Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach

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: 24 hours
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…

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
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • 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…

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
(132 Ratings)
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Karen_m
Aug 15, 2025
VIP allowed guaranteed... - VIP allowed guaranteed seating in cooler area and great on a hot day traveling with my 82 y/o mom . Speedy trip to the island with great scenery on the way.
Review provided by Viator
Matthew_w
Aug 8, 2025
Congested, show up early.... - Congested, show up early. The ride was fun, but more like a bus trip. Catalina island was a bit of a disappointment. I expected bigger beaches.
Review provided by Viator
Travlingrrl
Apr 29, 2025
East scenic ride to Catalina. Go VIP. - We had a great experience taking the ferry from Newport Beach to Catalina Island! When we got to the pier we were told it was a sold out cruise and if we wanted to upgrade to VIP is was $20 roundtrip. Best decision ever. We went to the white ticket office and bought our passes. It allowed us to board first and we got to go inside where it was dry and roomy. The drinks and snacks were half off for VIP. It was a little rainy going out so glad we chose that option.Boarding was quick and organized, and the boat was clean and comfortable with plenty of seating inside and outside. However if it is sold out then it is supercrowded regular class so you will be cramped. The ride took about 75 minutes and was very smooth and easy. A great start to a beautiful Catalina adventure. Tip ... if you go VIP try to be first so you can sit in the very front. You'll have a great view of everything in front of you. I even got a great photo of the rainbow coming back.Would definitely take this ferry again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terina_h
Oct 22, 2024
Spice it up gurl !!! - Way better than we had even hoped for !!! The Captain and crew were magical ! The popcorn was the bomb !!!!
Review provided by Viator
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
V8664wdlisaz
Nov 17, 2024
Safe, friendly and accommodating - Overall a very good experience on our round trip ride to and from Catalina Island. The check in process was a little confusing upon arrival but once they started getting everyone lined up it was smoother after that. Make sure to tell them if you upgraded to VIP, since they didn’t have it by your name at check in nor did they direct you to the VIP section so we did not get to take advantage of that on the first trip. Due to seasickness we ended up staying on the lower level anyway so not worth it if you think to will experience sea sickness. Due to high winds coming in later that day we had to return 2 hours early for safety but they were very up front about it and said if that wasn’t going to work for your plans they would give a refund and/or reschedule. The crew was all very friendly and accommodating. We had a bumpy ride on the way out there so a lot of the people were experiencing sea sickness but they walked around offering bags and kept the bathrooms clean. We were very lucky to come across some whales and dolphins so the captain let us stop in neutral and go out on the bow to see them which was a fantastic experience. The trip back was right on time and smoother waters thanks to leaving before the weather moved in. I would use this service again but pass on the VIP upgrade. We took advantage of the Groupon pricing which made the experience more affordable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ignacio_m
Jun 20, 2025
Make sure to arrive an... - Make sure to arrive an hour early in order to get a seat in the first or 2nd deck. It was too cold in the upper deck.
Review provided by Viator
Abbydc16
Jan 2, 2025
Take dramamine - They need to warn you about the rough ride before you buy tickets - half the boat was throwing up and according to a crew member I asked, this was an average day, it can get even worse. They had a crew member walking around handing out barf bags as part of their job. It's expensive and very basic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ingrith_m
Jul 30, 2025
Terrible I lost my money... - Terrible I lost my money EN the first booking I lost it they didn'NO help me pay me back because I wanted to give that gift to my son and my mom but my mom crashed and POR'NO get help from the staff just pressure to sign documents to exonerate any guilt was terrible with their service
Review provided by Viator
From $47
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).