Balboa Island Ferry
Balboa Island Ferry
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,945 reviews
Excellent
1,389
Very good
449
Average
95
Poor
8
Terrible
4
themurrayfamily
Sheffield, UK309 contributions
Feb 2020
The Balboa Island Ferry is such a great service that operates from very early to very late and runs pretty much non stop during it's hours of operation so you're never waiting very long to make the crossing (although that is as a foot passenger - there may be a slightly longer wait at peak times for cars as it only holds three vehicles). It is really cheap to make the crossing. The staff are really friendly and hepful too.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edq88222
Fountain Valley, CA479 contributions
Apr 2021
Not to be missed by tourists, this very short ferry trip is frequently taken by locals. It's a great experience whether it's sunny, overcast, foggy, or rainy. The very best time is at sunset on a clear day, when the moon is rising from the east, and the sun is setting at the west. The trip can be taken from either end, in a car, on foot, or on a bicycle or motor bike.
Written May 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PJB
Lake Elsinore, CA34 contributions
Sep 2020
A great little adventure plus a short cut to get from Balboa Island to the Newport Peninsula. Include a ride for weekend dates. It is operated in a safe manner. Prices are inexpensive. On the Newport Peninsula side it ends at the ferris wheel and other attractions, including other boat cruises. Evening ferry rides bring out the colorful harbor lights.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion Coddington
Newport Beach, CA40 contributions
Jan 2020
The Balboa Island ferry has been in business for several decades. Passengers, bicyclists and cars ride to and from the Peninsula. Generally 3 cars fit on the ferry at one time. The ride is fantastic, because boats are out in the bay, the fun zone with it’s Ferris Wheel, and beautiful homes can be viewed.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ky N
Newport Beach, CA35 contributions
Feb 2020
The ferry takes only about 4 cars (plus many people and bikes). The whole trip crossing the bay takes only few minutes. Put your car in park and step out to take in the view of the town. Some how it still retains the feel of a small coastal town (if you ignore a few of the modern monstrosities). The trip passing the island takes you through the main street with a variety of eateries and small shops. If you can find a parking spot, a walking trip will totally worth your time.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kurt S
4 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We use this service most every time we visit Newport. Not just because it’s convenient and inexpensive, but because it’s a nice ride across the bay that my family enjoys. A vehicle with 3 adults and one child only costs $6. Definitely worth it!
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betsyat240
Grand Rapids, MI160 contributions
Jul 2019
We could have easily taken the bridge over but taking the Balboa Island Ferry just added to the fun of the day. It's a simple barge that holds three cars, some passengers, and bikes. We paid $5 for two adults and a car. The ride starts and is quickly over but it was a fun experience we were glad to have made time for on our travels in Southern California.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roann
Newport Beach, CA12 contributions
Mar 2020
If you are anywhere on Newport Beach peninsula, then a bike ride along the boardwalk is a great way to enjoy the ocean, people watching, .... sun in your face. When your reach the Balboa Pier a quick turn inland toward the bay will get you to Balboa's Ferry, a very fun way to ride the water to Balboa Island. Hint 1: If you take the alley immediately to the right once you exit the ferry you'll miss the car traffic. Hint 2: Too Sweet just down from Dad's has gourmet Balboa bars with fabulous chocolate over vanilla ice cream. As a resident, this is where I get my ice cream fix.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita M
Fullerton, CA48 contributions
Oct 2020
This can be a great way to stay safe and distanced from the crowds, while doing something fun. Since i had my vehicle, I drove to the Balboa Auto Ferry, was able to board the ferry in my car, enjoying the waters and the sights such as the ferris wheel, shops and restaurants, and sounds such as the sea gulls, and the waves lapping, while the ferry crossed. The journey is about 5 minutes but it provides a welcome change from being cooped up in the house if you are trying to stay safe during the pandemic. You can enjoy driving by the houses, and stores as parking can be hard to find on a weekend afternoon. Definitely a relaxing experience.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerome
Las Vegas, NV139 contributions
Nov 2020
I use the Balboa Island Ferry just about every time I'm in the area. This last trip we did some bicycle riding on the island and used the Ferry on the trip over and back. I think it was under a dollar for each person with a bike. It's always a short and enjoyable ride watching the boats on the water.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Devinsmama1
2 contributions
Is it cash only?
edq88222
Fountain Valley, CA479 contributions
You're trolling, right? It's chump change!
How much is the ferry ride without a car?
DenaJones
Phoenix, AZ49 contributions
$1 per adult, $2.50 with a bicycle.
Where to catch ferry from island to fun zone
venckman2017
Fullerton, CA47 contributions
At the end of Agate Avenue off of S. Bay Front.
What time is best to go during the week where there won't be a lot of waiting for the ferry?
NauticalNewporter
Newport Beach, CA56 contributions
Agreed! The weekdays are not as crowded. Keep in mind it's not a long wait in general. I recommend walking on or taking a bike. Sometimes with a car you can get stuck in a line so that may take you longer!
Linda M
North Babylon, NY1 contribution
Is this a beach day to relax,water sports,sunning lay on beach?
JBrinkmeyer
Seminyak, Indonesia80 contributions
Balboa Island has not really beaches - you better go to Laguna Beach or Huntington...
Cyndee A
Placentia, CA16 contributions
Will the ferry be running on Saturday night Dec 17th? Looking to get from Bahia Corinthian Yacht club to Catalina Express.
MisplacedCalifornian
Chicago, IL14 contributions
I just checked the website at balboaislandferry and it does not show any planned closures. They should be open 6:30 am to 2:00 am on that Saturday, but you always have the option to cross the bridge should you need another route.
Frenchybishon
Pharr, TX
What are streets like to drive on?narrow or y not drive to tour area?y walk?
katestarb
Long Beach, CA23 contributions
It's a beach town so the streets are somewhat narrow but very easy to drive on.
cadbury63_13
Edmonton, Canada33 contributions
Do you really need a car on the island? Or can you just jump on the ferry sans car and then wander about the island?
Ken M
15 contributions
No car is needed on Balboa. Everything is walking distance. Great place to visit. Nice touristy shops, good places to eat and fantastic atmosphere. Wilma's Patio is a wonderful place for breakfast. It's very popular with the locals as well as visitors. There's a Starbucks and several specialty food places as well.
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Claim your listingBalboa Island Ferry - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Balboa Island Ferry
- Hotels near Balboa Island Ferry:
- (0.04 mi) Spacious lower oceanfront located within walking distance of the Balboa Pier fun
- (0.08 mi) Spacious upper rear unit in an oceanfront triplex just steps from the Balboa
- (0.11 mi) Balboa Island Guest House
- (0.12 mi) 4BR/3BA Island Home - Easy access to Beaches w/ new AC, attached 2BR for10+ grps
- (0.12 mi) A renovated gem of Balboa Island
- Restaurants near Balboa Island Ferry:
- (0.05 mi) Island Market Grill
- (0.15 mi) Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom
- (0.15 mi) Newport Landing
- (0.21 mi) Great MEX
- (0.14 mi) 501 Park Avenue Bistro
- Attractions near Balboa Island Ferry:
- (0.03 mi) Voyagers
- (0.05 mi) East Meets West Whale Watching
- (0.15 mi) Newport Coastal Adventure Whale Watching
- (0.16 mi) Catalina Flyer
- (0.17 mi) Davey's Locker
Balboa Island Ferry Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,389 |
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Very Good Reviews | 449 |
Balboa Island Ferry Photos | 428 |