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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingApproximately 75 minutes — travel by catamaran with three decks, snack bar, and full bar on board, daily departures from Balboa Pavilion.
This ferry service departs daily from the Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach, taking around 75 minutes to reach Avalon on Catalina Island. The schedule varies seasonally, so check available times when booking.
The ferry is a large catamaran with three decks: the first deck is enclosed and features a snack bar, while the second level includes a full bar and additional indoor seating. The open-air third deck provides sunny seating and remarkable views of the ocean during the journey.
Reviews
I strongly recommend this place for parking. The customer service is outstanding. Plan to arrive at least three hours early and ensure you bring everything you need, including the right clothing. Having around $50 in cash for parking should suffice, or you can consider using Lyft for a convenient drop-off.
Children pay the full price and receive no discount on the VIP upgrade. Although we opted for it, we found it to be not worth the cost. The VIP lounge was loud with poor music which worsened our motion sickness; the fresh air outside was far more refreshing.
The crew on the Catalina Island Ferry was both friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciated the option to book activity tours while on the ferry before reaching Catalina Island.
A flawless and enjoyable sailing experience. Opting for VIP is definitely worthwhile. I've already suggested this to numerous friends.
Arrive early to secure the best seats. If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication. A jacket is advisable regardless of the season. It’s definitely worth both your time and money. The highlight was the captain diverting to see dolphins on the way.
Be cautious! The staff at Catalina Flyer lack compassion and seem to favor their own, even in the wrong. They have a disdain for Groupon customers, punishing those who don't pay full price. I checked their website the day before, which listed departure times as "8:00 am or 9:00 am." We arrived before 9:00 but couldn't board. When I called, a staff member told me they were leaving at 8:45 am sharp. I was already driving for 40 minutes and asked for alternatives, but she simply shut me down with cold responses like "no more boats today." I drove to the office and encountered a slightly friendlier employee, but was still met with gaslighting. I was told I could rebook but wouldn't be able to use my Groupon, which had cost me over $100. When I mentioned the phone conversation, his response was dismissive, suggesting I had been rude. The dismissive attitude and refusal to accommodate any requests, despite being a paying customer, guarantee that I will never recommend this company. Their approach is not conducive to attracting or retaining customers. I wish I could give them zero stars.
The ferry crossing we experienced was effortless and smooth. Luggage handling was efficient, and both boarding and disembarkation went without a hitch. Overall, the service met our expectations and provided a pleasant experience.
The staff is friendly and accommodating. This is the best option for traveling to Catalina from Newport.
The ferry experience was quite enjoyable. It was a chilly evening, and we were pleased to have cozy and warm seats inside.
The staff at Catalina Flyer were unfamiliar with Viator. My ticket was unusable, and there was no area for "redemption" as indicated on the voucher. The whole experience was a disaster.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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