My wife and I took the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Avalon, and both the trip there and back were great. The whole process was very easy--navigation to the boat was straightforward, and since we paid for our tickets online, we just scanned our QR codes and hopped on. Super smooth and stress-free. The boats themselves are a bit older and show some wear, which makes sense given how many passengers they transport daily, but they're functional and comfortable enough. There are bathrooms onboard and a snack bar with decent prices. Just a heads-up: there is absolutely no smoking of any kind allowed, including vapes. One of the highlights was the top observation deck--it's really cool and worth checking out during the ride. One thing to be aware of is parking. Parking at the terminal is very expensive at $22 per day, so be prepared to spend a good amount on parking. Overall, we had a great experience and would highly recommend Catalina Express. read more

Waited in line inside to check in only to find out we didn't need to, so we were directed outside. Disorganized line up, we went from first 20 ppl in line to last of the entire group. We even got in the right lane that the man directed us to and was told to completely start over. We straight up got given wrong direction by the man so shout to him for landing us shitty seats . They can't accommodate to close their doors when it's cold, even tho we showed up early to get good seats. I understand you gotta run a ship, but still shitty service. Just go to Long Beach instead of these guys. These guys clearly just care about getting people on and off and that's all. NOTE: we arrived an hr before departing, if you do come PLEASE don't come last minute read more

I cancelled a trip and they never logged it so I was surprised to see an email "reminding" me of my trip tomorrow. I then called spoke to an agent who reviewed the voice messages and did not hear a cancelation though I told her I did that cancelation on-line. They would not refund me the $10 service fee, though I explained the process to her. She said never cancel a reservation if you want to reschedule just reschedule. Anyway their system doesn't work and you will be charged. Beware!! read more

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. read more

The Catalina Express terminal in San Pedro lacks a gate change protocol. Gate changes need to be announced, speaker volume checked (the gates are outside and under the noisy Vincent Thomas Bridge), and an employee is stationed at the entrance to help customers catch the boat they have a ticket for. We missed the last boat to Two Harbors after it left from a gate that was never announced. The terminal employees were not sympathetic. " We can't help you; the gate change was announced." Well, it wasn't!! Visit an airport to see how gate changes are handled. read more

We just happened to be in Long Beach for a week. This past summer. The weather was nice, all you needed were some light clothing. We loved the ship and also Avalon. We hated the long lines. Tip of the day! Make reservations well in advance especially approaching the summer months. They can be booked up more than a month in advance. We didn't know this, however we got lucky that there were some cancellations. Also make sure you eat something before getting here. The do sell snacks and beverages onboard, but they are expensive! If you wait until you disembark on Catalina Island, you won't be disappointed, because there you will discover, several restaurants and you will find many nice places to sit and enjoy a meal at more reasonable prices. With a gorgeous ocean view included. Please try to arrive here as early as you can, because no matter what time you arrive, you will still have to wait until boarding is announced over the loud speakers. But at least you will have a better choice of seating. When it's the busy season these ships fill up very fast! So in closing, If you like being out on the water you will love the trip over to Avalon you just might see a whale or two, not to mention schools of dolphins. read more

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I am very impressed by the whole service. The check-in was quick, they gave me a birthday badge as it was my day when I visited (try going on your birthday with a friend and you get all sorts of amazing discounts on the island), the wait time to board was a little long but I understand that they have to wait for everybody and only then board. The ride was beautiful, and they have a little snack shop on board too, they just accept cash though. The snack shop has some drinks, bagels, cup-noodles etc, enough to keep you happy on the short 1-hour ride. You can choose where you want to stay, have your luggage put in storage if you don't want to have it with you, walk to the deck and get a good view of the waters. The whole experience was very comfortable and great. read more

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Truly amazing experience both there and back. On the way back to the mainland I decided to sit outside on the back of the boat, due to some claustrophobia. The workers were really nice and accommodating. At one point I got pretty sea sick and they brought me some sprite & talked to my boyfriend and I most the trip back & helped get my mind off the motion sickness. Met some really cool people on the boat too, some sober, some drunk. Over all really fun experience! read more

Catalina Express - Ferries Near Me - San Pedro, California

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 read more

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Catalina Express offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride to and from the island. The vessel is smooth and stable. Enjoyed a Bloody Mary from the bar on the ride out to the island. Was well spiced and strong. Watch for dolphins jumping in the surf next to the boat as you ride. This is a pricey ride but worth it. Visit on your birthday for a free ride to Catalina. read more

Catalina Express - Catalina Express - Ferries Near Me - San Pedro, California

Experience was mediocre. Paid for the commodore lounge, the extra $15 gets you very cheap my snack option. Lady serving the drinks was impatient and rude. Not the best experience. The lady as the desk selling tickets was pleasant and the ride over was fine, just need better customer service onboard. read more

Catalina Express - The boat - Ferries Near Me - San Pedro, California

They lost so many peoples bags on this trip! There was no accountability For baggage. No ticket check. No order for storing. When we stopped at 2 harbors it was a mad scramble for bags. I assume many people took the wrong bags or simply stole them. One attendant walked around the boat with my bag asking random people who's it was. Iclaimed it and she replied, " oh good we almost left it at Two Harbors." Wtf? So for those interested in getting free luggage and Equipment from strangers please take this trip and just steal bags because there is no accountability. Also if you are taking this trip be prepared to spend 45 minutes as people deboard at Two Harbors. Why 45 minutes? it's because of the chaotic bag storage. A tiny compartment with commingled luggage and no tags. I would have givin this only one star but they successfully got us to Catalina safe. As promised. read more

We came here expecting to be in a safe environment the requirement is wearing a mask at all times besides drinking or eating then you must put it back on. I informed the staff that the people next to our table did not have there mask on properly. The employee went to tell them they must wear their mask had to be on at all times. Of course as soon as he left they took it off. read more

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I completely understand that businesses need to follow COVID rules/restrictions but what I witnessed this past weekend was horrible. On our way back from Two Harbors to San Pedro the announcement was made that masks must be worn and you were not allowed to eat or drink at all on the boat. About 1/4 of the way back to San Pedro a couple people took down their masks to drink and the captain announced that they would be TURNING THE BOAT AROUND to leave these people at Two Harbors. This company inconvenienced everyone on the boat by turning around and left these people stranded in Two Harbors for the night where there are no hotels or anything. Absolutely insane! read more

The website says that the trip from San Pedro to Two Harbors via Avalon adds 45 minutes travel time compared to the direct route. Unfortunately they fail to disclose that you have 30 minutes layover going to Catalina and a ridiculous 45 minutes on the return trip. Customers are stuck on the boat sitting in the Avalon harbor for 75 minutes which is totally unacceptable, especially since it's not disclosed anywhere. read more

The greatest incentive for a rider on a special occasion is the birthday deal, however they changed their policy this year to be a buy on get one deal instead of single rider for free. I checked at around at competing businesses and as it turns out Catalina Flyer has an online deal of half the cost of a single ticket. So, if you're riding alone, that's a far better price to pay. I contacted customer service and they were very polite, but only very politely gave me the brush off by 'passing on' the information to marketing. So, I went with a competing business. Both boats are the same quality, one is just a little further south. Both boats offer food and beverage, good customer care and a safe journey. But price can be key for those return passengers. read more

LOVE Catalina Express. Fast, comfortable, great staff. My only suggestion is on Avalon on Gate 1, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put some type of shade structure up!!!! There were mamas with babies and other passengers burning in the sun because once you get out of line to get a little shade, have to go to the back of the line and it's even more hell standing in the sun for a longer time. This is the only gate that doesn't have shade. read more

Easy peasy check in, smooth sailing, alcohol on board, what more can you ask for?... I think the only thing that's a little confusing was finding the correct landing because there are 2 I believe. I'm not sure actually, but I first ended up by the Queen Mary which was the wrong on... the other is only about 5-7 min away so it wasn't difficult to find. Just went to Catalina to hike and Parasail, it was so fun and ended up having too much fun since I also drank all day :) yay for mini get aways! Thanks for being my ride, Catalina Express ! read more

General seating was just fine. Just a ferry. Book ahead of time. Parking is convenient at Long Beach dock. Friendly staff. read more

Catalina Express - Ferries Near Me - San Pedro, California

This is a wonderful experience, with a crew that knows what there're doing. Catalina birthday deal is the nicest offering. Hooray for them!

Price is a bit steep. The service was good. Staff really helpful and friendly. The ride to the island was good. Comfortable seating. The ride back on the other hand, not so good. We caught the last boat back to the mainland. It showed up late. The engine noise was deafening. Would look for an alternative if a choice was found. read more

awful service! i used catalina express for my boyfriends birthday, and in the small print on the ticket it said to arrive 30 minutes prior to take off (our take off was scheduled at 10 am), we got there 15 mins before take off (unaware of the 30 minute rule).The lady at the register wouldnt let us board our boat, she kept saying the door was closed, and tried to reschedule us to the 2pm boat. after 10 minutes of the lady at the register unwilling to let us board our 10 am schedule ride, i decided to return the tickets since we were going to miss the majority of our scheduled activities. The lady at the register called her boss to return my tickets, and her boss told us to go on standby for our scheduled boat (10 am). when we went outside to wait for standby our boat hadnt even loaded any passengers yet, and ALL passengers were still waiting in line. basically the lady at the register wasnt helpful at all, and kept trying to reschedule our ride, i understand if the boat loaded all the passengers and the door was closed already, but our boat did NOT load any passengers at this point, and everyone was still in line. read more

Greatest and unless you have your own boat or helicopter the only way to get here and it's free on your birthday it's free yay, i went last year and wish i could have gone again this year but plan for next read more

This was my second year aboard the Catalina Express and I tell you just give better and better each time I go out. A little word of advice if you want something to eat or drink on the boat bring cash because there is no credit or plastic accepted upon the boat so good your cash ready because those Bloody Marys are amazing read more

Yet another amazing trip to Catalina, Paul was on the boat again leaving Avalon to Long Beach it was great to see a friendly face. He came to say hi and remembered me from almost a year ago when I first took a trip to the island! Had to leave an updated review because he really deserves it! Thanks again for your outstanding staff, he is an exemplary member of the Catalina express team! THANKS AGAIN! - Hope read more

Hello. Where do I start. I went to Catalina island on 8/29/2020. Everything was going as planned until we were coming back from the Avalon to San Pedro. It was boarding at 6pm. There was empty chair with bag and one was empty so we were sharing the chair etc. First of all we asked the employee named Rob Workman is it okay because the passenger removed the chair next to us. He tried help but then started raising his voice at us. We are group of 3 ladies who are Asian. I am only mentioning my race because of what happened. The other passengers who removed the chair start mocking/laughing/dancing us. Did he removed the chair because we are Asian? And the worker I told didn't even do anything about instead he was getting on my face which is probably not the right thing to do. He also threatened us to kick us out the boat if we don't sit quiet while the other group of passengers aren't being appropriate to us. We are smaller party than other party (that were being racist) so we have to sit inside or otherwise get kicked out. I understand it is hard during this time because this Covid thing going on. It seems no fair to me and my family. I think as worker they should be neutral and tell everybody quiet instead being rude to us. He yelled us to wear mask but the other party didn't even have mask on. I can't even explain my frustrations. My family were finally getting break from busy work. I don't think we should be treated like that. I would say it is better to educate the worker to be equal to everyone. read more

Too expensive, dirty, overbooked! For that price better go charter! It may take a little longer but worth it

This seems like a pointless review as this company has a monopoly so probably care about as much as their customer service lady at the Avalon ticket counter. Anyway... Booked 2 tickets in August for an October 27th - 29th trip to Catalina. Ticket (which I have in my possession) reads 7 PM departure. We arrived at about 6:15 due to lighter traffic than expected and were hurried onto the boat... Which left at... 6:30. WTF??? Sorry anyone who arrived at 6:31 for a 7 pm departure, your vacation is ruined. Mentioned this to the customer service rep at the Avalon ticket counter on the way back and guess what? She didn't really give too much of a sh*&. So there you have it.... Additionally, on the return, we stood out in the intense sun for approx. 1 hour while they unloaded and reloaded the boat. It was hot. But this is October so was doable. I'd hate to be forced to stand outside in a line for 1 hour during the hotter summer months, but something tells me that may just be the case. read more