7 Catalina Island Trips from Los Angeles Worth Booking

1.Catalina Express: San Pedro to Avalon One-Way Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 293 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $47Our pick

Take a one-way Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro’s Berth 95 to Avalon in about an hour. You’ll have comfortable seating, Pacific views, restrooms, and a snack bar, then walk about five minutes from the Cabrillo Mole into downtown Avalon. Return travel requires a separate ticket.

“Great place to visit! Relax and fun. Wonderful destination for enjoy a great day or vacation, celebrate any occasion or relax.”

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2.Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach: See Catalina, Queen Mary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 15 minutes (approx.) · from $199Top rated

Take a private 15-minute helicopter flight from Long Beach with live narration. You’ll see the Queen Mary, downtown, Shoreline Village, Belmont Shore Pier, USS Iowa, Vincent Thomas Bridge, and the harbor. Flights carry two or three people, with headsets provided.

“This is first time my son and I in California. And also first time to explore private helicopter tour. Everything is perfect. My son really like this experience.”

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3.Catalina Island w/Discover Avalon Scenic Tour & Hotel transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · 8 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $233

Travel from your Anaheim hotel to Catalina Express, ride one hour to Avalon, then take a guided sightseeing tour of Green Pleasure Pier, Descanso Beach, and the Catalina Island Casino Ballroom. You’ll have free time for food, shops, and beach activities before returning by ferry.

“It was an amazing experience. everything about it was just amazingly. Will surely visit soon if possible .”

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4.Catalina Island with Zipline Tour and Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $355

You’ll ride from Los Angeles to Avalon by Catalina Express, walk to the zipline base, and fly across five lines above Descanso Canyon. A professional guide covers island wildlife and Native American history. Hotel pickup, ferry tickets, safety gear, and return transport are included.

“We really enjoyed the zipline, but it was challenging to see other things as the zipline was right in the middle of our visit. You also need to know that you are on your own to get from one place to another...no tour guide to tell you about the island, etc. The transportation arranged was on time in the morning and the evening, which was appreciated.”

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5.Jetski Adventure: Guided Trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $640

You’ll ride a Sea-Doo with guides from Long Beach to Avalon, crossing open water in about three hours each way. Gear, fuel, wetsuit, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, and trip photos are included. Plan your own lunch and Avalon activities during the three-hour island stop.

“We went August 23 and saw no dolphins or whales. This was an EXTREME experience and I would say it was not beginner friendly and not friendly for anyone who isn’t fit, prepared to deal with harsh elements, and adequately dressed (jet ski gloves, eye protection, and a full body rashguard with shorts—at the minimum). Upon our return many people (myself included) had bloodshot and sunburned eyes (despite wearing sunglasses the entire time), shivering / chattering teeth from cold, and blisters on hands. Be prepared!!!”

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6.Helicopter Transfer: Long Beach to Catalina Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 20 minutes (approx.) · from $205

Take an 18 to 20-minute Maverick Helicopters flight from Long Beach’s Queen Mary Terminal to Avalon. See the Queen Mary, Pacific Ocean, and possibly dolphins before landing at Catalina Island. Seating is assigned for weight and balance, and original photo ID is required for adults.

“It was not as scary as I thought. It was nice to do this with my family. Super easy to arrive, park and set up.”

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7.Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 3 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $253

Leave your LAX-area hotel at about 8:15 a.m. for a ferry to Avalon, then take a 45-minute Undersea Expedition in a climate-controlled cabin five feet below the Pacific. You will have free time for lunch and exploring before returning to Long Beach and your hotel.

“The starting out instructions were wonderful for the entire day. But unfortunately the driver they had come pick us up came way too early and we sat around for over an hour waiting for the boat. Once we made it to the island we never received our inbound tickets to go home later that afternoon so I had to go back up to the ticket booth and request a set from them. More time wasted that could have been spent roaming the island which is beautiful.”

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