I should start by mentioning that I have taken the Catalina Express boats frequently for the last 25 years or so (I dive on the Island). Things have changed. While there used to be a bar and a deli shop in the terminal, the bar disappeared, then the deli disappeared, and all we're left with now are sad vending machines and, sometimes, a food truck. Ticket changes used to be free: now they cost 5$, and I bet you the price will increase soon. Technology has also invaded the parking, and now the reservation system: make sure you bring your smart phone, or you're dead! In short, what used to be a friendly, casual operation has become more like flying. That's progress. But all this being said, the boats remain clean and efficient, the crews professional and kind, and the rides wonderful - with a bit of luck you'll spot dolphins and whales, and, even with rough seas, things won't get too shaky (if they are, the crew will hand out plastic bags for you:). Going to Catalina is a sure bet, and taking the Express is entirely part of the experience.

My husband and I used Catalina Express to get from Long Beach to Avalon just last week. And due to flight issues, we missed the first boat and got new tickets for a later boat. After arriving to the Catalina Express launch site and after describing what happened, CHRISTIAN, did a great job in helping us get a tickets and made it the whole process very easy. I hope he is recognized by his superiors.

This is the third time we. Have taken this from Long Beach to Avalon and return. I really applaudthe customer service team. They worked hard to keep us posted on the schedule during a recent storm. We were fortunate to be able to change our ticket and get on an earlier ferry because I understand there were cancelations due to the weather for the later ferries. We will always use Catalina Express. When going to Catalina Island. The Commodore lounge is worth the extra price!

The trip to Catalina was fun. When we got to the island we rented a golf cart for 2 hours and toured the mountain top. The views are breathtaking. Lots of shops and fun things to see on the island. We left at 5 in the evening and saw the most beautiful sunset ever. Catalina Island is a must see. We left out of Dana Point on the Catalina Express, nice boat.

Smooth snd easy trips to and from Catalina Island from Dana Point. Spacious and comfortable boats. Good light snacks and drinks. Attentive, friendly and kind crew. Highlight was seeing pods of hundreds of dolphins near the Island. They slowed down the boat for safety and viewing. Amazing!

A wonderful round trip from Dana Point to Avalon and back. Catalina Express has this down! Very clean boat, great staff, and a smooth ride. We even saw a whale on the way back to Dana Point. My only recommendation is to fine tune distributing luggage to passengers in Dana Point. When we got back, everyone was lined up on the boat, couldn't get off, until others picked up their luggage. Everyone was on the pier. Maybe make an announcement allowing passengers without luggage to get off first?

We took the ferry to Avalon. Booked the Commodore seats, which were totally worth it. You can get a "senior" discount if you are 55+ years old. The Ferry Mary (the signature bloody mary was worth it). The crew was nice and ferry's were on time.

Our day tripping to Avalon was fun and easy thanks to the Catalina Express. Sure you stand in line for a bit but it wasn’t excessive. Sure it’s not cheap but it’s comfortable, clean and safe. All information provided was accurate so there were no surprises. Signs for parking were clear, but parking was another $22 charge for the day fyi. Overall we had a magical day on Avalon and we’d do it again.

I took a trip to Catalina with my ladyfriend to celebrate my 55th birthday.The Catalina Express ferry was a fun and enjoyable experience.I highly recommend doing the little upgrade to Commodore class,as you get priority boarding,and you get complimentary drinks and snacks.My ladyfriend and I enjoyed a mini champagne bottle.They have regular drinks,beer,wine champagne,bloody mary.And assorted snacks like Chex Mix and mini Chips Ahoy.Very smooth ride,and you arrive in a little over an hour.You pass by The Queen Mary at the Long Beach port,and it's cool to view the island from the ship.Gives you kind of Jurassic Park vibes,it's just cool looking! It is beautiful, and most hotels,restaurants,shops,etc are all within a 5 to ten minute walk from the port.Bring luggage with wheels.I recommend The Bluewater Avalon restaurant.Fresh seafood overlooking a boating dock.Huge portions! We both had a wonderful time.Highly recommend Catalina Express!

I had no idea what to expect and it was great! We booked the Commodore Lounge and I highly recommend that ticket. We sat in an enclosed area, lots of windows to see, and you have a bar with cocktails and snacks. I felt bad for the people who sat outside, in the back. They got a little damp on the ride back. All the employees were friendly and helpful.