A mainland visitor recently embarked on a day trip to Catalina Island from Long Beach, utilizing Catalina Express ferry service to Avalon, and reported a positive experience with both the journey and island exploration, as Business Insider reported. The trip, taken on a Wednesday in October, highlighted the ease of access to the island, which is located approximately 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast.
The visitor booked a round-trip ticket for $122, securing a senior discount for $5 off the total fare. The $61 each-way ticket included an upgrade to the Commodore lounge, offering priority boarding, access to a dedicated seating area, a complimentary drink, and a snack. This upgrade was noted as a solid value, being only about $20 more than a standard adult ticket. The 9:50 a.m. departure from Long Beach was chosen, described as a convenient mid-morning time.
Arriving an hour early at the Long Beach terminal, the traveler found ample indoor seating and clean restrooms, passing the time by reading. About 25 minutes before departure, Commodore lounge passengers were called for priority boarding, a process described as easy and organized. Inside the Commodore lounge, individual packets of Chex Mix and chocolate-chip cookies were available. The traveler selected a padded window seat, noting the wider and comfortable seating compared to standard class. A crew member then offered a drink menu, with options like coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks included. The traveler chose coffee, with a selection of milks and half-and-half available.
During the one-hour journey, the visitor spent about 20 minutes on the spacious outdoor deck, enjoying the sea breeze and autumn sunshine. The trip was smooth, concluding with arrival on Catalina Island. Upon disembarking, the harbor's fishing boats and the pastel-colored buildings lining the mountainside were observed. The traveler then followed other passengers toward Avalon's main shopping street, Crescent Avenue, noting souvenir shops and Lloyd's of Avalon candy store. Avalon's walkability was quickly apparent, with most residents reportedly using golf carts for transport rather than cars.
The day continued with a stroll along the seaside promenade under palm trees to the Descanso Beach Club. Here, the visitor laid a towel on the sand without charge, though daybed or cabana rentals were also available. At a kiosk for Descanso Beach Ocean Sports, an interest in kayaking led to joining a 90-minute guided tour. Paired with another solo traveler in a double kayak, the participant learned tidbits of island history from the guide and observed dozens of colorful fish in the clear water.
Following the kayaking tour, the traveler ate at the Descanso Beach Club before making the way back to the ferry for the return trip. The Commodore lounge ticket again allowed for priority boarding, providing a final opportunity to take in views of Catalina Island. The overall experience was described as relaxing and refreshing, akin to a real vacation rather than just a day trip. Despite the $61 each-way ferry cost not being inexpensive, the visitor found it to be worthwhile, expressing anticipation for a future return to the island.
