Balboa Ferry

 The Balboa Ferry is a throwback to the good ole days of the Southern California coastal lifestyle. The ferry is a 5 minute ride (much shorter than the 5 miles to drive around) across the Newport Bay that offers great views and one of the most unique experiences available in Orange County. Built in 1919, the Balboa Ferry has operated continuously since then and operates every day of the week. On its short trip from the peninsula to Balboa Island, the Balboa Ferry reaches land every 5 minutes, docks approximately 22,500 times each year, and travels an astounding 3,000 plus miles annually! The Balboa Ferry has been owned and operated by the same family for all of its nearly 100 years.

Take the ferry over to Balboa Island and enjoy the charming cape-cod style homes while you stroll around the island or visit Marine Avenue for great shopping and restaurants or a Balboa Bar. The walk around the island is a charming 2 mile stroll with amazing views, including the Grand Canal and the historic Balboa Inn.   All of these attractions, and the low cost of the Balboa Ferry combine for an excellent place to tour on bike or foot. 

The Balboa Ferry can be located at Palm Avenue on the peninsula, right next to the Fun Zone. The hours of operation are 6:30am-2:00am on Friday and Saturday, and 6:30am-Midnight Sunday to Thursday. During the summer, it runs 6am-2am every day. The Balboa Ferry tickets cost just $2.00/car & driver, $1.50/motorcycle and rider, $1.25/bicycle and adult rider, and $0.75/bicycle and child. Pedestrians are just $1.00/adult, $0.50/child 5-11 years old, and children under 5 are free! While this is slightly more than the nickel that was originally charged back in 1919, the Balboa Ferry is still one of the most memorable and inexpensive attractions to be found in Newport Beach. Contact Balboa Island Ferry for more information at 949-673-1070.

Also, if you cross frequently, you can buy a commuter booklet. The cost is $35 for 30 trips inlcuding the car and driver. This is a 43% savings.

If you’re interested in more information about the Balboa Ferry or Newport Beach in general, please give me a call at 714-319-9751.