Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
Catalina Express (Dana Point)
Fast, reliable ferry service from Dana Point to Catalina Island. Your island adventure starts here!
Catalina Express in Dana Point provides fast and reliable ferry services to Avalon on Catalina Island. Enjoy comfortable passage and stunning ocean views on a convenient day trip or weekend getaway to this popular island destination.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Catalina Express
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
8 am-12 pm
Tuesday
8 am-12 pm
Wednesday
8 am-12 pm
Thursday
8 am-12 pm
Friday
8 am-2:30 pm
Saturday
8 am-12 pm
Sunday
8 am-2:30 pm
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Getting There
Driving
From I-5, exit at Pacific Coast Highway and follow signs to Dana Point Harbor. Turn left at Dana Point Harbor Drive, then left again at Golden Lantern. The Catalina Express terminal will be at the end of Golden Lantern in the Dana Point Harbor parking lot. Parking is available for $20 per day.
Ride-Sharing
Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for convenient access to the Catalina Express terminal at 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. Typical fares from nearby locations in Dana Point range from $15-25, but prices may vary. Confirm the fare before you start your trip.
Public Transport
Take the OC Bus to Dana Point Harbor. From the bus stop, walk along Golden Lantern to the Catalina Express terminal. Alternatively, during the summer, utilize the free Dana Point Trolley service, which connects to other trolleys in the region, for easy access to the harbor. The trolley is free.
Local tips
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Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, especially during peak season, to allow time for parking and check-in due to ongoing construction.
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Book your ferry tickets in advance, particularly for weekend travel, as departures from Dana Point can sell out.
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Consider upgrading to the Commodore Lounge for a more comfortable experience with priority boarding and complimentary refreshments.
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Check the Catalina Express website for the most up-to-date schedules and fares, as they are subject to change.
Discover more about Catalina Express
Catalina Express, located in Dana Point Harbor, is your gateway to Catalina Island, offering year-round ferry service to Avalon. Founded in 1981, Catalina Express has grown from a single vessel to a fleet of eight high-speed boats, transporting over a million passengers annually. The Dana Point terminal provides a convenient departure point for those in Orange County and Southern California, with daily trips to Avalon.
Enjoy a comfortable one-hour and 30-minute ride aboard modern catamarans featuring airline-style seating, viewing windows, and onboard facilities. Upgrade to the Commodore Lounge for priority boarding, enhanced seating, and complimentary snacks and beverages. As you cruise, keep an eye out for marine life, including dolphins and whales.
Dana Point Harbor itself offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. Explore the harbor before or after your trip to Catalina, making it a full day of coastal adventures.
A brief summary to Catalina Express
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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