Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach
Catalina Island, United States

Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach

Outty Ranking 52 3.6 · 19 traveler reviews1.3 hoursFrom $47
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.6/5

Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach worth booking?

Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach is a 1.3-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $47 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.6/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
3.6/5 (19)
Duration
1.3 hours
From
$47 per person

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”.

What you get

    About this experience

    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”.

    What's included

    Included

    • All Fees and Taxes
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • On-board restrooms

    Not included

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Tea and coffee
    • Snacks

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Catalina Island

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The return Catalina Island Ferry leg returns to the Catalina Flyer office at 400 Main Street.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Catalina Flyer

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach, photo 2Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach, photo 3Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach, photo 4Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach, photo 5Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    19 verified traveler reviews for Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    5
    Sort
    Nomad18652623329 · September 2026

    I am extremely disturbed and disappointed by what I witnessed aboard the Newport Beach Flyer today. During the trip, I

    I am extremely disturbed and disappointed by what I witnessed aboard the Newport Beach Flyer today. During the trip, I witnessed a situation involving a woman who appeared to be a victim of domestic violence. She had a visible black eye, and I was genuinely concerned for her safety. I brought the situation to the attention of the captain and staff because I believed someone needed to intervene or at minimum make sure the appropriate authorities were contacted. What upset me most was the response. From my perspective, the captain and staff did not want to get involved. I felt like a serious safety situation involving a visibly injured woman was being treated as something they simply did not want to deal with. I ultimately called 911 myself because I could not just stand there and pretend I did not see what was happening. Watching this woman leave and apparently return to the person she was with was heartbreaking. I understand that staff members are not law enforcement and cannot force an adult to leave another person, but when there are visible injuries and legitimate concerns about someone’s immediate safety, I expected far more concern, compassion, and urgency from a company responsible for transporting passengers. This experience completely changed the way I view this company. Passenger safety should mean more than getting people from one destination to another. When someone appears to be in danger, there should be a clear protocol for staff to respond, contact authorities when appropriate, and take the situation seriously. I sincerely hope management reviews what happened today, speaks with the captain and crew, and establishes better training and procedures for situations involving suspected domestic violence. I left this boat feeling deeply disappointed in how the situation was handled.

    via Tripadvisor

    christymV4321VG · September 2026

    Great!

    We had a great experience and taking the flyer to and from Catalina. It was a very easy process, and the crew was very helpful.

    via Tripadvisor

    9tinak · August 2026

    Fast boat leaves on time

    Vip is worth it on the way back to newport especially when water is choppy or if wind is high. Get in line early and arrive 1 hr in advance going and coming back. They leave ON time. It took 8 mins to load everyone in newport and they left exactly on time. In newport it took 12 mins to load and leave they are quick!! Park at balboa park parking 45.00 for the day unless you can find street parking

    via Tripadvisor

    kaiaroy · July 2026

    Comfortable and fun!

    We enjoyed our VIP Catalina Flyer Ferry ride to and from Catalina Island (Avalon). We felt it was comfortable and fun. The staff was very helpful and professional. We were able to purchase an excursion from the staff so we didn't have to do it once we got to the island. I would recommend doing the VIP experience...we boarded first, had an air conditioned area and got drinks and food 50% off while on board. It was a full ferry so it helped to go VIP. The price was right.

    via Tripadvisor

    Aaron_R · July 2026

    Do not book with them!

    I booked multiple things to enjoy for a birthday. In that effort one outing was the wrong date and tried to change it to the rest of my bookings but the support team denied it said all sales are final and disrupted the experiences planned. Worse was the lack of effort towards accommodating multiple bookings, now I will use a different service to enjoy future events. Not even an email explaining anything. Professionalism did not exist in my experience using Viator

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)37
    Review evidence (18% weight)46
    Booking momentum (14% weight)39
    Value for money (12% weight)89
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.

    How much does Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach cost?

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    Prices start at $47 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Catalina Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach take?

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    Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Catalina Island is not rushed.

    Is Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.6/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Catalina Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach?

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    Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Catalina Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Catalina Island and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Catalina Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Catalina Island?

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    Catalina Island packages ferry transfers with glass-bottom boats, submarine and snorkel tours in Lover's Cove, zip lining, Avalon golf-cart tours and inland bison safaris. On Outty we rank every Catalina Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Catalina Food Tour, Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Catalina Island?

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    May to October, with the calmest crossings in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Catalina Island?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach?

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    Included: All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; and On-board restrooms. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; Tea and coffee; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach?

    +

    Across 19 reviews averaging 3.6 out of 5, recurring themes include value for money. Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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