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
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
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
146 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Catalina Trip
Jet58690295899,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Had a nice trip with time spent walking around Catalina. We learned that next time we will go on a Wednesday or Thursday so as to avoid the cruise ship crowds. We weren’t able to rent a cart.
Worth the extra cost for...
Ron M,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Worth the extra cost for the VIP upgrade... board first which was great, nice area, half price on snacks and drinks
Very Disappointed
Norman F,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00How can Viatar sell a one-way ticket to Catalina Island? This is what happened when I booked the boat for a day trip. The rep at Viator never asked if I wanted to come back from Catalina. Viatar is a third-party to the Catalina Express so beware that unless you have the tickets in hand, you have to go through an inconvenient process to get on the . Boat. I do not recommend viatar going to Catalina Island. .
Avoid booking with this third party
Leslie K,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Don't use for Catalina Ferry. This is a third party vendor and does link into the ferry company. None of the links from Viator can be seen by the ferry company. Going forward, I will call the ferry company directly to book.
If you want a seat...
Caryn B,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If 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.
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Catalina Flyer