Most visitors reach Catalina by ferry. Catalina Express runs high speed catamarans from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point to Avalon and Two Harbors, typically in about 60 km of travel time. The Catalina Flyer connects Newport Beach to Avalon seasonally. Private boats can moor in Avalon, Descanso, and Two Harbors, while helicopters and small planes serve the island airport. From Los Angeles area airports, plan 30-60 minutes by car or rideshare to reach ferry terminals, depending on traffic.

Small mountain top general aviation airport serving private and charter flights, located near the center of Catalina Island at about 480 m elevation. There is no scheduled commercial airline service, but pilots and flightseeing operators use it as a scenic gateway.

Southern California’s largest international hub, with nonstop flights from most major US cities and many international gateways. It is a common entry point for visitors heading to Catalina via Long Beach or San Pedro ferry terminals.

Smaller, easy to navigate airport closest to the Long Beach ferry terminal, often preferred by domestic travelers connecting straight to Catalina.

Avalon is almost entirely walkable, with golf cart rentals, taxis, and shuttle vans handling longer distances or steep hills. Two Harbors is even smaller, with most places reachable on foot from the pier. Private cars are heavily restricted across the island; interior access is usually via guided tours, the Wildlands Express shuttle, or by hiking and biking with appropriate permits. Water taxis and shore boats move people between moored boats and shore in both harbors.

Catalina Island is part of California and the United States, so there are no separate immigration procedures for the island itself. US citizens traveling from the mainland need only standard government issued ID for flights or ferries. International visitors must meet US visa or ESTA requirements as usual. There are no routine health checks beyond current federal and state regulations, but travel insurance is strongly recommended.

For dive trips, consider bringing your own regulator, computer, exposure suit, and mask, while renting tanks and weights locally from Catalina based shops near the Green Pleasure Pier and Casino Point. Many charters provide tanks and weights by default. Use rolling duffels or rugged totes for ferry transfers; luggage carts and porters can help, but you may still need to haul gear a few hundred meters to lodging. Rinse tanks are available at Casino Point and on most dive boats. If you are camping or backpacking, remember that fuel and some gear may have restrictions on ferries, so check operator rules before travel.

Catalina uses US dollars like the rest of California. Most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept major credit cards, while small cafes, tipping, and some camp related services may be easier with cash.

ATMs are available in Avalon near the waterfront and at a few other locations, but they can run low on busy weekends. Two Harbors has more limited cash access, so bring what you need before heading to the isthmus.

Electrical outlets match the US mainland. Most modern electronics and chargers are dual voltage, but visitors from outside North America may need plug adapters. Power is generally reliable in Avalon and Two Harbors, though remote camps rely on more limited infrastructure.

Communications

Major US cell carriers provide coverage in Avalon and Two Harbors, though service can be patchy in interior canyons and some backside coves. Expect slower data and occasional dead zones away from town. Most hotels and many cafes offer Wi-Fi, and eSIMs work as they do elsewhere in the United States. Do not rely on mobile coverage for safety when hiking or boating in remote areas; carry offline maps and let someone know your plans.

Language

English is the primary language on Catalina, with Spanish also widely spoken among local workers and visitors. Service staff in tourist areas are used to international guests, and you will find English signage on ferries, in town, and on most trail markers.

Insurance

Because Catalina is offshore and evacuations can require helicopters or boats, robust travel and health insurance is wise even for domestic travelers. Divers should strongly consider dedicated dive accident insurance from a provider like Divers Alert Network in addition to standard health coverage, to help cover chamber treatments and evacuations that regular plans may not fully reimburse. Always carry your insurance details and DAN membership number, if applicable.

Packing list

Island logistics and cold water conditions reward thoughtful packing. For divers and freedivers, bring a thick wetsuit or drysuit, hood, gloves, booties, and personal gear that fits well. Pack layers for topside, including a light puffy or fleece and windbreaker for cool evenings, plus sun hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen. Use soft duffels instead of hard luggage to make ferry transfers easier, and consider a small collapsible wagon for heavy gear. If you plan to hike or backpack, include broken in trail shoes, trekking poles for steep sections, and a water capacity that suits hot, exposed hills.

Catalina Island

Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

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Logistics

Quick Facts

Getting There

Airports

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Gear Logistics Checklist

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Electricity