Jet Ski to Catalina from Long Beach: Part Adventure, Part Vibe, All Epic!
- S. Martin
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Let’s be honest—life gets repetitive. Wake up, work, scroll, sleep, repeat. Even weekends start to feel like reruns. If you’ve been craving something that jolts you out of autopilot and makes you feel alive again, I’ve got just the thing:
Jet skiing to Catalina Island from Long Beach!
Not watching from the shoreline. Not taking the ferry. I’m talking about riding across the ocean on a jet ski, waves beneath you, wind in your face, and 25 miles of open water stretching toward one of the dreamiest islands in California.
This epic adventure is made possible by a company called Jetski2Catalina, and trust me- they turn a bucket-list fantasy into a fully guided, safety-supported reality. You don’t need to be a pro. You just need a sense of adventure (and maybe a little sunscreen).
In this post, I’ll walk you through what it’s like, what to bring, and why this might be exactly the kind of shake-up your soul’s been waiting for.
So What Is Jetski2Catalina?
Jetski2Catalina is a guided tour that lets you ride your rented jet ski across the Pacific Ocean all the way to Avalon on Catalina Island (and back!). The total trip is about 50 miles round trip and yes—you’re the one driving. It’s NOT a ride-along. It’s NOT for the faint of heart. And it’s NOT something you’ll soon forget!
They offer half-day tours that include a stop on the island for food, fun, and photos. You leave from Long Beach, ride out with a group (with pro guides keeping you safe), explore Avalon for a bit, and then zoom back. Simple, unforgettable, and seriously next-level.
Ready for the ultimate day trip? Check availability + pricing here on their official site.
Why It’s Unlike Any Other California Adventure
Sure, you could take a ferry. But where’s the thrill in that?
Here’s why this trip is a MUST:
You’re literally driving your own jet ski across open ocean.
You might see dolphins, flying fish, seals, and even whales!
No boat schedules. Just pure freedom.
Catalina feels even more magical when YOU earned the ride there.
It’s a flex. Like...a major one. Tell your friends. Brag. Post it everywhere.
And because you’re with a guided group, it still feels safe and supported. You get radios, instruction, and backup the entire time. But it’s still you, the throttle, and the sea.
What to Expect: The Breakdown
Here’s how the day typically goes down:
Meet in Long Beach around 6:00–7:00 AM for a short safety briefing, gear fitting (they provide wetsuits and dry bags!), and jet ski basics.
Head out as a group across the channel. You’ll ride in formation, with guides leading and trailing.
The ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on conditions. You stop halfway for fuel and chill time.
Arrive in Avalon and have about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore, grab food, hit the beach, and take photos.
Ride back, feeling like a sea warrior with better hair.
And that’s it. A full adventure squeezed into one glorious day.
Pro Tip: Want to stay the night in Avalon instead of heading back? Jetski2Catalina offers an overnight option. Click here for more info.
What to Pack (And What NOT To)
Must-Haves:
Waterproof phone pouch (shop Amazon)
Sunglasses with a strap
A swimsuit under your clothes (you WILL get wet!)
Sunscreen (reef safe + water resistant)
ID + credit card in a sealed Ziploc
Flip flops or water shoes
Optional But Smart:
GoPro or waterproof camera (check this one out)
Dramamine if you get motion sickness
Light jacket or windbreaker
Dry snacks or protein bar for energy
Leave at Home:
Expensive jewelry
Big bags
Anything that can’t handle sea spray
What to Do in Avalon (When You Get There)
You’ll have about 90–120 minutes in Avalon, so use it well! Here’s how to make that little window magical:
Grab tacos + a marg at Descanso Beach Club
Explore the little shops and grab a souvenir tee
Snap pics by the Catalina Casino (iconic backdrop!)
Dip your toes in the water or take a short shoreline walk
Or… just chill on the beach like a sun-drenched mermaid
Want to stay overnight and explore more? Check out top-rated Catalina hotels here.
Is This Trip Safe?
Totally fair question.
Yes. While it’s intense and physically demanding to jet ski from Long Beach to Catalina, Jetski2Catalina runs a super tight ship. All guides are certified, they prep you well, and they use high-end Yamaha WaveRunners. You wear a life vest the entire time and they stay in radio contact throughout.
That said: You should be relatively fit and comfortable on the water. If you have a bad back or get panicked easily, this may not be the adventure for you.
Why You’ll Never Forget It
You’ll come back feeling high on ocean energy, with salt in your hair and stories for days. It’s one of those experiences that gets you out of your comfort zone, into your body, and connected with nature in a way that’s hard to explain.
Oh, and the pics? Insta GOLD. TikTok-ready. Frame-worthy. Whatever your vibe, this is a story you’ll be telling for years!
Book Your Spot (Before It Sells Out!)
Spots fill up fast during summer and weekends. If this sounds like your kind of crazy-cool fun, don’t wait.
✉️ Subscribe to our newsletter and get:
Exclusive discount codes
Packing checklists
First dibs on new California adventure posts
Or head straight to Jetski2Catalina’s booking page and lock it in!
Final Tips Before You Go
Arrive early to check in without stress
Hydrate the day before
Eat something light but filling before you ride
Bring your most adventurous self ✨
Final Thought
Jet skiing from Long Beach to Catalina isn’t just a bucket-list thrill—it’s a reminder that life is meant to be felt. When you break routine, lean into adventure, and say yes to something bold, the ripple effect stays with you long after the salt dries off your skin.
And if ocean escapes are your thing, I’ve got more for you.
🌊 Grab our free guide to California’s 10 Most Scenic Coastal Parks—perfect for planning your next breezy getaway, solo nature walk, or soul-soothing road trip.👇[Download the Guide] and keep the adventure going. USE PROMO CODE: Coast for $10 off!
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or buy through them (at no extra cost to you). It helps me keep creating these fun travel guides — so thank you!
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