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Newport Beach
Things to Do in Newport Beach
Balboa Island Ferry
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Balboa Island Ferry

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See all things to do
Balboa Island Ferry
4.5

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
443 within 3 miles
Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom
312
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Great MEX
165
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly
Newport Landing
351
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Mint Leaf Thai Cuisine
90
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Balboa Lily's
46
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
San Shi Go Newport
39
0.2 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill
64
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar
Balboa Bar-B-Que
36
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Barbecue
Cabo Cantina
114
0.3 mi$ • Mexican • Bar • Pub
Wilma's Patio Restaurant
451
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
See all
Attractions
85 within 6 miles
Balboa Fun Zone
274
0.2 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Balboa Pier
348
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
1,433
0.5 miIslands
The Wedge
326
1.2 miBeaches
Sherman Library & Gardens
320
1.5 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
St.John Vianney Chapel
44
0.6 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Corona Del Mar State Beach
286
1.5 miBeaches
Fashion Island
652
1.6 miShopping Malls
See all
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
Super service
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
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. 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
Fun Ferry Ride
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
Great Transportation with Spectacular Views
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
Take your car down the nostalgia lane
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
Recommend this!!
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
Fun Experience!
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
Bike down the boardwalk and then ferry over to Balboa Island for a Balboa Bar!
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
Inexpensive and Socially Distanced Fun Experience
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
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Balboa Island Ferry - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Balboa Island Ferry

Balboa Island Ferry Information

Excellent Reviews

1,389

Very Good Reviews

449

Balboa Island Ferry Photos

428