I still remember the early morning sunlight reflecting off the calm waters of the Newport Harbor as I made my way toward the Balboa Pavilion, the historic landmark that serves as the embarkation point for the Catalina Flyer. This service offers a direct link between Newport Beach—a coastal gem located in Orange County, about 45 miles south of Los Angeles—and the charming town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. While there are a few ferry options to Catalina, the Catalina Flyer has its own unique atmosphere, combining history, convenience, and a laid-back coastal vibe that appeals to both locals and tourists alike. Here is my comprehensive account—part travel memoir, part practical guide—on how to make the most of the Catalina Flyer experience.
A Newport Beach Icon: The Balboa Pavilion
The Balboa Pavilion is impossible to miss. Built in 1906, it stands as one of the oldest surviving waterfront recreational facilities in California. Stepping onto its wooden docks, you can almost feel the echoes of a bygone era. The Pavilion is painted in bright whites and blues, fitting perfectly with the breezy Southern California seascape. Before my ferry trip, I spent about half an hour exploring the nearby Balboa Fun Zone—a small, family-friendly amusement area with a Ferris wheel, arcade games, and cotton candy stands. Even if your itinerary is tight, arriving early to soak up a bit of that Newport Beach ambiance is well worth it.
Check the ferry schedule and current fares at the Ferry Booking page on ToCatalina.com before you head out. Arriving at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure is recommended because the Catalina Flyer often runs a single round trip per day, and you don’t want to miss it.
All Aboard the Catalina Flyer
Stepping onto the Catalina Flyer felt like boarding a small cruise ship. The ferry is a large catamaran, often carrying up to 500–600 passengers in a single crossing. On my trip, it was a sizable crowd but still felt spacious enough to find comfortable seating. The interior area is climate-controlled, while outdoor decks offer a front-row seat to the open ocean.
- Departure Time: Commonly around 9:00 AM from Newport Beach’s Balboa Pavilion.
- Travel Time: Typically 75 minutes, though it can extend to about 90 minutes during choppy conditions.
- Onboard Amenities: A snack bar serves coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, and small bites. Restrooms are located on both levels, and there’s ample outdoor deck space to soak in the sea views.
If you want to compare your departure options, take a look at this guide on Long Beach to Catalina with Catalina Express or see what it’s like from San Pedro’s Berth 95 to Catalina.
En Route: Spotting Marine Life
One of the biggest highlights of taking the ferry from Newport Beach to Catalina is the potential to spot dolphins, sea lions, and—during migration seasons—even whales. On my trip, a pod of dolphins followed the ferry, leaping in and out of the water to the delight of everyone on board. Keep your camera ready because these moments can happen unexpectedly and end just as quickly.
- Dolphins: Common, Bottlenose, and Pacific White-Sided dolphins are frequently seen.
- Whales: Gray Whales migrate roughly December to April; Blue Whales appear June to October.
- Sea Lions: Often basking on buoys or following fishing boats in search of leftovers.
This brief ocean crossing offers a mini wildlife-watching experience that adds an extra layer of excitement.
Arriving at Avalon
Avalon’s picturesque harbor, lined with colorful hillside homes and dominated by the iconic Catalina Casino, greets visitors in postcard-perfect fashion. Within about an hour of leaving Newport Beach, you find yourself in a Mediterranean-style village where the pace slows down, and golf carts outnumber full-sized vehicles.
- Location & Accessibility: Avalon’s population of around 4,000 residents makes it easy to navigate on foot.
- Disembarking: The Catalina Flyer docks near Crescent Avenue, Avalon’s main boardwalk, so you’re steps away from shops, restaurants, and beach access.
Things to Do in Avalon
Though small, Avalon offers plenty of activities for both day-trippers and those looking to extend their stay:
- Stroll Along Crescent Avenue: Experience oceanfront boutiques, candy shops, and casual dining.
- Snorkeling & Kayaking: Lovers Cove, located just a short walk from the main harbor, is teeming with marine life like Garibaldi fish and rays.
- Hiking & Jeep Tours: Get a permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy and explore interior trails, or hop on an eco-tour to encounter bison and the Catalina Island fox.
- Visit the Casino Building: Tour the historic theater and grand ballroom, which have hosted Hollywood legends over the decades.
Practical Tips for a Great Trip
Given the Catalina Flyer often runs only one departure in the morning and returns late afternoon, day-trippers should keep track of time. The return journey typically leaves Avalon around 4:30 PM, giving you about 6 to 7 hours on the island. If you miss the ferry, you may be out of luck until the next day or forced to find alternative passage (which can be limited).
- Tickets & Pricing: Adult round-trip fares usually range between $75–$85. To confirm the latest costs, schedule, and promotions, visit the Ferry Booking page at ToCatalina.com.
- Overnight Stays: Catalina has plenty of lodging options if you prefer more than a day trip. Book early in peak seasons.
For those exploring other destinations beyond California’s coastline, be sure to check FerriesToNantucket.com for an East Coast ferry experience—because island getaways can be found on both sides of the country.
While there are other ferries and departure points to Catalina, the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach delivers a distinctive charm that’s deeply intertwined with the history and ambiance of Balboa Peninsula. From its convenient location and single daily schedule to the potential for marine-life sightings, the crossing itself can feel like a mini vacation.
Once you’re ashore, Avalon’s unique combination of small-town warmth, outdoor adventures, and quaint shopping districts offers enough variety to satisfy both laid-back wanderers and active explorers. Whether you’re a Southern California local or just visiting, the Catalina Flyer presents a memorable way to discover the island’s beauty without straying too far from the mainland. Book your ride, pack some sunscreen, and get ready to experience an iconic slice of the Golden State’s maritime heritage.