Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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.
Options
First Leg Newport to Avalon
Catalina Island Ferry Service
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Newport Beach To Avalon
Reviews
141 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don't do it
Compass53381191245,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Horrible 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
Book VIP
jocelynpN9634DC,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Book 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!
Bull ****
Ramon R,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The trip was canceled, didn’t get notification, paid for parking ended up paying for a different ferry at another location
It beats swimming but just barely
Goodness4you,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The 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.
Not a good choice
janefJ7732EB,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Big time sales pitch to upgrade to VIP. The competing ferry doesn’t do that. Plus it was really cold in the cattle section.
Amazing 2-hour tour with Sarah
HowardR Z,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 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
4.00Felt 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
1.00We 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
5.00great 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
5.00I 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.
From US$47.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Catalina Flyer