Catalina Island Ferry Deals & To Do’s

Catalina Island, California: Ferry Discounts, Activities, Recommended Tours

One of the most popular side trip locations from any Southern California destination is Catalina Island. Catalina is a popular island getaway this time of year, and it’s just a short 22 miles off the SoCal coast, an hour ferry ride away. Both my husband and I are California kids from way back, and this is one of our favorite ways to enjoy a day away from the city.

Most of the time we just mosey around the town. You can make like a local and a souped-up golf cart or bike. But it’s even more fun to plan ahead for adventure. I’ve rounded up a few outdoor activities you might enjoy on your next jaunt.

If you’ve never been to this magical place, here’s what you need to know. The Island is a mere 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles, but it feels like a world away from the crowded city. The air seems fresher. Desert plants and wildlife give the island a more natural feel. Secluded coves are great for sunning, snorkeling and kayaking. Find out why Travel + Leisure called these coves, “ready-made for romance.”

Savvy Way To Go

Getting to Catalina Island is part of the fun. You can get to the island by ferry from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach. Or take the helicopter from Long Beach, San Pedro or John Wayne/Orange County Airport.

Want to know where to get tickets for less on Round-Trip Ferry Transportation? You have options with the offers listed below. You’ll have plenty of time to shopping, relax on the beach, snorkel, kayak, golf, see the sights, play all day in the sun or work on your tan.

Catalina Island Ferry Discount Tickets

The ferry discounts below are for high-speed ferries (catamarans), making the trip easy and fun. The Catalina Express promises a smooth, comfortable crossing with well-appointed interiors, sun decks, full bars, refreshments, and snacks. Make sure you read the fine print on the source websites for any restrictions or blackout dates.

1. {Most Popular} Catalina Express {details} — The passenger ferry service offers crossings to the towns of Two Harbors and Avalon on Catalina Island, California, from the ports of San Pedro, Long Beach & Dana Point on the mainland.
2. {Tourist Top Pick} Catalina Island Ferry plus Hotel Pickup {$5 Off Discount details}– This one has hotel pickup and return from more than 150 resort locations. Boat transfers included. The ferry ride takes about an hour. The day trip takes 10 hours, including round-trip ferry. Depart from ports at Dana Point, Long Beach, or San Pedro.

SAVVY TIP: On your birthday, you can ride free on the Catalina Express (check in advance to see if this is still active: 800-429-4601).

CATALINA ISLAND AFFORDABLE ACTIVITIES ON THE WATER

You’ll find plenty of outdoorsy fun on the island. A savvy option is to get tickets in advance because you can often save over paying the price at the door. I like to get out on the water, so I scoped out following offers from trustworthy sources. (Forgot my sunscreen, but all three were fun.)

• Catalina Island Scavenger Hunt Adventure — {details} Guided from your smart phone, your team will solve clues while exploring well known and hidden gems of the city.
• Catalina Island Undersea Expedition — {details} I love this one because you can see Catalina’s amazing marine life from under the water. The 45 minute cruise takes you five feet under water. You’ll have your own seat and port hole, and you can also wander around the cabin to look through other windows. As you pass through the cove, a deckhand will share interesting stories and even feed the fish.
• Catalina Island Ocean Runner Adventure — {details} Takes you out into the Catalina Channel on a high-speed Ribcraft (rigid inflatable 500-horsepower boat that seats 12), the same boat that the Navy SEALs use. Great for adrenaline junkies. We saw dolphins and sea lions.

CATALINA’S TOP TOURS

• Catalina Food and Walking Tour {details} — this is a 3-hour, small-group walking tour of Catalina Island where you’ll sample good foods from six locations and get a feel for the history and architecture of the island.
• Catalina Island Day Tour {details} — Take a day trip from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice or Marina Del Rey. You’ll see wildlife, buffalo, vegetation learn about the island’s history. Includes the ferry and option to include guided activities
• Best Catalina Island Zipline Eco-Tour {details} — This tour is a day trip from Anaheim or Los Angeles, via ferry. The zipline tour takes you over the hills and canyons near Avalon. Your tour will stop at eco-stations to learn more about the island and its eco-history.
• Best Catalina Island Helicopter Tour {details} — Get above the views of blue waters and rugged mountains, with spectacular photo opportunities, pilot commentary, history and points of interest.

CATALINA ISLAND HOTELS

Here are some recommended competitively priced hotels on Catalina Island. Follow the links and enter your preferred dates to see prices and available discounts on our savvy travel pages.

1. Casa Mariquita Hotel (Rates from $169) — Catalina’s newest built hotel, centrally located ¾ block from the main street & beach.
2. Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa (Rates from $84.15) — Catalina Islands only full service resort and conference hotel. European Day Spa, heated pool, restaurant and free shuttle. Packages available.
3. Hotel St. Lauren (Rates from $99) — One of the Islands’ finest romantic hotels, featuring 42 luxurious guest rooms overlooking Avalon Bay, CA.
4. Catalina Island Seacrest Inn (Rates from $108) — Bowers of flowers and lace curtains adorn this Inn from the office to the rooms. The Victorian decor is definitely slanted in flavor of romantic couples.
5. Pavilion Hotel (Rates from $155) — Upgraded comfort just 14 steps from the beach in a 71-room 2-story hotel. The new design takes advantage of the huge garden courtyard area by creating semi-private lanais or outdoor living.
6. El Terado Terrace — (Rates from $129) No other Catalina Island hotel offers new full size suites at hotel room prices. All new 400 square foot Deluxe Hotel Suites with New granite counter tops fully equipped