Los Angeles · CATALINA ISLAND DAY TRIPS
9 reviewed
These are the 9 catalina island day trips we rate highest, top of the list down: what it costs, how long it takes, and who it is really for. Number one is there for a reason.
Catalina Express one-way ferry from San Pedro to Avalon. Fast ride with Pacific views, mobile tickets, and a quick walk to downtown.
“Best time of my life, light traffic, easy assess to parking, clean boat, nice staff beautiful day, wish had wifi to be offered when boarding and flexible schedules. Still we had a blast thank you all. Keep on smiling!!”
Private 15-minute helicopter tour over Long Beach. See Queen Mary, USS Iowa, Vincent Thomas Bridge, and harbor views from above.
“Very exiting and good and comfortable journeys. We like it a lots. We enjoyed a lots. It was first time. We may come again a friend.”
Anaheim-to-Catalina day trip with hotel transfers, round-trip ferry, and optional Avalon, underwater, and zipline tours for a calm break from LA.
“A absolutely fabulous day out, one of the best ever day trips. The pick up from Disneys Grand Californian Hotel was spot on time, the tickets were ready at the Catalina Express Terminal , the staff were very helpful and welcoming.. The boat was very clean, boarding and disembarking was quick and efficient, the crossing to the Island was smooth and enjoyable. The scenic tour of the Island was fabulous with a very welcoming and informative driver and guide all in one, once again ticketing was simple and easy, everything on time, The Island was beautiful and scenic, lovely walks along the front, plenty of places to eat, we had…”
Anaheim hotel pickup plus a round-trip ferry to Avalon, with a guided sightseeing loop and free time at the beach and harbor.
“It was a great trip totally worth it. Just wish we had more time. Didn't get enough time to spend on the island. Want to expand the time on the island to make the trip worth it.”
Catalina Island day trip from Los Angeles with hotel pickup, ferry to Avalon, and a small-group zipline eco tour.
“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.”
A guided Seadoo jet ski day from Long Beach to Avalon, Catalina—dock-to-dock riding, wildlife sightings, and 3 hours on land.
“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!!!”
12-hour Catalina Island day trip from Anaheim with hotel pickup, ferry round-trip, and guided Avalon highlights plus free pier time.
“Great experience. The bus ride around with Laura was fantastic and really made the day. The only improvement I can suggest is better communication as we were unsure where the ride started. However for a great day away from the hustle of LA and to have a relaxing day in a pleasant place with lots of eateries this is the place.”
Fly Long Beach to Catalina by helicopter from the Queen Mary to Avalon in about 20 minutes, with big ocean views and small-group comfort.
“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.”
Catalina Island day trip from LAX with Undersea Expedition: hotel pickup, round-trip ferry, and a 45-minute below-surface marine cruise in Avalon.
“We felt the package was very confusing and a little misleading. While looking at what to expect on the tour, we thought we were getting a guided tour of Avalon along with the underwater adventure. We found out when we got there that was not included. Also, the instructions were not real clear. Ourselves and another family on the tour had no clue what to do when we got to Catalina and there was no one around from the company to help us. The shuttle to Long Beach was great and the driver was on time. The pickup shuttle from Long Beach back to hotel was a little confusing too.…”
