Balboa Island Ferry
Balboa Island Ferry, Newport Beach: Tickets, Tours, Address, Phone Number, Balboa Island Ferry Reviews: 4.5/5
Balboa Island Ferry
Balboa Island Ferry
4.5
Full view
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Tours and Tickets
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
505 within 3 miles
Great MEX
164
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly
Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom
305
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Newport Landing
335
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Mint Leaf Thai Cuisine
88
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Balboa Bar-B-Que
36
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Barbecue
San Shi Go Newport
37
0.2 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
Balboa Lily's
39
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill
64
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar
Cabo Cantina
112
0.3 mi$ • Mexican • Bar • Pub
Wilma's Patio Restaurant
435
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
37 within 3 miles
Balboa Fun Zone
271
0.2 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Balboa Pier
345
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
ExplorOcean
22
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Discovery Cube's Ocean Quest
1
0.2 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Balboa Island
1,425
0.5 miIslands
The Wedge
320
1.2 miBeaches
St.John Vianney Chapel
43
0.6 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Sherman Library & Gardens
305
1.5 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
Corona Del Mar State Beach
283
1.5 miBeaches
Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society
19
0.5 miHistory Museums
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1,924 reviews
Excellent
1,370
Very good
448
Average
95
Poor
8
Terrible
3
James L
2 contributions
A different way to get to the island.
Aug 2021 • Couples
The ferry ride is only a few minutes and short. The ferry is small only holds three vehicles and walk on's.The ride was smooth and the price was fair.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steve P
4 contributions
It's a boat for cars!
Jun 2021
What's to review? The crew does an excellent job as they have been for decades! The only issue is the drivers/passengers who like to get out of their cars and the pedestrians that block the cars at the ramp that hold up the process!
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joes686
San Diego, CA23 contributions
Quick, cheap, Fun
May 2021
Just a fun way to get between Balboa the Island, and the 'Mainland' Fun by car or just as a passenger. The boats are in constant motion so there's little wait, especially as a walk on. Cars, in the summer, may take longer, as there are but three to a ferry, but again, they are in constant motion. Do it, it's fun
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shawn & Diane Adiliano
Eugene, OR21 contributions
Very beautiful
May 2021 • Couples
We have been taking this ferry whenever we visit Cali.
It's so beautiful here we just love it. You must come and see for yourselves.
It's so beautiful here we just love it. You must come and see for yourselves.
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jerome
Las Vegas, NV46 contributions
Boats for Cars
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.
edq88222
Fountain Valley, CA466 contributions
Wonderful ferry trip, perfect for selfies or a video
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.
Jill R
7 contributions
Fun little trip
May 2021
This is a fun little boat ride. It's only a couple minutes across. The staff was very kind and cheerful.
Written May 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travel the World
San Francisco, CA1,082 contributions
Affordable and Saves Time
Mar 2021
Shortest ferry ride in history but saves you a lot of time to get between Balboa Island and the Newport Beach Peninsula. It only cost $1.25 for individuals. It can fit 3 cars and bikers. They run two at a time so it goes fast❤️
Written March 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
help32250
Corona, CA1,717 contributions
Still Great but Prices have Gone UP
Mar 2021
It's hard not to love the simple pleasure of this very Americana experience. We take the Ferry from Balboa Island to Balboa as often as we can.
The last few times we did it I thought the prices may have gone up. Still an incredible value, but you may want to keep a couple more quarters in your pocket. For 2 people in a car it is now $3.50. I'll attach a pic so you can figure out what to expect.
A couple suggestions: Take exact change if possible ... say HI to the Skipper, some of which have been operating those Ferries for decades ... and take your camera. You never know what, or who, you will see.
Enjoy!
The last few times we did it I thought the prices may have gone up. Still an incredible value, but you may want to keep a couple more quarters in your pocket. For 2 people in a car it is now $3.50. I'll attach a pic so you can figure out what to expect.
A couple suggestions: Take exact change if possible ... say HI to the Skipper, some of which have been operating those Ferries for decades ... and take your camera. You never know what, or who, you will see.
Enjoy!
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
macnjac89
College Station, TX185 contributions
Fun On the Water
Dec 2020
Short little sail across the water to the island - 3 car limit - we took our bikes... $1.50 per lot's of fun! ...although Balboa Island is not very bike friendly.
Written December 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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, Indonesia78 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.
