Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon
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Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 152 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon worth booking?
Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon is a 1.3-hour experience in Newport Beach, United States, from $47 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 152 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (152)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $47 per person
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 beverag
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- One-way ferry ticket from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Newport Beach
Our business is located in the Historic Balboa Pavilion. We recommend parking at the Balboa Pier Municipal Parking lot which is located on the beach side of the Peninsula. Our office and vessel is located just a short 3 minute walk from the Pier Parking lot on the Harbor side of the peninsula.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 151 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
151 verified traveler reviews for Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Won't be going back.
You need to arrive at least 1-2 hours prior to the docking/onboarding time for the vessel in order to get a seat. This ferry gets overbooked and it should be a huge safety concern. I was there with my two children and husband, and people were 'saving' their seats for their family or placing their bags next to them. There was one handicap seat open that we just told my 6 year old to sit on, otherwise my husband had to sit on the floor and my 3 year old daughter had to sit in her stroller on the boat, and I had to stand holding onto a pole. There were dozens of people sitting on the floors on the outside decks. I couldn't believe this was allowed. Also very poor snack stand and the burnt popcorn smell permeates throughout the ferry. Gone are the days where women and children get preferred seating. But I digress. The ride is about 1.5 hours. It was miserable. We ended up upgrading to the 'first class' at $20 per ticket to avoid the awful experience on the way back. Overpriced, overrated, and needs new management that actually cares about the customer experience.
via Tripadvisor
Not the Best Experience
I can't say the voyage was terrible because we were able to see a whale and a very large pod of dolphins en route to Catalina. That was amazing! However, it had nothing to do with the ferry ride itself or the company. The company has issues. Their communication is overdone and jarring. VIP access allows you onto the ferry first and not all their ferries are the same. They don't tell you which one you're getting either. so beware. We had the smaller ferry and I believe they overbook. They don't account for XL people, purses/backpacks and lots of little kids. You may find yourself squeezed in or standing. VIP access, other than boarding first, is questionable for value. You don't get to disembark first and you don't get to sit where you want upon embarking either. They made us go upstairs during embarking. Due to the sheer amount of people with VIP access, we ended up sitting outside anyway. Thankfully it was sunny and warm. The interior seating upstairs is only valuable if it had been raining. The only other issue I had was upon our return. The dock number was switched. We only knew that because we recognized some of the people in line that came aboard with us. At 5:30pm, their offices are closed and they did not answer texts. With all their communications, you would think they would send out a banner text to EVERYONE about which dock to line up at for departure! I think I will book in advance and use the Catalina Express. Larger craft and everyone is inside. I'm sure the overbooking is with both companies though.
via Tripadvisor
Boat is solid and...
Boat is solid and confidence building. For the length of the trip, it seems like there could be some kind of entertainment added for the kids. Not just blank screens in the lower cabin
via Viator
A great experience on the boat BUT 2 things that could be improved.
The experience was delightful except for the chaos when boarding. The VIP upgrade was well worth it. Phil Diment, the tour director, was excellent and very helpful and a delight to talk to. All the employees were friendly and I enjoyed the round trip very much. The only problem was with parking along the beach and accessing the pay machines. It would be nice to have information about them available when I make my reservation. For example: Best lots to park in. The need for an APP to access the machines. The cost of parking.
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed
Customer satisfaction and customer service don't exist in this management team. They'd rather bite the hand that feeds them than ensure a repeat customer is happy. The crew members are great, but the management team is completely unprofessional. Very bad business practice.
via Tripadvisor
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
- 53
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Newport Beach.
How much does Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon 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 Newport Beach 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 from Newport Beach to Avalon 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 Newport Beach is not rushed.
Is Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 152 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Newport Beach, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon?
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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 from Newport Beach to Avalon 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 from Newport Beach to Avalon?
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Around 53 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 Newport Beach 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Newport Beach and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon 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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach?
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Newport Beach runs year-round whale watching out of the harbour, duffy boat and sailing charters, Balboa Island walks and coastal e-bike rides toward Laguna. On Outty we rank every Newport Beach experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventures at Irvine Spectrum Center, Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach, Electric Boat Rental in Newport Beach for Up to 12 People. 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 Newport Beach?
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December to April for grey whales, June to September for blue whales. 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 Newport Beach?
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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.
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