# A Day Trip to Catalina Island via Catalina Express Ferry Exploring the logistics and premium ferry experience for a California coastal excursion. - **Source:** [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com) - **Published:** 2026-10-31 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/964cab07-b32b-4f4c-bb29-eac49051dbda ## Planning the Coastal Journey The traveler chose a Wednesday in October for a day trip to Catalina Island, departing from Long Beach. Opting for the 9:50 a.m. ferry provided by Catalina Express, the journey takes approximately one hour. The trip was planned to coincide with a visit to Southern California to see family members. ## Upgraded Ferry Service Details The passenger secured a Commodore lounge ticket for $61 each way, which included a senior discount of $5. This premium tier offered priority boarding, access to a private lounge, and complimentary snacks like Chex Mix and cookies. The upgrade cost approximately $20 more than a standard adult ferry ticket. ## Terminal Logistics and Boarding Arriving at the Catalina Landing terminal in Downtown Long Beach one hour before departure helped mitigate unpredictable Los Angeles traffic. The terminal provided indoor seating and clean facilities for waiting passengers. Boarding for Commodore lounge guests began 25 minutes before the scheduled departure time, ensuring an organized and efficient process. ## Onboard Amenities and Comfort The Commodore lounge featured wider, padded seats and provided a quiet environment with ample space. Passengers could choose from a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee. The outdoor deck offered additional space for passengers to enjoy the sea breeze and autumn sunshine during the one-hour transit. ## Arrival in Avalon Hub Upon disembarking at Avalon, the island's main tourist hub, the traveler noted the town's high walkability. Most residents utilize golf carts rather than traditional automobiles for local transportation. The harbor area is characterized by fishing boats and pastel-colored buildings lining the mountainside, leading directly to the main shopping street, Crescent Avenue. ## Island Activities and Recreation The itinerary included a visit to the Descanso Beach Club, where beach access is free for those not renting cabanas. The traveler participated in a 90-minute guided kayaking tour organized by Descanso Beach Ocean Sports. The tour provided historical context about the island and opportunities to observe local marine life. ## Return Trip and Logistics After dining at the Descanso Beach Club, the traveler returned to the ferry terminal for the journey back to the mainland. The Commodore ticket again facilitated priority boarding for the return trip. The process remained consistent with the morning departure, allowing for a relaxed conclusion to the day trip experience. ## Value of the Experience Despite the total cost of $122 for the round-trip ferry, the traveler concluded that the premium service provided significant value. The combination of priority boarding, lounge access, and the ease of island exploration created a refreshing experience. This excursion effectively served as a short-term vacation rather than a simple commute. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.businessinsider.com/took-trip-to-island-in-california-catalina-express-ferry-review-2026-10 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._