Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon: 75 minutes

75 minutes across the channel on the fastest catamaran to Catalina Island

A one-way ferry ticket from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island aboard the largest catamaran serving the route, departing daily from the Balboa Pavilion. The three-deck vessel includes an enclosed lower deck with snack bar, a full bar on the second deck, and an open-air top deck with California sunshine and channel views. Travel time is approximately 75 minutes. Arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure. The ferry leaves on schedule. Round-trip travel requires booking the return ferry separately from Avalon back to Newport Beach.

The experience

Seventy-five minutes gets you from the Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach to Avalon on Catalina Island aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran built to handle the crossing with speed and comfort. The ferry's size, the largest on this route, means three full decks of seating and multiple beverage centers, so there's room to move around and find your spot. The open-air top deck is the draw for most travelers: you get California sun and unobstructed views of the coastline for the entire crossing, and the boat's size also means it rides steadier than smaller ferries, which matters if you're prone to motion sickness.

The Balboa Pavilion sits centrally in Newport Beach, making it the easiest port for anyone traveling from Orange County, Greater Los Angeles, the Inland Empire or San Diego County. You'll want to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your departure time. The ferry leaves exactly on schedule. The Balboa Bakery is right in front of the boarding area if you need coffee or a snack before you board. Once you're on the water, the first deck has an enclosed cabin with seating and a snack bar; the second deck offers a full bar and more indoor seating; the third is open air. When you arrive in Avalon, you unload and the rest of the day is yours to explore the island.

One-way tickets include your seat, air conditioning on the lower decks, a restroom onboard, and all fees and taxes. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at the beverage centers. If you're planning a round trip, book your return ferry from Avalon to Newport Beach separately: the two legs don't come as a package. The ferry is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed onboard.

What’s included

• One-way ferry ticket from Newport Beach to Avalon.
• three-deck catamaran with enclosed cabin, full bar and open-air seating.
• snack bar and beverage center onboard.
• restroom access.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 600

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Catalina Flyer

Is this one for you?The 75-minute crossing is short enough to fit into a day trip from the mainland, and the ferry's size means you can stay on deck the whole way without feeling crowded or worried about rough water.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the ferry ride from Newport Beach to Avalon take?

The crossing takes approximately 75 minutes on the catamaran, making it the fastest ferry route to Catalina Island from the mainland.

Where does the ferry depart from in Newport Beach?

The ferry departs from the Balboa Pavilion, located centrally in Newport Beach and easily accessible for residents and visitors from Orange County, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire and San Diego County.

What's included onboard the ferry?

The three-deck catamaran includes an enclosed cabin with seating and snack bar on the first deck, a full bar and additional seating on the second deck, and an open-air deck on top with California sunshine and channel views. A restroom is available onboard, and beverages and snacks are available for purchase.

Do I need to book my return ferry separately?

Yes, round-trip service requires booking the return leg from Avalon to Newport Beach as a separate ticket. The two legs are not sold together.

What time should I arrive before my ferry departure?

Plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your scheduled departure time, as the ferry leaves exactly on schedule. The Balboa Bakery is located right in front of the boarding area if you want to grab a coffee or snack while you wait.