Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 15 minutes

Mobile ticket

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

This is the largest catamaran ferry carrying passengers to Catalina Island, with 3 decks and multiple snack and beverage centers onboard including a amazing open-air top deck with spectacular views of coastlines.

The ferry's large size and open-air deck is a perfect option for those concerned with motion sickness. The trip is short - just over 1 hour across the channel on the fastest ferry to Catalina Island .

Located centrally in Newport Beach and servicing Orange County, San Diego County, Inland Empire, and Greater Los Angeles Area travelers/residents. Newport Beach is also known for its fine dining, abundant nightlife, and numerous resorts for those wanting to explore this destination after their stay on Catalina Island.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

One-way ferry ticket from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island

Restroom on board

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

Both are available for purchase onboard at the beverage center.

Snacks are available for purchase onboard.

What To Expect

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.

Options

First Leg Newport to Avalon

Catalina Island Ferry Service
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Newport Beach To Avalon

Reviews

4.24

136 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing 2-hour tour with Sarah
HowardR Z,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Our cruising to Catalina
Denise T,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
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.
Late for ferry
Joanne L,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
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.
love the flyer
Kayla M,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Catalina flyer is the best!
500cjc,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I love going to the island on the Catalina Flyer! The crew is awesome and the VIP section is the best! I want to give a shout out to (CaL) the bartender he always makes our trip fun and he has excellent customer service skills. He is goes above and beyond to make sure we have a great experience.
VIP allowed guaranteed...
Karen M,
Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Congested, show up early....
Matthew W,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Terrible I lost my money...
Ingrith M,
Jul 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
Terrible I lost my money on the first booking I lost it they didn't help me pay me back because I wanted to give that gift to my son and my mom but my mom crashed and didn't get help from the staff just pressure to sign documents to exonerate any guilt was terrible with their Service
Make sure to arrive an...
Ignacio M,
Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
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.
East scenic ride to Catalina. Go VIP.
travlingrrl,
Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!