Frequently Asked Questions

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Guest Cancellations: You may cancel your reservation up to 7 days prior to your scheduled departure for a full refund.
• Late Cancellations: Cancellations made within 7 days of departure are non-refundable and ineligible for rescheduling. Because we coordinate vessels, crew, and permits well in advance, we are unable to make exceptions for last-minute changes.
• Weather & Safety: If SoCal Ocean Adventures must cancel the trip due to unsafe ocean conditions or mechanical issues, you will receive the option to reschedule or a 100% refund.

Trips depart from the Municipal Dock next to the Los Angeles Maritime museum San Pedro, California. Exact departure details and arrival instructions will be sent after booking.  

Trip Duration & LogisticsOur Catalina adventure is a full-day experience, encompassing the channel crossing, wildlife viewing, and optional swim or snorkel activities.

• Departure: 8:00 AM (Sharp)
• Arrival in Avalon: Approximately 11:00 AM
• Island Exploration: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Return to San Pedro: Approximately 4:30 PM

What’s Included: Your booking provides a full-service experience on the water, including:

• Transportation: Round-trip boat passage between San Pedro and Catalina.
• Onboard Amenities: Access to Starlink Wi-Fi, hot showers, and a restroom.
• Refreshments: A drinking water refill station and a selection of snacks.
• Support: A professional captain and crew to assist throughout the journey.
• Activities: Guided wildlife watching and swim/snorkel opportunities (conditions permitting).

*Gratuity for crew is not included in ticket price

Short answer — you’re not just paying for transportation, you’re getting an entire ocean experience.

The typical ferry to Catalina (like Catalina Express) runs about $90-120 round-trip(time of year), and that’s before you deal with parking fees, crowds, fixed schedules, and zero flexibility.

With us, you’re getting way more value for your money:

🚤 A real ocean adventure, not just a ride – dolphin and whale sightings, open ocean cruising, and a high-energy crossing

🌊 Optional mid-channel swim (conditions permitting) — something the ferry will never offer

🏝️ Flexible, fun experience – we’re not rushing you on/off like a transport service

🎶 Music, vibe, and atmosphere – this is part of your day, not just a commute

📸 Free photos & videos – capture the day without extra cost. taken by our crew

🛥️ Smaller group, more personal – no packed ferry crowds

🚿 Comfort onboard – WIFI, hot showers, lounge space, and a crew focused on your experience

And when you factor it all in:

👉 Ferry = ~$120 + parking + zero fun

👉 Us = A full-day adventure for just a little more $$. You’re already spending the money to get there

why not make the journey the best part of the trip?

No. Our trips are designed for everyday guests looking for a fun and memorable ocean adventure. Bring the whole family.  

 Some activities may require comfort in the water. Like the Cave swim. We recommend you do not do the Cave swim unless you are a very strong swimmer.  

Yes! We offer several opportunities to get in the water and experience the Pacific firsthand. Depending on the itinerary and ocean conditions, activities may include:

• Mid-Channel Open Ocean Swim: An exhilarating plunge in the deep waters between the mainland and the island.
• Cave Swims: A unique exploration of coastal caves (exclusive to our Two Harbors trips).
• Snorkeling: Opportunities to explore vibrant marine life in clear-water areas.

Safety & Participation:
All water activities are strictly optional and are only conducted when weather and sea conditions are safe and favorable. Whether you choose to dive in or enjoy the view from the deck, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the day.. 

Depending on the day's conditions and itinerary, select trips may include opportunities to snorkel and explore pristine coastal waters. We provide masks and snorkels for all guests on board, so you don't need to bring your own unless you prefer to use your own.

Our itineraries vary by day to offer a range of Catalina-focused experiences. Destinations are scheduled as follows:

• Avalon: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Two Harbors: Tuesday and Thursday

Note: Please confirm the destination on your specific date by checking the booking calendar prior to checkout.

Most trips offer approximately 4 hours of free time on the island to enjoy dining, shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing.

While we aim for maximum island time, we guarantee a minimum of 3 hours. The exact duration depends on our arrival time and the afternoon weather forecast. Because we operate a larger vessel, we are able to provide a more stable and comfortable crossing than smaller boats, even when conditions vary.

Recommended Items to Bring:

To ensure you are comfortable throughout your adventure, we recommend packing the following items in a light backpack or dry bag:

• Beach Gear: Swimsuit and a towel.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Clothing: A warm layer or jacket (it can be breezy on the water), comfortable shoes or sandals, and a change of clothes for after your swim.
• Electronics: A phone charger or portable power bank.
• Personal Essentials: Any required medications and a payment method (card or digital pay) for Avalon, as most island businesses are cashless.

A Note on Gear

• Provided: We provide all necessary life jackets for your safety.
• Wetsuits: We do not have wetsuits available for all guests. If you prefer to wear one for your swim or snorkel, we recommend renting one from your local dive or surf shop prior to departure.

Recommended local dive shop:

Pacific Wilderness Dive Shop
1719 S Pacific Ave
San Pedro, CA 90731

Optional but Recommended Items

For a more personalized experience, you may also want to bring:

• Personal Snorkel Gear: While we provide equipment, you are welcome to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you prefer your own fit.
• Cameras: A GoPro or waterproof camera to capture your underwater and island highlights.
• Motion Sickness Medication: If you are prone to seasickness—or are unsure how you’ll feel—we recommend taking motion sickness medication (such as Dramamine) prior to boarding.
• Swim Readiness: If you plan to participate in the water activities, please arrive with your swimwear on or easily accessible so you are ready when we reach our swim stops.

Food & DrinksYou are welcome to bring light snacks and personal beverages on board. To ensure a clean and comfortable environment for everyone, please keep the following in mind:

• Pack Light: We recommend avoiding messy or bulky food items. The crossing can occasionally be bumpy, and we want to ensure snacks stay off the deck.
• Cooler Space: We provide one large, shared cooler stocked with ice for guest use.
• Prohibited Items: For safety and space reasons, no glass bottles and no personal bulky coolers are permitted on board.

We’re all about an unforgettable day on the water—think good vibes, great people, and amazing memories. To keep the adventure smooth for everyone, safety is our #1 priority, with fun a very close second!

Alcohol & Hydration

• Onboard Policy: We do not serve or permit the consumption of alcohol while on the boat.
• Island Time: You are welcome to bring beer, seltzers, or other canned beverages to enjoy responsibly once we are on the island.
• Stay Hydrated: The sun and salt air can take it out of you! We strongly encourage everyone to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Plan Ahead: For your safety and the safety of others, we do not recommend drinking if you are the designated driver for the trip home. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Safety Essentials

• 🚫 No Glass: For the safety of our guests and crew, glass containers of any kind are strictly prohibited on the boat.
• 🚫 No Personal Coolers: To keep the deck clear and safe, please leave bulky personal coolers at home. (Remember, we provide a shared cooler with ice!)
• Crew Authority: While we don’t check bags, our crew reserves the right to remove any items that are unsafe or not permitted.
• The Bottom Line: Know your limits and help us keep this experience safe and enjoyable for the whole group. If any behavior or item compromises safety, we will handle it accordingly to protect the experience

Our adventures are perfect for families, couples, and groups looking to experience the best of Catalina. While our trips are designed for all types of travelers, please keep the following in mind:

• Age Requirement: Guests must be 10 years of age or older to join.
• Activity Suitability: Some activities—such as the open-ocean plunge or cave snorkeling—are best suited for confident swimmers or older children.
• Safety First: Our crew is always on hand to help gauge which activities are right for your group based on the day’s conditions.

One of the highlights of our journey is the opportunity to see marine life in their natural habitat. We frequently encounter dolphins and sea lions, and, depending on the season, whale sightings are possible.

Please keep in mind that while we do our best to find these incredible animals, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. These are wild animals in the open ocean, and we respect the natural flow of the environment on every trip.

Our safety is our absolute priority. Because we operate on the open ocean, all trips are subject to favorable sea and weather conditions.

• Proactive Monitoring: We closely monitor weather forecasts and will typically make a final call regarding cancellations 24 to 48 hours before departure.
• Trip Adjustments: If conditions are unsuitable for our planned route, we may adjust the itinerary, reschedule the trip, or cancel the departure entirely to ensure no one is placed in unsafe conditions.
• Notification: In the event of a weather-related change, we will contact you immediately via the email or phone number provided at booking.

We offer fully customizable private charters, perfect for families, friends, and organizations seeking a tailored adventure on the water. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or hosting a professional getaway, we provide the ultimate backdrop for:

• Social Celebrations: Birthday parties, graduations, and bachelor/bachelorette groups.
• Corporate & Professional: Work outings, team-building trips, and corporate events.
• Educational & Community: School trips, clubs, and organized groups.

Charter Details:

• Custom Itineraries: We can design the day to focus on your specific interests—whether it’s more island time, extra snorkeling, or a specific coastal route.
• Age Requirement: For the safety of all guests, the minimum age for private charters remains 10 years old.

We offer two distinct excursion options: Avalon or Two Harbors. Once you have selected your preferred destination, you can secure your reservation through the following methods:

• Online: Book directly through our website’s secure reservation system.
• Phone: Call us to speak with a team member and book your trip manually.

Payment Terms:
A deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your date. The remaining balance must be paid in full prior to departure.