Catalina Island Travel Guide - Things to Do, Ferry Costs & Orange County Day Trips

Catalina Island Is One of the Best Getaways From Orange County

One of the best parts about living in Orange County is how many completely different experiences are within reach—and Catalina Island may be one of the best examples.

Just 26 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina can feel much farther away than it actually is. Think clear blue water, golf carts instead of typical city traffic, snorkeling, hiking, beach clubs and the walkable waterfront town of Avalon.

And if you live in South Orange County, getting there is especially convenient because you can take the Catalina Express directly from Dana Point to Avalon.

Whether you're planning a Catalina Island day trip, a weekend getaway or researching things to do on Catalina Island, here's what you need to know about getting there, what it costs and what to do once you arrive.

How to Get to Catalina Island From Orange County

For South Orange County residents, one of the easiest options is the Catalina Express from Dana Point Harbor directly to Avalon.

The ferry ride from Dana Point to Avalon takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Catalina Express currently operates daily service from Dana Point, although departure times and frequency vary seasonally.

That's a major lifestyle perk for people living in Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding Orange County communities.

Instead of driving several hours for a weekend getaway, you can drive to Dana Point Harbor, get on a boat and be on Catalina Island about 90 minutes later.

How Much Is the Ferry From Dana Point to Catalina Island?

As of October 2026, Catalina Express lists the following round-trip Dana Point-to-Avalon fares for travel beginning October 6:

Adult: approximately $111 round trip including the island wharfage fee and tax.

Senior 55+: approximately $100.50 round trip.

Child ages 2–11: approximately $89.50 round trip.

Infants under 2: approximately $10 round trip, representing the applicable wharfage fee and tax.

Bikes and surfboards are currently an additional $7.

Fares and schedules can change, so always verify pricing for your specific travel dates before booking.

Catalina Express recommends arriving about one hour before departure for check-in.

Can You Visit Catalina Island for Just One Day?

Absolutely.

A Catalina Island day trip from Orange County is very doable, particularly if your main goal is exploring Avalon.

Once you arrive, much of Avalon can be explored on foot. You can walk the waterfront, shop, eat lunch overlooking the harbor, visit Descanso Beach and fit in an excursion before catching the ferry home.

If you have more time, staying one or two nights allows you to experience more of the island without planning your entire day around the return ferry.

Things to Do on Catalina Island

1. Explore Downtown Avalon — Free

You don't actually have to spend much money once you arrive.

Walking through Avalon is one of the best things to do on Catalina Island. Explore Crescent Avenue, walk along the waterfront, stop at the Green Pleasure Pier, browse the shops and take in views of Avalon Bay.

Cost: Free

This is particularly easy to combine with other activities during a Catalina Island day trip.

2. Spend the Afternoon at Descanso Beach Club

Walk past the famous Catalina Casino and you'll eventually reach Descanso Beach Club.

It's Avalon's beachside restaurant and bar, where you can eat and drink overlooking the water. Private cabanas and chaise lounges are also available if you want to make a full beach day out of it.

Current menu prices give you a good idea of what to budget. Burgers are around $20, tacos and other entrées are generally around $20–$26, beer starts around $8–$9 and many cocktails are approximately $16–$18.

Cost: Free to explore the area; budget roughly $25–$50+ per person for food and drinks. Cabanas and reserved loungers cost extra and vary by date.

3. Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

If you'd rather see what's underneath Catalina's famously clear water without actually getting into it, try the Glass Bottom Boat Voyage.

The boat travels through Lover's Cove Marine Preserve, allowing passengers to see fish and other marine life beneath the boat.

Cost: Pricing varies by date and departure, so check current pricing when booking.

4. Go Snorkeling

Catalina Island snorkeling is another major draw.

Lover's Cove and the waters around Descanso Beach are popular places to explore Catalina's marine environment. Equipment rentals and guided experiences are available around Avalon.

Cost: Expect roughly $20–$50+ for basic rental equipment, depending on what you rent and for how long. Guided tours cost more.

Or bring your own gear and keep the cost close to zero.

5. Kayak or Paddleboard Along the Coast

Seeing Catalina from the water gives you an entirely different perspective.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular around Avalon and Descanso Beach, and they're easy activities to add to a day trip.

Cost: Generally budget approximately $30–$60+ depending on equipment, rental duration and whether you choose a guided experience.

6. Try the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour

If you're looking for something more adventurous, Catalina's Zip Line Eco Tour travels through Descanso Canyon.

The full experience takes approximately two hours and reaches speeds of up to 35 mph, with portions of the course hundreds of feet above the canyon.

Cost: Prices vary by day and season, so check current rates when booking.

This is one of the activities I'd reserve ahead of time rather than waiting until you arrive.

7. Take a Tour Into Catalina's Interior

Avalon is only a small part of Catalina Island.

The island's interior is dramatically different from the waterfront town, with rugged mountains, open land and the possibility of seeing Catalina's famous bison.

Several land excursions depart from Avalon, including scenic and eco-focused tours.

Cost: Depending on the tour, plan on approximately $50–$100+ per person.

8. Take the Discover Avalon Tour

If it's your first time visiting Catalina Island, the Discover Avalon Tour provides an easy introduction.

The approximately 7.5-mile route travels along the beachfront and into the hills surrounding Avalon while sharing information about Catalina's history and landmarks.

Cost: Varies by travel date; check current pricing when booking.

9. Go Hiking on Catalina Island

If you want to spend less and see more of Catalina's natural landscape, go hiking.

The Catalina Island Conservancy protects much of the island, and Catalina offers everything from shorter nature walks to significantly more ambitious hikes through the island's interior.

Some Conservancy programs are even free. For example, certain scheduled botanical walks have been offered at no cost, while specialty guided excursions can range from around $25–$75.

Cost: Free for many self-guided experiences, although permits, transportation or guided activities may add costs depending on your plans.

What Does a Catalina Island Day Trip Cost?

For one adult traveling from Dana Point, a simple Catalina day trip might look something like this:

Ferry: approximately $111 round trip

Food and drinks: approximately $40–$75

One activity: approximately $30–$100+

Miscellaneous purchases: approximately $20–$50

Estimated total: approximately $200–$335 per person

You could spend less by walking Avalon, hiking, bringing your own snorkeling gear and keeping meals inexpensive.

Or you could easily turn Catalina into a luxury weekend with a hotel, cabana, cocktails, private excursions and multiple activities.

That's part of the appeal—Catalina works as both a relatively simple day trip and a full Southern California vacation.

The Orange County Lifestyle Extends Beyond the Beach

This is one of those things I think people overlook when considering a move to Orange County.

Yes, we have incredible beaches in San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. We have surfing, hiking, mountain biking and beautiful weather.

But location also matters because of everything you can reach from here.

From Dana Point, Catalina Island is about a 90-minute ferry ride away.

Big Bear puts skiing and snowboarding within driving distance.

San Diego is an easy weekend destination.

Palm Springs and Joshua Tree offer a completely different desert environment.

And Los Angeles is close enough for concerts, sporting events and entertainment.

Living in Orange County isn't simply about owning a home near the ocean. It's about having access to an enormous variety of experiences without giving up the coastal lifestyle.

Considering Moving to Orange County?

If you found this article while searching for how to get to Catalina Island, Catalina Island ferry prices, things to do on Catalina Island or planning a Catalina Island day trip, you may not have been searching for real estate.

But if being able to hop on a ferry in Dana Point and spend the day on an island sounds like your kind of lifestyle, South Orange County may be worth exploring.

I'm Rachael Ashley with Harcourts Prime Properties, and I help buyers and sellers throughout Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Newport Beach and the surrounding coastal Orange County communities.

Whether you're relocating to Orange County, looking for a coastal home, buying a second home or considering selling, I'm always happy to be a resource.