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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingOne hour one-way ferry ride — smooth crossing on a large catamaran with outdoor deck and snack options available.
A quick one-hour trip by ferry from Newport Beach to Avalon on Catalina Island, using one of the largest catamarans in the area. The ferry features three decks, including an open-air top deck that offers great coastline views, making it a suitable choice for those prone to motion sickness.
While the trip is straightforward, remember to also book the return journey from Avalon to Newport Beach to complete your travel plans. The ferry is centrally located in Newport Beach, which is rich in dining, nightlife, and accommodation options for further exploration after your visit to Catalina.
Reviews
Terrible experience. The boat was overcrowded, and we had to stand the entire trip. They claimed it was like a bus, first come, first served. I’ll never use this service again.
The boat trip to Catalina felt safe, although we chose not to buy any food. The crew didn't seem very engaging. When boarding, our family of seven was unexpectedly left off the printed roster, which caused a delay as we offered to show our tickets on my phone, but no one seemed interested.
Our private two-hour golf cart tour of Avalon led by Sarah was truly remarkable. Right from the start, she exuded warmth, humor, and a deep knowledge of Catalina Island’s history, local life, and hidden treasures. Sarah’s enthusiasm for Avalon was evident in her captivating stories, covering everything from old Hollywood to the island's unique wildlife and stunning vistas. She guided us to breathtaking overlooks and serene spots we wouldn’t have discovered on our own, plus shared excellent restaurant and shop recommendations afterward. The tour's pace struck a perfect balance — relaxed yet filled with highlights — allowing time for photos and questions. It felt more like exploring the island with a friend who has a genuine love for it. For anyone visiting Catalina, Sarah’s tour is undoubtedly the best way to experience Avalon and fall in love with this stunning island.
The experience felt more like a push to upgrade to VIP rather than a genuine tour. The other ferry service doesn't have this issue, and it was quite chilly in the standard seating area.
The boat seen in advertisements is actually the older three-level Catalina Flyer that we have fond memories of. Now, they use the smaller Newport Flyer, which is far less enjoyable (as of March '26). Inside, it feels cramped and they play loud country music. The upper deck is quieter but has unpleasant odors from fumes that permeate the area. For an added $10 per crossing, you can sit in "VIP" style seats with air conditioning and pre-boarding, although I'm not sure about the music choice there. They even have the nerve to request tips at the end of each ride. I recommend choosing Catalina Express instead.
The trip was canceled without any notification, and I had to pay for parking as well as for a different ferry at another location.
Secure the round trip VIP option. You'll be first on the boat, ensuring a great seat, and can relax in the shade on the return journey. The crew was really nice.
To secure an indoor seat, arrive and line up at least one hour before departure, or you might have restrictions on your seating options.
I recommend avoiding the Catalina Ferry bookings through this third party vendor. They do not connect with the ferry company directly, and none of the links from them are recognized by the ferry staff. In the future, I will book directly with the ferry company.
I was very let down by the experience. I don’t understand how a one-way ticket to Catalina Island can be sold. The representative didn’t check if I wanted a return trip. As a third-party seller for Catalina Express, Viator puts you through a cumbersome process if you don’t have the tickets. I wouldn't advise booking a trip to Catalina Island with Viator.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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