Catalina Island (Dana Point Express)
Dana Point → Avalon, CA
Ferry ~$80 adult round trip
By Simir Shah
Updated September 10, 2026
★★★★★4.6(584 Google reviews)
From our editor — we've been
Our default for out-of-town visitors, and it works as a day trip or overnight. The boat over is short, there are plenty of places to eat in Avalon, and the thing to do is rent a golf cart and drive the island — the views do the work. As a Chicago family we're partial to the Wrigley history: William Wrigley Jr. owned the island and the Cubs, and the team held spring training here from 1921 until 1951.
💡 Local tip: Rent a golf cart. It's how you actually see the island rather than just Avalon's few blocks.
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Arrive early and get in line if you want to choose seats; reviewers say the boat gets very busy. Plenty of parking at the Dana Point terminal, with shops and food before boarding. Boat and bathrooms are described as clean and staff mostly get praise. Dogs are allowed, and bulky medical gear was accommodated.
Hop the ferry for a car-free island of glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and golf-cart tours — a memorable big-day adventure. The Catalina Express crossing from Dana Point Harbor takes about 90 minutes and lands in Avalon, the island's Mediterranean-style harbor town just 22 miles offshore. Since regular cars are scarce on the island, getting around by golf cart, bike, or on foot is part of the experience.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Restrooms
- Food on-site
Happening near here
- Dana Point Harbor Dogapalooza (2nd Annual)Dana Point · <1 miFree
- Día de los Muertos Altar at Mission San Juan CapistranoSan Juan Capistrano · 3 mi
- San Clemente Pumpkins & Harvest Festival (Outlets at San Clemente)San Clemente · 4 mi
- Pumpkin Rescue at the Aquatics Center (Laguna Niguel)Laguna Niguel · 4 mi
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Svetlana Pottratz★★★★★
Amazing, that at Tuesday we decided to get a tour, and it was 50%off! We bought tickets online. Everything went smooth and great! We didn't see any whales, but saw plenty of dolphins. We paid $108 for three people, and spent 2.5 hours of fresh air, wind, Sun, great people around, beautiful views, and absolutely worth it! Highly recommend!
a month ago
- Surf scott★★★★★
For the most part, sitting in the cabin is hot and stuffy. There is no A/C. The windows are fixed. At least during the summer months, my advise is to arrive an hour early and stand in line as it begins to form. Walk towards the front(bow) of the boat on the lower deck (entry)and find any seat quickly. That section has 2 doors that are left open during ride and you will stay cool.
a month ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps