You can kayak to Catalina Island, but the open-water crossing from the Southern California mainland is an advanced undertaking. Most visitors instead take a ferry and rent a kayak or join a tour once they arrive. This guide explains the risks of the crossing, what experienced paddlers prepare, and easier ways to paddle at Catalina.
Can you kayak to Catalina?
The crossing from the mainland is roughly 22 to 27 miles depending on the starting point, across open Pacific water. Reports commonly describe it as taking many hours, often 6 to 12 or more, depending on fitness, wind, swell, and current. It is generally discouraged for casual paddlers. Attempts by experienced paddlers are usually planned well in advance, often with support boats.
Risks of the channel crossing
- Open water and swell with little shelter along the way.
- Currents and wind, which can build in the afternoon.
- Fog, which reduces visibility and makes navigation harder.
- Shipping traffic in busy commercial lanes.
- Cold water, which creates a risk of hypothermia if you capsize (read kayak capsizing and what to wear in cooler weather).
- Fatigue and time, since a long day on the water leaves little margin.
What experienced paddlers prepare
Those who attempt the crossing generally rely on a seaworthy sea kayak, strong self-rescue skills, a group, and an escort or support vessel. Common safety gear includes a VHF radio, GPS, a personal locator beacon, a bilge pump, and appropriate thermal clothing. Check the rules for shipping lanes and local regulations, and let the Coast Guard or a shore contact know your plan. This article is not a substitute for training; if you are considering the crossing, get offshore experience first and talk to local sea kayaking groups.
Easier ways to kayak at Catalina
Most people paddle at the island itself:
- Avalon. Rental shops near the ferry terminal offer sit-on-top kayaks, usually with a life vest, paddle, and basic instruction. The bay is a popular spot for easy paddling over kelp and fish. Rental options often include hourly and longer rates, so check current prices with the operator.
- Descanso Beach. Guided tours and rentals operate from this area near Avalon.
- Two Harbors. A rental and recreation center serves paddlers on the island’s narrow isthmus, with options from hourly to overnight.
Guided tours are a good fit if you are new or unfamiliar with local conditions, and kayaking for the first time explains what to expect.
Taking your own kayak on the ferry
Policies differ by operator and can change. Full-length hard-shell kayaks are generally hard to bring on passenger ferries, while folding or inflatable kayaks can often be carried aboard. Contact the ferry company before you book to confirm size limits and any fees.
Kayak camping on Catalina
Some paddlers combine a rental or a folding boat with camping on the island, including paddling between Two Harbors and Avalon along the protected side. Camping on Catalina requires reservations and permits, and rules cover things like campfires and food storage. Contact the campground operators and the Catalina Island Conservancy for current requirements.
Wildlife
Paddlers commonly see fish such as garibaldi over the kelp, along with seals and sea lions and sometimes dolphins. Sea turtle sightings around Catalina are not typical, so do not count on them. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
How long is the jet ski ride to Catalina?
It depends on your starting point, sea conditions, and speed. Regular ferries from the Long Beach and San Pedro areas typically take somewhere around an hour or a bit more. Crossing on a personal watercraft involves the same open-water hazards as kayaking, so plan carefully and check regulations.
What is the 120 rule for kayaking?
It is a rough guideline: add the air and water temperatures in Fahrenheit, and if the total is low (often cited as under 120), dress for the possibility of capsizing in cold water, for example with a wetsuit or drysuit. Southern California water can still be cold enough to matter, especially on a long crossing.
Other California kayaking
For comparison, California offers sheltered options such as La Jolla, Monterey Bay, and Tomales Bay. See the best states for kayaking for how California compares, or the places to go kayaking overview.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to kayak to Catalina? It is considered high-risk and advanced. Most visitors paddle once they arrive instead.
Do I need experience to rent a kayak in Avalon? Typically no. Sit-on-top kayaks are designed for beginners, and operators provide instruction.
Can I make it a weekend trip? Yes. Many people take a ferry for a night or two. Our weekend getaway ideas include Catalina.