Catalina Flyer
The Catalina Flyer departs once a day from Newport Beach, arriving in Avalon in just over an hour.
Duration: 15 minutes
Location: San Pedro to Avalon
Available with advanced reservations on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.
There is no minimum or maximum weight per person. See below for specific details.
Check in time is 30 minutes prior to flight time.
Children over 2 are charged the adult rate. Children under 2 years old ride on their parents lap and there is no charge.
This Catalina Island tour is available for most guests. Please see restrictions below.
Two-person minimum
Travel to Catalina Island in just 15 minutes aboard one of Island Express’s fleet of helicopters. A helicopter flight to Catalina Island starts your vacation off on a high note, with professional pilots, a convenient schedule and a dedication to safety. During your flight, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the California coastline, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Watch for whales and dolphins as you cross the channel in just minutes.
Island Express has been delivering exclusive tours of Southern California and Catalina since 1982. Our fleet of four top-of-the-line turbine helicopters fly out of our oceanfront heliport located at Berth 95 in San Pedro at the base of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Additional departures are available from Long Beach, Burbank and Orange County. Our highly experienced pilots offer a safe, fun, informative tour narrating highlights as you view the breathtaking vistas of Catalina Island and along the Southern California coastline.
Children and Infants: We welcome children on all our flights. However, we do not have a child rate. The FAA requires all children who have reached their second birthday to have their own seat– -this is for safety and is beyond our control. Infants who have not reached their 2nd birthday may travel on a parent’s lap.
What to bring and wear:
Baggage: The baggage allowance is 25 lbs. per person. The baggage compartments on our aircraft are small, therefore please use soft sided bags and let us know in advance if you have any large or odd shaped baggage. We cannot guarantee accommodating coolers.
Weight Limits: We are required to complete weight and balance calculations for the aircraft. Therefore we do have guest weight and size limits which vary depending upon which aircraft we are using and how many guests are on each flight. Please be as accurate as possible when giving guest weights to our staff. Guests will be weighed at check-in and we may refuse service if there is a large discrepancy between guest’s given weights. Guest weight is kept in confidence.
Restrictions: Please note there is a two person minimum to run a flight to Catalina Island from San Pedro. For your safety, you should be in good health & free from high blood pressure, heart, neck or back problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. For safety reasons, the FAA requires that we refuse service to any guest for being under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs. Force Majeure: We are not responsible for adverse elements beyond our control, i.e.: weather or mechanical breakdown.
REFUNDS & EXCHANGES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. CLICK HERE TO READ OUR CANCELLATION POLICY.
Island Express offers two size helicopters, one that accommodates six passengers and one that accommodates nine passengers. Passengers will be seated according to weight distribution; passengers traveling together may not be able to sit together.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page to submit your own
- Adele M Newport Beach, California TripAdvisor"Nicest staff on both departure and return! Definitely recommend!!! What a great experience! The view on the way is just beautiful! It is exactly what you would expect!"
The Catalina Flyer departs once a day from Newport Beach, arriving in Avalon in just over an hour.
A fun, 15-minute flight is all that stands between you and an escape to an island far removed from your hectic world.
View Avalon at your own speed with your very own Golf Cart!
Cruise through the scenic streets of Avalon on your own electric bike!
Sign-up now for our newsletter to stay up to date on Catalina Events and to help plan your island itinerary.
Join now!
