Catalina Express

Lots of drink on board to keep us entertained. Be sure to come early or the boat will leave with out you.

Very pleased with the boat ride.
Customer service is good and decent though not very accomodating with cancellations/​changes due to weather.
They cancelled our 4:30pm trip home because of weather. But the message I got just said it was cancelled — no advice on calling to reschedule, etc.
We showed up for the early boat ride and were on stand by and just missed getting on.
Things happen and I understand that.
We then were going to take the 2pm to Long Beach and would be required to pay for a shuttle at our own expense to drive to Dana Point.
I was pretty laid back about the whole thing, but it’s still a little strange that they were kind of unsympathetic at the ticket window. The ticket collector was sympathetic when he had to turn us away at standby but the people at the ticket window weren’t very sympathetic. Maybe it just happens all the time. I could see how someone else would get upset about it though.
Anyway…overall the trip was fine. We’re still on the island now, hopefully we’ll get back soon and they won’t penalize us for extra parking… because we’re stuck on the island.
By the way, the guy at the parking place at Dana Point is really cool!
2÷6÷2016 update
Great ride, friendly customer service, but poor commication because of the delay from weather and poor accommodations because of being delayed and rerouted.
My assessment is that the policy needs to be reassessed and procedures better defined for delays from weather. I hear delays don’t happen a lot, but every now and then.

POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE! OVER PRICED, USE MARKETING SCAM to promote something they are not! Paying $ 77 buck for a plain boat ride to a over-​marketed, not so charming island… Not worth it and won’t do it again! Their birthday promotion is NOT FOR HONORING THEIR CUSTOMERS, PURE MARKETING SCAM, they won’t even honor it on my birthday! as soon as I heard it as it was announced on the boat, I tried to redeem it with multiple attempts to no avail. The customer service is SO SUPERFICIAL. DO NOT TAKE THEIR BOAT. Catalina island is not even worth the trip given how expensive just to get over there to see nothing much. Better save your $. Any ferry rides similar length to any island or port in Europe or east coast would cost much less and you actually get some real charm and real history, not left by movie crew. Would give –1 star if I could!

Friendly staff. Our only recommendation is that the Dana Point ferryboat is the smallest ship. On the ride over to Catalina there were a few passengers getting seasick. The ferry out of Newport Beach is much larger and would be a better choice for those who are prone to getting seasick. We enjoyed the beautiful ocean ride and would recommend this company to friends.

Great customer service and amazing views!
My family was visiting from New York and I decided to take them to Catalina for an overnight trip. We drove up to Dana Point (from San Diego) and the trip ended up taking much longer than planned due to traffic. I called several times on the way to maintain open communication (and make sure it was clear that we did not plan to forfeit our tickets) up as the policy required passengers to be at the pier to board within a specific time frame. The staff was extremely friendly, responsive and helpful throughout the process and once we arrived with less than 7 minutes remaining for departure.
Next time I make this trip, I’ll allow for my travel time, but I appreciate the patience, understanding and assistance of the staff both going and coming.

I enjoyed my ride to Catalina Island using the Catalina Express. For me it was easy to get to & the staff on board was very helpful & attentive. I’m so thankful for the captain because he did a great job keeping the boat under control. On our way home we caught rain & high winds & it made the ride a lil rough but I think it could have been worse if someone else was behind the wheel. The boat inside wasn’t the nicest but your only on board for about an hour if your departing from Dana Point. The price I think is a lil much but I would use them again for our next Catalina trip.

If you are planning to head out to Catalina Island, more than likely you will depart at one of the port. For us, Dana Point was the closest.
When you get there, park at one of those 4 hours. Get out of your car and go to a staff with a curb sign that says Catalina Express. You will let them know how long you are staying because parking is $ 12 per day and it’s CASH only. Once he/​she hands you a piece of paper. You should have at least one person take your car to their back, back, back lot. It’s quite a distance so make you get there early.
Meanwhile, have another person (whoever the reservation is under) head over the ticket counter and pay for the tickets. After you received your tickets, line up so you can get the best seats of your choice.
We sat up and outside. If you don’t mind the wind and being cold to freezing (depending what time your ship leaves) bring jackets, gloves, beanie, sunglasses, sun blocks, blankets if you needed to. But if you don’t want to sit outside and prefer to be in door, then you probably won’t need to carry all that much gear.
One last thing, if you purchase anything on the boat. It’s CASH only.

Definitely the boat to take to the island. Much better than the ones from Newport. Clean, comfortable, and the staff are very nice. My only complaint would be that the parking in Dana Point is a long way from the dock but I suppose the exersize doesn’t hurt.

Any boat ride that doesn’t put me in the water is a good one. Chalk one up for Catalina Express!
The service staff was very helpful and friendly, and the boat we were on did the job without drama. It left on time, the trip took the estimated time, and it arrived on time. This counts for both directions. I must admit, it felt odd to embark upon a trip without being felt up, patted down, X-​rayed or glared at.
This was my first trip to Catalina by boat, but I’ve flown there before.
There were drinks, snacks and souvenirs for sale on the boat, none of which interested anyone in our party of four. I just enjoyed the view from the upper deck on the way over, and absorbed the sun, wind and spray. Returning to the mainland it was a bit coolish and foggy, so. .. I watched the first half of the Monday Night Football game on the tiny TV in the cabin. No, they don’t have cable.
While I was watching football, my wife spotted dolphins cavorting about a quarter mile abeam the boat. That created a stir for a while. No unicorns were sighted on Catalina Island, I hasten to add, although our tour bus had a close call with a deer.
There were three restrooms available aboard the boat, to the welcome relief of several landlubbers.
Incidentally, parking for the day trip was about half a mile away from the boat launch pier, certainly an invigorating walk, but how do disabled folks manage? Nearby parking was adequately signed for Tow-​Away, and the curbs were painted green. The signs allowed for up to 4 hours parking, not nearly enough for a day trip to Catalina. Perhaps the blue disabled zones did not have the same time constraint. Jeez, I hope so !
We all agreed, we’d go this way again, using this company.

What more do you want? The boat got me and my wife to the island and back. Get there about 30 minutes early to check in then hang around the docks until the staff allows you to board.
There was plenty of room for bags and guest. The overall trip was about an hour and 30 mintues. We sat outside and enjoyed the views and sun. Saw a bunch of sea life on the way which included dolphins. I am a simple guy who enjoyed the simple boat ride.

Friendly staff, quick boarding and off boarding process, nothing to it. The boat is a little run down, but that was okay. It was not overly crowded lots of areas to sit. The bar was decently priced, $ 12 for a beer and a glass of champagne. The boat got us to the island and back what more could I ask for!

I loved the Catalina express, the ride to Catalina island was wonderful. I know from Dana Point to the island was about 1 hour and 30 minutes but it did not feel like it at all. Riding on the outside of the boat with your hair whipping in the wind, the sound of the splashing ocean and the beautiful blue view is so much better than staying inside the whole time. My only wish is that the individual seats had a little more space, I felt like the seating was tight. I do love that there is plenty of leg room and room for lots of bags on the floor. Next time around I think I’ll take the boat from Long Beach just to get that experience.

This was my first ferry ride to Catalina and besides the high price point for the tickets it was an enjoyable ferry ride to Catalina. There was plenty of seating and one of the staff members let us out into the front of the boat so we could take photos of the several families of Dolphins that surrounded the boat.

The boat got me to Catalina and back safely. I was a little woozy at first but as we headed off I saw a pod of dolphins and I calmed down. The boat in the middle of the ocean with no land or other boats around is an oxymoron. Peaceful & scary at the same time. The captain did a great job. Comfortable seating, clean boat, professional staff, well seasoned Captain and a very safe ride. Highly recommend. It was a very pleasant overall ride. My free round trip boat ride to a little island sets the bar high. Thank you Catalina Express

The crew was great — super friendly, especially the handsome blonde who showed us how to use the life vests but who’s name I (very unfortunately) did not catch. He was the highlight of the boat ride, hands down. Very funny guy.
My family and I had a great time. We made a day trip of it last Saturday. It is nice that they provide a great selection of refreshments, both alcoholic and non-​alcoholic, as well as some snacks. The ride there and back was smooth and utterly beautiful.
I might have to book another trip very soon, if only to get that guy’s name…

Our extended family of 9 decided to go to Catalina for Thanksgiving weekend. On the way over we were in the Captain’s Lounge-​a private room upstairs. The room came with priority boarding and 4 drinks. The Captain even let my 4 year old nephew steer the boat for a while. The crew were wonderful! It ‘s a great way to ride over and I highly recommend it.
On the way back, the Lounge was already booked, so we were downstairs, which was fine (but not nearly as nice).
All in all, I have no complaints at all and enjoyed our experience.

Dana point uses smaller boat vs Newport beach, so if you easily get sea sick i suggest to take dramamine cause it gets pretty choppy. The ride is pretty quick, only about an hour and 10 minutes. If you google around you can find discount coupons for the round trip tickets. There is a convenient large long term parking next to the harbor, which is $ 12/​d. If you get captain’s lounge upgrade, there is priority seating, a separate room with a table. It seats up to 6 people and there are 4 complimentary drinks included. Not a bad deal i say!

This may be the only way to get to Catalina. Do they have a monopoly? I don’t know. The entire process is pretty easy. You can make reservations by phone or online and pick up your tickets at the counter when you get there. Then you just board the boat and sit back and relax. The boat is nice and spacious with large windows so you can take in the view for a very scenic voyage over to Catalina. Their parking lot in Dana Point is $ 12 a day.

Oh Catalina you make me so happy!
Can’t wait to go back.
Free trip on your birthday too which is a double bonus and it really does save you a good chunk of change.

As someone said in a previous review «They suggest you arrive 1 hour before departure and you should listen if its your first time. You first need to check in and buy parking if you need it and then go park, and then make your way back to the boat.» It was actually difficult for me finding where to even check in never being in the area before but seeing people gathering with suitcases was a good giveaway.
The crew is fabulous and if you spend the extra money for the lounge seats you get a private cabin just outside the captain’s door with personalized service. There seems to be a max seating of 8 for the cabin but we were the only three there going and returning. The trip itself is not long enough to be a bother at 80 minutes or so but if you want to splurge the experience actually seems worth the price.
The crew is great and overall it is a smooth experience wether you are going to visit Catalina for the day or an extended period of time.