The Catalina Express and Flyer are now the cheapest and fastest way to get to Avalon and Two Harbors(The Isthmus) for your Catalina trip. The Catalina Express has now replaced the two historic old Catalina Steamers and Catalina Cruises Boats(1970s and 80s Cattle Boats) that used to come into the middle of the Avalon Harbor and dock at the pleasure pier.
Catalina Express has refined their boats over the years. They now use super fast catamaran and Tri-hulled jet boats to get you over to the island from L.A. Harbor, Long Beach, and Dana Point. Catalina Express passenger ships - Jet Cat Express, Catalina Jet, Starship Express, Island Express and Super Express.

Timeline of Catalina Island Passenger Ferry Boats.

Early Photos of the First Catalina Steamers - Hermosa, Cabrillo, Avalon, and the SS Catalina

One of the earliest pictures of a Steamship at Catalina

More very early steam ships visiting Catalina.

Early picture of SS Catalina at calm dock. Notice how clean she is, must be from the 20's or 30's

Early picture of old steamer coming into dock.

Early picture of old black steamer coming into dock. Notice Sugarloaf is still there.

SS Catalina Steamship at dock. Probably the late 1940s or early 50s?