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, it is essential to book the return journey from Avalon to Newport Beach as well.
Departing daily from the iconic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach, departure times vary based on the season. Check all available times when booking. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina…

What's Included
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • One-way ferry ticket from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tea and coffee
  • Snacks
Additional Information

Note: When booking a round trip ferry service, ensure to reserve the return journey from Avalon to Newport Beach.
This is the largest catamaran ferry transporting passengers to Catalina Island, featuring three decks and several snack and beverage centers onboard, including an incredible open-air top deck offering breathtaking views of the coastlines….

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
4.2
(143 Ratings)
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Caryn_b
Apr 1, 2026
If you want a seat... - If you want a seat inside, make sure you show up and get in line 1 hour prior to leaving otherwise you may be limited to where you sit.
Review provided by Viator
Jocelynpn9634dc
Mar 22, 2026
Book VIP - Book round trip VIP. First on the boat so you get a good seat and you can wait in the shade going back. Very nice crew!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Howardr_z
Oct 30, 2025
Amazing 2-hour tour with Sarah - Our two-hour private golf cart tour of Avalon with Sarah was absolutely amazing! From the moment we met her, she was warm, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable about Catalina Island’s history, hidden gems, and local life. Sarah’s passion for Avalon shines through in every story she tells — from the old Hollywood days to the island’s unique wildlife and stunning viewpoints. She took us to breathtaking overlooks, quiet scenic spots we’d never have found on our own, and even gave us great recommendations for restaurants and shops afterward. The pace was perfect — relaxed but packed with highlights — and Sarah made sure we had time for photos and questions. It felt less like a tour and more like exploring the island with a friend who truly loves it. If you’re visiting Catalina, don’t miss a tour with Sarah — it’s hands-down the best way to see Avalon and fall in love with this beautiful island.
Review provided by Viator
Kayla_m
Oct 1, 2025
love the flyer - great smooth experience. get there early if you care about where you sit. the covered outdoor seating on the second floor is the best. upgrading to vip is worth it on a hot day as its the only area with climate control. they also discount alcohol if you're drinking i believe. i prefer the flyer vs the express options since its a bigger boat with more outdoor seating.
Review provided by Viator
Denise_t
Oct 16, 2025
Our cruising to Catalina - Felt safe while traveling on the boat. Didn't purchase food. The crew was not very personable. They had a printed rooster for boarding and for some reason our family of 7 wasn't on the list. We held up the process in line, offered to show our tickets that I had on my phone and no one wanted to see them.
Review provided by Viator
Goodness4you
Mar 2, 2026
It beats swimming but just barely - The boat/ship pictured on ads, and on Trip Advisor' is the "old" three level Catalina Flyer we grew to love over the years. The "new" and MUCH smaller Newport Flyer is the boat they use now ( March '26). If you ride inside, its cramped and they blast you with country music. If you ride topside its cramped and quiet but smelly. Fumes swirl into the whole area. You can ride in cramped "airplane" style seats with AC and pre boarding in the "VIP" section for an additional $10/crossing.(Don't know the music selection in VIP). They have the guts to ask for tips at the end of each crossing. I suggest Catalina Express.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janefj7732eb
Feb 22, 2026
Not a good choice - Big time sales pitch to upgrade to VIP. The competing ferry doesn’t do that. Plus it was really cold in the cattle section.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass53381191245
Mar 23, 2026
Don't do it - Horrible experience packed like sardines the boat was overbooked had to stand the whole way there and they just tell you it's like a bus first come first serve fins another option to get to Catalina will never use there service again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ramon_r
Mar 6, 2026
Bull **** - The trip was canceled, didn’t get notification, paid for parking ended up paying for a different ferry at another location
Review provided by Viator
Joanne_l
Oct 12, 2025
Late for ferry - We got to the dock 5 minutes late because we couldn’t find parking especially handicapped parking. We asked if there was another ferry that day and the man at the window said no, but failed to tell us there were other ferries from competitive lines that go.
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).