Skip to content
Catalina Island (Dana Point Express)
Photo via Wikimedia (Dana Point, California)
LuxuryDay Trips

Catalina Island (Dana Point Express)

Dana Point → Avalon, CA

★★★★★4.6(580 Google reviews)

Hop the ferry for a car-free island of glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and golf-cart tours — a memorable big-day adventure.

Good for

  • Ages 10+
  • Restrooms
  • Food on-site

Happening near here

Everything on this weekend →

34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA

(800) 897-7153

Closed nowToday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.

Ferry ~$80 adult round trip

islandferrysnorkelingadventure

Map

What visitors say

  • Jamie Schlosser★★★★

    If you’re going to Catalina you have a couple options. Either one of the passenger fairies or helicopter. Catalina Express out of Dana Point was a great option, we had special luggage needs for medical equipment and they worked with us to ensure smooth transport. I would only say, heed the warnings to arrive early and get in line if you want to pick your seat. It can get very busy. Enjoy your trip.

    a month ago

  • The LAND of Beer★★★★★

    From ticketing to check-in, everything was pretty simple. This location has plenty of parking, plus there are several shops and food at the port. Staff was friendly and very attentive to any needs while on the ferry.

    2 months ago

  • Jason Williams★★★★

    ​⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Flawless Trip, Top-Tier Service, and the Ultimate Gateway to Catalina! ​We had an absolutely fantastic experience taking the Catalina Express from Dana Point! If you’re looking for a smooth, stress-free, and scenic route over to Catalina Island, this is hands-down the way to go. ​From arrival and check-in to boarding, the entire operation ran like clockwork. The staff and crew were welcoming, professional, and took great care of everyone on board. The ferry itself was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, making the crossing completely effortless. Crossing over from the Dana Point harbor made for a beautiful start and finish to our trip. ​Whether you’re planning a family day trip, a weekend getaway, or heading over for a diving adventure, Catalina Express makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. They’ve earned my full trust, and this will definitely be our go-to launch point for every Catalina trip moving forward. ​Highly recommended! We can't wait for our next trip across the water!

    2 weeks ago

  • Customer Service is Quality & Family is Priority★★★★

    Great customer service And the boat was very clean and bathrooms I highly recommend it To travel to Catalina

    4 months ago

  • Joshuah★★★★

    I'd like to express warm wishes and kind thoughts to the people at Cat Express. You made it possible for my four dogs and I, with my precious and visiting mother to blast off to Avalon, traversing a tremendous amount of water distance and a fair pace of speed. One man wasn't very kind or pleasant to me or my dogs. He deserves to be reprimanded and re-trained, but I'll never report him, because I know his family depends on him. Also, throwing him overboard would be too harsh, - just teach him to put on a smile.

    2 months ago

Reviews from Google · See more on Google Maps

Nearby places

📬 Free weekly email

Love finding spots like this?

Get our best family things to do near you in one weekly email — free outings, weekend picks and local tips. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.