Jet Ski to Catalina Island

Jetski2Catalina Adventure

I have done the Jetski2Catalina trip more than fifty times over the last decade, and I can say with complete confidence, it never gets old. Whenever I have guests visiting, or Reject Average members looking for something unforgettable to do, this is the first experience I plan. It is my favorite adventure to share, and for good reason, there is nothing else like it anywhere in the world.

The Journey Begins

The adventure begins early in the morning from the docks in Long Beach, California. After a quick safety briefing, you throttle up and set off across twenty-seven miles of open ocean toward Catalina Island. Within minutes, you are surrounded by dolphins. They love the jet skis, darting and leaping beside you, sometimes hundreds or even thousands at a time. It feels like you are riding through a live nature documentary. Sea lions bob in the waves, pelicans glide past, and every once in a while, a whale surfaces in the distance.

Winter: The Hidden Gem

Jetski2Catalina runs year-round, but the winter months are the hidden gem. The ocean is calmer, the air is crisp, and the sky stays clear and sunny; it is California’s best-kept secret. The colder season actually brings out even larger dolphin pods, making winter rides the most spectacular.

Destinations: Avalon and Two Harbors

Once you reach the island, you have two destinations to choose from: Avalon or Two Harbors. Avalon is a postcard-perfect beach town with cafes, golf carts, and a lively marina vibe. Two Harbors offers a quieter, rustic escape where you can swim through the glowing Blue Cavern sea cave, a surreal experience that feels like a scene from another planet.

Safety and Experience

People often ask if it is safe to cross the open ocean on a jetski. The answer is absolutely. The guides are professionals, the equipment is world-class, and after more than a decade and thousands of riders, there has never been a single shark encounter.

A California Classic

Today, Jetski2Catalina is the second largest provider of visitors to Catalina Island, behind only the Catalina Express ferry. It has become a California classic, and for those who want more than just sightseeing, it is a genuine adventure. This one checks every box: incredible wildlife, ocean freedom, and a true sense of accomplishment when you pull back into the dock at the end of the day. For me, it is a Reject Average staple and easily one of the top-rated experiences on the planet.

Fact Box

This section provides quick and essential information on the topic at hand.

Departure: Long Beach, California

Distance: 27 miles each way across the Pacific Ocean

Destinations: Avalon or Two Harbors (with optional Blue Cavern swim)

Wildlife: Dolphins, sea lions, and whales spotted regularly

Season: Year-round operation, with winter offering the best water and most dolphins.

Fact: Second largest provider of visitors to Catalina Island