bars. Excessive baggage is not allowed, and there are extra fees for bicycles and surfboards. The waters around Santa Catalina can get rough, so if you're prone to seasickness, come prepared.

Catalina Express makes an hour-long run from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon and a 90-minute run from Dana Point to Avalon with some stops at Two Harbors. Round-trip fare for the various routes costs $59. Service from Newport Beach to Avalon is available through Catalina Passenger Service. Boats leave from Balboa Pavilion at 9 AM (in season), take 75 minutes to reach the island, and cost $57 round-trip. Return boats leave Catalina at 4:30 PM. Reservations are advised in summer and on weekends for all trips. Keep an eye out for dolphins, which sometimes swim alongside the ferries.

Fares & Schedules

Boat & Ferry Information

Catalina Express (310/519-1212 or 800/481-3470. 800/410-9159. www.catalinaexpress.com). Catalina Passenger Service (949/673-5245 or 800/830-7744. 949/673-8340. www.catalinainfo.com).