If you live in Southern California, like LA or OC, one of the places worth visiting for a weekend getaway is Catalina Island.

The fact that you can travel to an island across the sea without a plane from the LA area is quite attractive, and the most commonly used departure point is Long Beach. The round trip high-speed ferry from Long Beach to Catalina Island has a well-organized system, so first-time visitors won't get lost easily.

The main operator is Catalina Express, which has several boats departing multiple times a day from the terminal located in downtown Long Beach. The travel time is about 1 hour one way, so if you leave in the morning, you can arrive on the island by midday, and if you take the evening ferry, a day trip is definitely possible.

The headquarters and main terminal of Catalina Express are in Long Beach, and the company was started in 1981 by three residents who lived on Catalina. It began with just one boat, but now it has become a fairly large ferry company operating several vessels, including high-speed catamarans. Each boat can carry over 400 passengers, and with nearly a million passengers using the service each year, you can get a sense of its scale.

Before this company was established, large steamships operated by William Wrigley Jr. traveled to the island, but they were all retired in the 1960s, creating a gap for a while. Catalina Express emerged during that time, establishing the structure we know today of 'getting to the island in about an hour.' The typical departure points are Long Beach Golden Shore Dock, San Pedro Dock 95 near the LA port, and Dana Point in southern Orange County.

From here, you can enter Avalon, the center of Catalina Island, or the quieter Two Harbors that have a resort feel. The high-speed catamaran is fast, and the boat is surprisingly stable, so as long as the waves aren't too rough, you don't have to worry much about seasickness. Inside, there are seats like on an airplane, and there is a small shop selling simple snacks and drinks, so the travel time isn't boring.

The ferry is a high-speed catamaran type, so it doesn't move slowly like a typical passenger ship, and on calm days, it doesn't shake much either. The round trip fare varies depending on the season and day of the week, but generally ranges from $80 to $90, and during peak weekends or summer, it's hard to get tickets for your desired time without a reservation.

In the summer, family travelers and tourists flock, so booking a few days in advance is almost essential. The Long Beach terminal is fairly accessible, so you can drive there, and there are paid parking lots nearby.

Check-in usually needs to be completed 30 minutes before departure, and after identity verification and a simple security procedure, you wait in the boarding area. On the boat, there is a small shop selling snacks and drinks, and the seats are assigned like on an airplane, so you won't have to stress about finding a seat.

As you sail across the sea, at some point, you will start to see Avalon Harbor on the horizon, and just that view makes the ferry fare worth it.

When you arrive at Catalina Island, the atmosphere changes significantly, with golf carts being the main mode of transportation, and there are various options from activities like snorkeling and kayaking to simply walking around the harbor.

The reviews for this company are generally similar. It is considered the fastest and most practical way to get to Catalina.

Not only tourists but also local residents, weekend visitors, and scuba divers make up a diverse user base. The prices are relatively affordable, and the ferry runs frequently, making it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Therefore, it wouldn't be wrong to say that Catalina Express is not just a ferry company but one of the essential infrastructures supporting tourism on Catalina Island.

Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, the round trip high-speed ferry from Long Beach is convenient for planning your schedule and makes the journey feel like part of the adventure, making it a route worth experiencing at least once if you live near LA and haven't been yet.