Island Express Helicopter Service

The crew and services were great! I got the 30 minute Catalina tour for my Mother on her birthday. She is severely handicapped so I called beforehand to make sure that it wouldn’t be a problem. They said that they would have a wheelchair for her and when we arrived in the rental golf cart they came out to the parking lot greet us and to help bring her in. The pilot was wonderful. He gave a lot of information about the island and answered every question we threw at him. This was my Mom’s first helicopter ride and she was comfortable and thrilled. I have been coming to Catalina since I was a kid and I loved seeing the island from a different perspective. I would encourage anyone who has a chance to do this to give it a try and I would like to thank everyone there for making this a trip that neither of us will forget.

15 minutes from Long Beach to Catalina via helicopter. Sign a form, and get on the helicopter, and go. Easy. If you really want to impress a date, do this. I recommend you arrive by 4pm, rent a golf cart, explore, have dinner after, and take a boat back. Awesome evening.

My fiancé and I took a helicopter to Catalina. It was a great experience. The trip was quick and smooth. Our pilot even flew low over a huge pod of dolphins to give us a little extra. I would choose the helicopter every single time if it were more economical.

$ 200 for 15 minutes (and that’s WITH the birthday discount), and we LOVED IT! Yes, it’s pricey to do all the time but a fun way to splurge and have a great experience getting to (or from) Catalina. Will do again.

Everyone is very friendly and accommodating. Smooth ride and very fun. We arrived an hour and half early and they were able to put us on an earlier flight. Job well done thanks guys.

For people who just cannot take the time or survive the ordeal of taking a boat or a catamaran over to Catlaina Island. we have this very useful helicopter landing used by Island Express.
Island Express offers short, 15-​minure hops over to Avalon. Departures are from heliports in either Long Beach adjacent to the Queen Mary or from San Pedro at the Catalina passenger terminal. The Catalina heliport is out on Pebbly Beach Road, adjacent to the Buffalo Nickel restaurant. Prices for the ride range from $ 125 – 195 each way. Children under two years old ride on their parents lap are free. The choppers are six-​passenger helicopters that are turbine powered, sound proofed, with leather interiors for comfort.
4 Unilocal STARS for an easy way to go 26 miles out to sea. 1 Unilocal STAR DEDUCTED for high prices.