REVIEW · LONG BEACH
Jetski Adventure: Guided Trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island
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Avalon jet skiing is a real workout. This guided day trip takes you on Seadoo jet skis across open ocean to Catalina Island and then gives you time in Avalon to reset and explore. I like the dock-to-dock format because it keeps the focus on the ride, even though your wetsuit and snorkeling gear are still part of the package.
You also get a full set of included gear—wetsuit, safety equipment, and snorkeling equipment—so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. One important consideration: this ride can be intense and cold in choppy weather, so it’s not the easiest option if you hate rough water or you’re not dressed for wind and spray.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Fast
- Where You Meet, What You Bring, and Why Timing Matters
- The Open-Ocean Seadoo Ride to Avalon: Fun Views, Real Physicality
- What to expect on the water
- Avalon’s 3-Hour Break: Restaurants, Shops, and Easy Add-Ons
- Gear You’re Given—and the Comfort Upgrade That Can Save Your Day
- What to pack for comfort (based on what can happen)
- Guides, Group Size, and How the Day Runs If Things Get Messy
- Price and Value: $640 for a Jet Ski Day That Isn’t Low Effort
- Who Should Book This Jet Ski Trip (and Who Should Skip It)
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the jet ski trip from Long Beach to Catalina?
- What does the $640 price include?
- What isn’t included in the price?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Is this a dock-to-dock ride or do I have to get in the water?
- Are snorkeling items included?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Who can ride? Is there an age limit?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Should You Book Jetski2Catalina to Avalon?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Fast
- Dock-to-dock ride to Avalon: you’re not required to get in the water, but you can if you want.
- Open-ocean crossing on Seadoos: expect fast pace and real pounding when conditions are rough.
- 3 hours in Avalon: enough time to grab food, browse, or even add on activities like parasailing or a golf cart.
- Included wetsuit and safety kit: more comfortable than showing up in swimwear alone.
- Photos provided ~48 hours later: handy when you’d rather focus on the ride than taking pictures.
- Weather matters: cancellations happen when conditions aren’t suitable, so keep your schedule flexible.
Where You Meet, What You Bring, and Why Timing Matters
Your day starts in Long Beach at 700 Queensway Dr, with a 8:00 am departure and an end back at the same meeting point. It’s a 6-hour outing on average, so plan your day like you mean it—this isn’t a quick stop before dinner.
What you’ll be doing is riding jet skis, then waiting around in Avalon for about 3 hours. That means your comfort gear matters twice: first for the open-water ride, then for walking around Avalon afterward. If you dress as if you’re just strolling, you’ll feel it on the ocean leg.
A small but real detail: the tour is in English, uses mobile tickets, and caps groups at 50 travelers. That size tends to feel more organized than the mega-group tours, but it still means you’ll want to arrive early and ready.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Long Beach
The Open-Ocean Seadoo Ride to Avalon: Fun Views, Real Physicality
The core of the experience is the guided Seadoo trip from Long Beach out to Catalina Island’s Avalon. The ride is described as a “dock to dock” adventure, and that’s a big deal for your expectations. You don’t have to jump in the water, and you won’t be spending your time wrestling gear in surf.
That said, an ocean run is still an ocean run. When water is choppy and wind is strong, you’ll feel it in your body—hands, legs, and your lower back can take a pounding from vibration and spray. One rough-day account described an extremely punishing return with seas up to 5-foot+ swells, cold wind, and waves hitting the face like a salty fire hose. The point isn’t to scare you. It’s to help you dress and mentally prepare for the possibility of discomfort, even if you’re fit.
About wildlife: the plan includes chances to see dolphins and sea lions on the way over. But wildlife isn’t guaranteed. On at least one day, the group reported seeing none of those animals. So I’d treat dolphins as a bonus, not the reason you book.
What to expect on the water
- Fast, guided pacing with ocean conditions varying day to day
- Wind and spray can sting eyes even if you wear sunglasses
- Holding on takes effort—especially if waves kick up
Avalon’s 3-Hour Break: Restaurants, Shops, and Easy Add-Ons
Once you dock in Avalon, you get about 3 hours on Catalina Island. This is your time buffer, and I’d use it intentionally. The ride back can be tougher when weather turns, so you’ll feel better if your Avalon plan includes food, shade breaks, and a quick reset.
You’ll have plenty of options right from the main town area. The experience notes things like parasailing, golf cart rental, restaurants, and shops. If you want to stay low-effort, a slow walk plus a meal can be plenty. If you want movement, the golf cart can turn 3 hours into actual exploring.
One practical thought: you might arrive in Avalon feeling cold and damp, especially after a wind-heavy ocean leg. If you’re thinking of eating, pick a place where you can warm up. After that, browse at your own pace—this part is about control.
Gear You’re Given—and the Comfort Upgrade That Can Save Your Day
The included gear list is one of the strongest parts of the deal: wetsuit, safety equipment, and snorkeling equipment, plus fuel and guides. If you’re used to booking everything separately, this is a real time-saver and cost-saver.
But here’s the nuance: the itinerary emphasizes a dock-to-dock ride, meaning you don’t have to get into the water. So the snorkeling equipment may or may not be something you use during your day. Still, it’s there for you if you decide you want water time. I’d treat it as flexibility rather than a promise that you’ll be snorkeling.
Your biggest comfort challenge isn’t the wetsuit—it’s the wind. A tough-day account described people getting blisters and having bloodshot, sunburned eyes after the ride back, even with sunglasses. That’s the kind of detail you can use right away.
What to pack for comfort (based on what can happen)
- Jet ski gloves (or similar) to protect hands from vibration
- Eye protection beyond sunglasses if you’re prone to eye irritation
- A full rashguard style layer under/with your shorts
- Layers you can dry off in Avalon
You don’t want to arrive underdressed and hope for calm seas. On a “cold and choppy” day, you’ll want to be dressed like you’re going to the ocean, not like you’re going to the beach.
Guides, Group Size, and How the Day Runs If Things Get Messy
This trip is guided and includes safety equipment and guides throughout. Groups are capped at 50 travelers, and the ride is arranged as a coordinated activity with the jet skis staying in a managed formation.
Still, ocean days can go sideways. In one detailed rough-day account, a jet ski was reported missing at a first rest point, and the group waited offshore for about an hour while guides searched. Authorities ultimately located the missing party using helicopters, and the group continued on after conditions deteriorated further.
That incident is not something you can plan for. But you can plan how you’ll react. If you’re the kind of person who spirals during delays, bring that self-awareness with you. The ocean adds variables, and part of enjoying this day is staying calm when the plan bends.
Price and Value: $640 for a Jet Ski Day That Isn’t Low Effort
At $640 per person, this isn’t a budget outing. So the value only makes sense if you’re excited about jet skiing and you understand you’re paying for more than just “a ride.”
Your price includes:
- Jetski access on the Seadoos
- Wetsuit and safety equipment
- Guides and fuel
- Snorkeling equipment
- Pictures delivered about 48 hours after the trip
You don’t get lunch included, nor golf cart hire, accommodation, or shopping. That means your real spending is likely higher once you add food and any Avalon activities you choose.
So is it worth $640? For me, it comes down to fit and expectations. If you’re prepared for a physical, fast-paced ocean ride and you truly want the Avalon combo day, it can be a memorable use of time. If you’re hoping for a gentle cruise and perfect weather, you’ll feel the sting when the water is rough and the wind is cutting.
Who Should Book This Jet Ski Trip (and Who Should Skip It)
This is labeled as suitable for most travelers, and the only age restriction noted is no riders/passengers under 12. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s easy for beginners, though.
Based on the way the experience can feel in tough conditions, I’d say this works best for:
- People who like speed and can handle vibration and spray
- Travelers who dress correctly for wind and cold
- Visitors who want a guided, high-energy day with a real destination (Avalon)
I’d be cautious if you:
- Get knocked around by choppy water
- Hate cold wind on the ocean
- Have a low tolerance for waiting if conditions change
If your goal is mostly sightseeing and you want comfort first, you might prefer a calmer Catalina option that doesn’t involve open-ocean riding.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the jet ski trip from Long Beach to Catalina?
It’s about 6 hours total on average, including the ride and the time in Avalon.
What does the $640 price include?
It includes the jetski ride, wetsuit, safety equipment, guides, fuel, and snorkeling equipment, plus pictures provided about 48 hours after the trip.
What isn’t included in the price?
Lunch is not included, and golf cart hire, accommodation, and shopping aren’t included.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at 700 Queensway Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:00 am, and you return back to the meeting point at the end.
Is this a dock-to-dock ride or do I have to get in the water?
It’s dock to dock, so you do not have to get into the water. Taking a plunge is an option, but the ride itself doesn’t require it.
Are snorkeling items included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the wetsuit and safety equipment.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
Who can ride? Is there an age limit?
No riders/passengers under 12 are allowed.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What’s the cancellation policy?
The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Should You Book Jetski2Catalina to Avalon?
Book it if you want an active, guided Seadoo day trip with real time in Avalon and you’re ready for speed and ocean conditions. Your comfort will depend on dressing for wind and spray, not just for sunshine.
Think twice if you’re sensitive to rough water or cold, or if you’re expecting an easy, casual cruise. This outing can be amazing on the right day—but it’s also the kind of adventure where preparation matters more than hype.
