facebook

Catalina Express offers the best film and media locations. : Catalina Express

Press Room

The Catalina Express

Relax, Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride

company story

Celebrating 41 Years of Service

This year Catalina Express celebrates its 41st year of service to Catalina Island. Starting with only one boat and one phone, Catalina Express has emerged as the leader of marine transportation to Catalina Island. Each year, more than one million passengers set sail on board the Catalina Express fleet.

"It’s amazing to see how much the business has grown and changed over the past 41 years. I believe the success of Catalina Express has been made possible because of our loyal customers and employees”
- Greg Bombard, President

Catalina Express began in 1981 when three Catalina Island residents realized the need for fast, reliable transportation to and from the Island. Doug Bombard, his son Greg Bombard and long time colleague, Tom Rutter, worked tirelessly to make the vision a reality. Since then, more than 33 million passengers have set sail to Catalina Island onboard Catalina Express.

In its first year of service, Catalina Express operated with a 60-passenger vessel. The founders worked closely with boat builders to design vessels with innovative features like full ride control systems for stability, modern navigational systems, airline-style cabin seating, panoramic viewing windows, and on-deck seating, which won immediate acceptance from passengers.

Media Requests

Catalina Express’ vessels, terminals and ports have appeared in dozens of films, news stories, magazines and newspaper articles. As the fastest, most reliable, year-round transportation to Catalina Island, Catalina Express receives numerous media requests each year. The Marketing department personnel welcome media inquiries and will accommodate reasonable requests.

If you are working on a film, article or news story and need assistance, please call the Marketing department at: 310.519.7971 ext. 1000

If an assignment, filming or photography, requires travel to the Island on board Catalina Express, please fill out and submit the Media Questionnaire form below or download the Media Questionnaire and email to [email protected] 

Marketing department personnel will review the questionnaire and contact you to discuss the assignment.

For hi-res images of Catalina Express and Catalina Island, please email your request to [email protected]

View Photo Gallery

Media Questionnaire

Please attach a letter of assignment from your Editor. Its size must be 5 MB or less and one of these file types: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt
One file only.
5 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, pdf, doc, docx.

Please include, where applicable:

2)
3)

Filming: If you are planning to shoot video or film on the island, please review the following guidelines and possible need for permits and business licenses through the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce: https://www.catalinachamber.com/catalina-filming-information/

Drone Filming: Catalina Island abides by State of California drone filming guidelines found here: https://www.catalinachamber.com/catalina-filming-information/

Please list all equipment. (Extra luggage must be preapproved) Stored in luggage hold area 37” x 23” x 23”). 2 pieces per person allowed: No one piece can exceed 50lbs: One carry-on per person is allowed (12” x 12” x 23”).

Re-order Item: Size (length /width and height) Weight: Weight Operations
more items

Travel Details

DEPARTURE (for schedule, visit catalinaexpress.com)

Column 1

Date:
# Passengers:

Column 2

Time:
Which Port?

RETURN

Column 3

Date:
# Passengers:

Column 4

Time:
Which Port?
Photo Usage: By checking this box, I allow for Catalina Express to use photos taken on this trip for digital use in marketing.

Please submit this form as soon as possible so that we may review your request.
This form must be completely filled out.

Thank you


*** Note: Accommodations and activities are typically secured at a complimentary or a discounted media rate. However, certain factors may preclude that from happening (high season, busy weekend, holidays, convention in town effecting availability, etc.). Traveling companions may or may not be offered discounted or complimentary media rates.

Karen Gee-McAuley
Relevance PR
(818) 541-7724
[email protected]
Fax (818) 541-7794

Daily Boat Trips To Catalina Island

Discover paradise on Catalina Island with daily ferry trips to and from the island. More than one million travelers choose Catalina Island as their getaway each year and Catalina Express' large fleet of boats make the trip in about an hour, operating every day, year round from three mainland ports - Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.

Escape To Catalina Island

Leave the hustle and bustle of the "mainland" behind. Catalina Island is the perfect place to take a break from the demands of daily life. With so many activities to choose from, your visit to Catalina Island can be adventure-packed or filled with rest and relaxation. With its year round Mediterranean climate, it's the ideal place to enjoy ocean air and sunshine.