Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon

123 Ratings

Newport Beach

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Experience the fastest round trip ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon on Catalina Island. Enjoy stunning views, multiple snack and beverage centers, and a large open-air deck. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Note: For Round Trip Ferry Service You Must Also Book The Return Leg From Avalon To Newport Beach.

Departing from the iconic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach daily. Departing times vary depending on time of year see all times available when booking. Travel time is approximately 75 minutes from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island. This is one of the most easily accessible ports for residents/visitors of Orange County, Greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire and San Diego County to travel by boat from the mainland to Avalon, Catalina Island.

This is the “largest” catamaran to Catalina Island and is state of the art, with three decks. The first deck is enclosed with plenty of seating and a snack bar. The second deck offers a full bar and additional indoor seating. The third deck is open air with seating in the California sunshine and offers stunning views during the trip. Enjoy “Speed – Service – Comfort”.

The day of your trip we ask that you try to arrive 1 hour to 45 minutes before your departure time as we leave exactly on time. Looking for bite to eat or a warm cup of coffee while waiting to depart, the Balboa Bakery is right in front of where the ferry boards for departure and is perfect for grabbing a snack/beverage. Once you board you will depart arriving in Avalon on Catalina Island. From there you will unload and if staying for the day have the rest of the day to explore and enjoy the many activities and sights of Avalon and Catalina Island.

What's Included

In-vehicle air conditioning
One-way ferry ticket from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island
All fees and/or taxes
On-board restrooms

What's Not Included

We offer alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages on board for purchase. Credit Card or Cash
Tea and coffee
Snacks

Additional Information

Reminder: If you’re opting for the Round Trip Ferry Service, remember to also schedule your return journey from Avalon to Newport Beach.

The biggest passenger catamaran ferry taking travelers to Catalina Island is at your service. It features three decks and includes several snack and drink stations on board plus a stunning open-air top deck that offers exceptional views of the coastal scenery.

For those who worry about sea sickness, the large size of the ferry and its open-air deck present a suitable option. The voyage is relatively brief - barely over an hour, making it the quickest ferry ride to Catalina Island.

Our central location in Newport Beach provides services to residents and travelers from Orange County, San Diego County, Inland Empire, and the Greater Los Angeles Area. Should you wish to explore further after visiting Catalina Island, Newport Beach offers fine dining, a vibrant nightlife, and an array of resorts.

Location

400 Main St

Main Street

Our business is located in the Historic Balboa Pavilion. We recommend parking at the Balboa Pier Municipal Parking lot which is located on the beach side of the Peninsula. Our office and vessel is located just a short 3 minute walk from the Pier Parking lot on the Harbor side of the peninsula.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.3

(123 Ratings)

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Anna_g

Sep 2, 2024

Pacific Ocean - The Catalina Island Ferry boat ride from Newport Beach to Avalon was a great experience. The captain and crew members made the ride memorable and exciting by pointing out several schools of dolphins diving in and out of the Pacific Ocean. The ocean view was breathtaking.

Review provided by Viator

V6592kichristopherm

Sep 1, 2024

Very good ride and service - Was staying in Carlsbad but took the hour drive (to make 730 am trip). Everything with boarding was smooth - would highly recommend the VIP upgrade for preferred boarding and guaranteed indoor seating. Friendly staff - enjoyable and scenic drive. With early trip we were able to park in Balboa Pier lot ($37 for all day parking) but there are restrictions for later departures. Good experience - would recommend

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Christina_m

Jul 25, 2024

fun - Only about 30 people on our ride to Avalon. Weather was perfect. Staff was nice. Boat was clean. We took our e bikes & they helped us load & unload. Check in was a smooth process.

Review provided by Viator

Ronald_t

Jul 24, 2024

A great escape in just over an hour! - Boat operator is efficient and has friendly staff. I’ve taken the ferry several times and enjoyed each trip more than the previous visit.

Review provided by Viator

87vette

Jul 15, 2024

Catalina Flyer Awesome - Positives: clean, great staff, good snack bar and bar, excellent sightseeing and staff explanations. Negatives: terrible parking (none) in Newport Beach. Plenty of departure times to fit your schedule. Overall damn good.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Michelle_c

Jul 2, 2024

Fun ride just need to know where to park that’s the hardest part - Parking is almost nonexistent for all day trip when you do not know when you will be returning. There is a $50 parking at intersection of Adam Street and E. eBay Ave. It’s valet parking. You pay at the end of your trip when you pick up your car they actually bring it out to you. There’s also an ATM there. If you park on the curve, you can only park for a maximum of six hours. You need to pay with a credit card American Express, MasterCard or Visa. Do not tell anybody on the ship that you park there apparently the instructions do not provide this info. They expect you to take a Lyft or rideshare there due to the minimal parking space. You don’t need to pay for VIP pass; you will be fine. Make sure you get there early. The restroom door- once you board, is very hard to open, but if you ask one of the crew they will help. They do turn on the AC inside the cabin, so if you are cold, I would recommend you bring a medium jacket and wear closed toe shoes. There’s no ID required. All you have to do is give them the name of the person who ordered the tickets when you exit the ship. It will be on the opposite side of the entrance to the ship. Enjoy the music and take a nap before you know it you have arrived on the island!

Review provided by Viator

Evyatarl4

Jun 7, 2024

Best way to travel to Catalina. - The Catalina Flyer is so nice! Super comfortable and smooth ride and accommodating staff. It's quite a luxurious experience at an affordable price. Beautiful boat. We are booking again for a birthday party and are so excited to ride on The Catalina Flyer again soon.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

P4257drsallym

May 11, 2024

Get away - Great experience, we loved Catalina Island ❤️ rent a golf cart and see the whole island, it was so fun. Great little town full of beautiful houses and businesses

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Ann_c

May 8, 2024

Beautiful memories made. - I took my family from Cincinnati to Catalina Island and they loved it. We and took the glass bottom boat tour and the buffalo tour. Unbelievable scenery but we didn’t see any buffalo! Anyway, it still was gorgeous and we loved it.

Review provided by Viator

R2051nnrajp

May 27, 2024

RACIST! Racist! - I am extremely disappointed and appalled by my recent experience with the Newport Catalina Flyer. The behavior of some of the staff was blatantly racist and completely unacceptable. From the moment we arrived, we were met with rude and dismissive attitudes that only worsened as the day went on. It's disheartening to see such discrimination in this day and age. I will not be returning and would advise others to think twice before using this service. Management needs to address these serious issues immediately.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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up to 15 guests

1 Adult