Catalina Express

There are several ferry services shuttling tourists to and from
Catalina Island with Catalina Express being the most popular.
Though they are more expensive than their competitors, they
offer several scheduled trips from three different ports, while the
others leave around 9:00 a.m. and have only one boat back for a
$6 per adult savings. The trip is comfortable with indoor and
outdoor seating, and only an hour from Long Beach, an hour and
15 minutes from San Pedro and an hour and a half from Dana
Point. The small service counter is there to purchase sodas,
cocktails or packaged snacks. It's smooth sailing so bringing a
deck of cards or something else to passes the time quickly. If
you're sensitive to getting motion sickness be sure to bring a
sweatshirt since it can be a bit windy on the top deck. It's been
rare to see much wildlife, but on occasion dolphins are whales
generate some excitement, so bring a pair of binoculars just in
case. Regular adult fare is $25 each way, but your trip can be
upgraded to the Commodore Lounge for $10 more each way.
This lounge seats up to 75 passengers and has more luxurious
surroundings with reclining chairs and includes a complimentary
beverage and snack of your choice. If you want to have your
own room for a group of up to 8 the Captain's Lounge is much like
a living room and includes a bottle of champagne for a fee of $40
per person each way. Commuter Books can be purchased for
$145.50 for adults and $125.50 for children and have 10 one way
passes that can be used by anyone at anytime. That is a $10
savings on a one way adult ticket and $6 savings for a child.
These Commuter Book tickets can only be used at the Long
Beach and San Pedro ports. Check in is one hour prior to
departure and all passengers must be on board 15 minutes
before departure. They'll store 2 bags per person, not more than
70 pounds each. Carry on must fit under the seats. Strollers
must be collapsible and will be stored as well as bikes and
surfboards for a $3, one way fee per item. The schedule changes
throughout the year with boats leaving every two hours during
the summer and much less during the off-season, so check their
website for a current listing. Parking is $7 to $12 per day
depending on the port.

Telephone (800) 481-3470

Website: www.catalinaexpress.com