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

Catalina Island Ferry Avalon to Newport Beach

Outty Ranking 53 3.7 · 17 traveler reviews1.3 hoursFrom $47

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$47
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.7/5

Based on 17 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 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
3.7/5 (17)
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,

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

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

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

    5 star
    8
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    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

    Lauren_D · July 2026

    Worth the money

    The ferry ride was very efficient and relaxing. I will say that you definitely need to follow instructions and get there early. We ran late and even though we were 30 minutes prior to boarding,wound up having to stand through the whole journey.

    via Viator

    Jamie_D · June 2026

    Getting tickets online...

    Getting tickets online with Viator was easy; however I didn’t have a QR code to scan. There was a thing to scan but different than what others had. On the way there we had to set out of line and it took a second to figure out. On way back I could ask them to search by my name and it was quick and easy but with the lines so long it was stressful.

    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
    6
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 53

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)43
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)36
    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 17 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 6 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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