The Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer are now the most efficient and fastest ways to get to Avalon and Two Harbors (The Isthmus) for your Catalina trip. Today's ultra-fast catamarans have entirely replaced the historic Catalina Steamers and the Catalina Cruises "cattle boats" of the 1970s and 80s, which used to sail directly into the middle of Avalon Harbor to dock at the pleasure pier.
The history of passenger ferry service to Catalina Island spans three distinct eras, each defined by different fleets, ports, and passenger capacities.
The Steamer Era (Early 1900s – 1975)
For the first half of the 20th century, the Wilmington Transportation Company operated massive steamships that departed primarily from San Pedro (L.A. Harbor). The fleet originally utilized wooden steamers like the Cabrillo, which carried around 600 passengers. As the island's popularity boomed, the fleet upgraded to massive steel-hulled ships like the S.S. Avalon and the legendary S.S. Catalina (the "Great White Steamer"). Operating a multi-ship daily schedule, these steamers took about two hours to cross the channel. The S.S. Catalina alone boasted a massive capacity of roughly 1,900 to 2,000 passengers per trip. By the time she was retired in 1975, the Great White Steamer had carried an estimated 25 million passengers.
The Catalina Cruises "Cattle Boat" Era (1970s – 1990s)
As the giant steamers became too expensive to maintain, Catalina Cruises took over the bulk of the passenger traffic in the late 1960s and 1970s. Operating out of mainland terminals in Long Beach and San Pedro, this company utilized a "Big 5" fleet of mono-hull motor boats, including the Long Beach King, Long Beach Empress, Monarch, and Countess. Often affectionately referred to as "cattle boats" due to their utilitarian seating and slow, wallowing ride, they were incredibly reliable. The largest of these vessels had a passenger capacity of up to 700 people per trip, allowing the fleet to transport thousands of visitors daily.
The Modern Catalina Express Era (1981 – Present)
In 1981, Catalina Express revolutionized island transportation. Founded by island natives who wanted a fast, commuter-style service to the mainland, the company started with just a single 60-passenger vessel called the Channel Express. Over the years, Catalina Express refined their engineering, transitioning to a fleet of up to 8 high-speed catamarans and tri-hulled jet boats. Today, they operate out of three distinct mainland ports: San Pedro (Berth 95), Long Beach (Downtown & Queen Mary), and Dana Point, servicing both Avalon and Two Harbors.
Their modern passenger ships range in size to meet seasonal demand:
- Catalina Jet: 449 passengers
- Jet Cat Express: 381 passengers
- Starship Express & Cat Express: 300 passengers
- Super Express, Avalon Express, & Islander: 149 passengers
The Catalina Flyer (Newport Beach)
For visitors traveling from Orange County, the Catalina Flyer operates out of the historic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach. Distinct from the Express fleet, the modern Flyer is a massive 600-passenger, three-deck catamaran that provides a fast 75-minute crossing directly into Avalon.
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 black steamer coming into dock. Notice Sugarloaf is still there.
SS Catalina Steamship at dock. Probably the late 1940s or early 50s?