Catalina Island ferry schedule

Catalina Express: two bags per person, each up to 50 lb and 23 × 23 × 37 in, go in the luggage hold, plus one carry-on at your seat. You carry your own bags down the ramp, so pack for one trip. A two-wheel dolly (two bags, 100 lb) and an empty, folded wagon are fine; four-wheel carts are not. Coolers go at your own risk with a signed waiver. No kayaks, fuel, fireworks, glass or firewood.

Catalina Flyer: two checked bags up to 50 lb each and one personal item. Strollers, wheelchairs and medical devices travel free.

Helicopter: only 25 lb per person is guaranteed, in a bag no larger than 22 × 9 × 18 in. More only if there’s room.

Catalina Express: pets can ride with a pet ticket and a signed waiver for each trip (the price isn’t published; ask when you book). Dogs need a leash and a full-face muzzle, or an airline-style carrier, from the boarding line on. One animal per passenger, kept on deck and off the seats, and not in the Commodore Lounge. Service animals are welcome; emotional support animals count as pets.

Catalina Flyer: no pets. ADA service animals ride if you declare them; emotional support animals don’t.

Helicopter: Maverick’s own answers conflict (small pets in a lap carrier, or no animals at all), so confirm with them before you book.

Catalina Express: the ports are wheelchair accessible, but the boarding ramp can be steep and some boats’ restroom doors are too narrow for every chair or scooter. A smaller wheelchair is available on request (you transfer into it before boarding): call Passenger Services at 310-519-1212 ahead of your trip.

Catalina Flyer: ADA accommodations on request: call 949-673-5245.

Helicopter: no Catalina-specific details are published; ask Maverick before booking. Medical oxygen is allowed in a DOT-approved tank or concentrator.

Catalina Express: bikes, surfboards and paddleboards are $3.50 each way and need a reservation (space isn’t guaranteed): boards up to 9 ft, bikes up to 75 in long, e-bikes only if pedal-assist with a removable battery. No kayaks, tandems or adult trikes. One folding stroller per child rides free. Golf clubs and fishing poles (in a case) are fine with a waiver. Divers can bring one extra gear bag, one tank and a weight belt.

Catalina Flyer: bikes are $20 and must be declared. No paddleboards, kayaks, skateboards or hoverboards.

Catalina Express: your ticket is the QR code in your confirmation email. Arrive an hour early, be in the boarding line 10 minutes before departure (after that your seat can go to standby, with no refund), and know that the gate closes 5 minutes before. Seats are first come, first served, inside and out. Discounted tickets may need proof of age.

Catalina Flyer: check in at the Flyer window in the Balboa Pavilion. Arrive about an hour early; boarding starts 30 minutes before and closes 5 minutes before departure.

Helicopter: check in 30 minutes early with a physical REAL ID or passport (no digital copies) for everyone 18 and over. Seats are assigned by weight; the limit is 300 lb per person.

Catalina Express: free changes or cancellations more than 48 hours out. From 24 to 48 hours, $5 per ticket each way, by phone or at the window. Inside 24 hours there are no refunds; a time change costs $5 and must be within 24 hours of your original sailing. The call center is open 6:30am–4pm. Weather cancellations carry no stated refund policy.

Catalina Flyer: no refunds, weather included, unless you bought trip protection when booking. Rescheduling is $25 per reservation, up to 12 hours before.

Helicopter: free cancellation up to 72 hours before; after that, no changes. Optional Ticket Assurance extends that to 24 hours.

Catalina Express: a full bar and light snacks; only drinks bought on board may be consumed. The boats have stabilizers. Two upgrades: the Commodore Lounge (+$20 each way from Long Beach or San Pedro) and the private Captain’s Lounge for up to six (+$60, or +$80 from Dana Point, for up to eight).

Catalina Flyer: three decks, indoor and outdoor seats, drinks and snacks for sale; no outside alcohol. The VIP lounge is $20 each way and includes priority boarding and Wi-Fi.

Prone to seasickness? Take a morning boat (the channel is usually calmest early), sit low and toward the back, and watch the horizon.