Where is the Balboa Island Ferry located?

The ferry which takes people, cars and bikes to Balboa Peninsula departs from the Balboa Island in Newport Beach. Some people believe that taking the Balboa ferry from the peninsula is the only way to get to Balboa Island, however that is not true. Balboa Island is accessible via a bridge from Bayside Dr and the popular PCH (pacific coast highway/route 1) which runs parallel to Bayside. To access the ferry from Balboa Island follow these directions: Come on to Balboa Island via the main bridge, continue onto Marine Avenue to the second 4 way stop (Park Ave – intersection with fire-station and The Village Inn). Turn right on to Park Ave and drive all the way down to Agate. Turn left on to Agate toward South Bay Front and you will arrive at the Ferry crossing.

How Much Does the Balboa Island Ferry Cost?

***Cash Only – Pay On Board – No Bills Larger than $20***

Car & Driver – $3 (Passengers Extra)
Motorcycles & Scooters – $2.50

Bicycles
   – $2.25 (Adult)
   – $1.25 (Child)

Pedestrians and Vehicle Passengers
   – Adults – $2
   – Children (5-11) – $2
   – Children (Under 5) – Free

How Long is the Wait for the Balboa Island Ferry?

If you are a pedestrian or on a bicycle, the wait for the Balboa Island Ferry is not that long. You can go right up and board immediately. If the ferry is not there at the moment, it’s usually less than a 5 minute wait. If you are in a vehicle, it depends how many cars are in front of you. There are times when there are over 10+ waiting. The Balboa Island Ferry can hold 3 vehicles so 10 cars would take approximately 15 minutes or more. Some people believe the balboa ferry is the only way to access Balboa Island or Balboa Peninsula, however that is not true. You can reach both locations from PCH. View Maps & Directions

How Long is the Balboa Island Ferry ride?

It takes approximately 3-5 minutes to cross between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula. Just enough time for the operators to collect your cash and for you to snap some quick pictures! Most people love to capture the Ferris Wheel or the Harbor Pavilion in the background.

What Time of the Day does the Balboa Island Ferry operate?

The Balboa Island Ferry is open for operation from…
Every Day: 6:30 AM – 12 AM

The Ferry strongly recommends arriving no later than 11:45pm to either side so they can ensure the get you to your destination before closing.

What should I do while riding the Balboa Island Ferry?

Whatever you do, act fast! The ride is quick. Most of us wish it was longer. If you are in a vehicle, don’t be afraid to jump out for a quick photo. Most people love to capture the moment with the historic Harbor Pavilion and Balboa Ferris Wheel in the background. Near the balboa peninsula landing, you will often see sea lions that are hoping to get scraps from the nearby fishing boats returning from the excursions.

What is there to do once I take the Balboa Island Ferry?

That depends on which direction you are headed! Are you wanting do do something active? Do you have kids? Are you hungry? If you are heading to Balboa Island then you should definitely hit Marine Avenue! Get a Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana or dine at one of the restaurants on Marine Avenue. Do some boutique shopping and walk the island. The entire island bayfront is a sidewalk. If you walk the big and little island it is a 2.5 mile journey. If you walk just the big island perimeter is is 1.8 miles.

What is the History of the Balboa Island Ferry?

Since 1919, Balboa Island Ferry has provided continuous service for drivers and passengers in vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. Crossings approximate 800 feet. Via bridges, an alternate route is possible; but the traveling distance increases up to six miles. Many choose the ferry’s direct route and scenic crossing. For more information on the Ferry, check out their F.A.Q. or visit their website!

Balboa Island Ferry FAQs

Directions

From the 405 Freeway:

• Take Jamboree South towards PCH.
• After going over PCH you will cross a bridge onto Balboa Island.
• Continue until you reach Park Ave, then turn right.
• Follow Park Ave until Agate Ave, then turn left.
• You are now in line for the Ferry.

From Southbound PCH:

• From PCH turn right onto Balboa Blvd.
• Follow Balboa Blvd, then turn right onto Palm St.
• Follow Palm St. until it ends, then turn left on Main
• Turn left on Balboa Blvd.
• Turn Right onto Palm and follow the signs to the Ferry

From Northbound PCH

• From PCH turn left onto Jamboree.
• Cross the bridge onto Balboa Island.
• Continue until you reach Park Ave, then turn right.
• Follow Park Ave until Agate Ave, then turn left.
• You are now in line for the Ferry.

Can I bring my vehicle on the Ferry?

More than likely! The Balboa Island Ferry is designed to take most vehicles with the following exceptions:

• Vehicles over 10,00 lbs
  • Examples are Party Buses, EV Hummers…etc
• Vehicle above 9’7”
• Stretch Limos or Extended Sprinter Vans
• Trailer/Tow Hitches, vehicles must remove hitches before boarding.
• Dually Trucks
• Polaris Slingshots three-wheeled motorcycles, or any other vehicle with a center wheel that could put pressure on the engine hatch.
• Vehicles pulling any kind of trailer.
• Campers, regardless of size, or any vehicle with a waste-water holding tank.

Ferry Captain’s reserve the right to decide whether a vehicle can board at the time of boarding. For questions about your vehicle, please call 949-673-1070.

LOW ROAD CLEARENCE! Vehicles Use At Own Risk!

Balboa Island Ferry is not responsible for property damage, driver’s assume responsibility for damaged caused by their vehicle.

Vehicle issues leading to a temporary loss of a Ferry will incur a charge of $1.66/minute until the issue is resolved.

Vehicle issues leading to a temporary loss of all operations will incur a charge of $16.66/minute until the issue is resolved.

How does the Ferry load and unload passengers?

Unless otherwise directed by your crewmember, disembarking and embarking are as follows:

1) Pedestrians and passengers with bicycles remain seated and to the sides as cars exit first.

2)Pedestrians and passengers with bicycles will disembark using the two side ramps.

3) Vehicles will be loaded onto the ferry. The third car will remain on the ramp.

4) Pedestrians and passengers with Bicycles can then load onto the Ferry from the side ramps.

5) The third car is brought onboard the Ferry.

Do I need to buy a ticket in advance?

No, you’ll just pay the deckhand as the Ferry is crossing.

Can I use credit cards and/or Apple Pay?

At this time the Ferry is cash only

Should I tip the Crew?

The wind and seas may tip the ship, but only you can tip the crew!

Tipping is greatly appreciated by your hard working crew, but never expected.

When does the Ferry Open?

We open at 630am, 365 days a year!

When does the last Ferry leave?

The Ferry closes at Midnight. Typically the last Island departure is at 11:50 PM, and the last Peninsula Departure is at 11:55 PM. However we strongly recommend any pedestrians arrive at each dock no later that 11:45pm

Do you run on Holidays?

Yes! We run 365 days a year, rain or shine! We even continue service during the Christmas Boat Parade

Are Dogs allowed on the Ferry?

Yes! We love our furry Ferry friends. We just ask that dogs be kept on their leash with someone with them at all times.

Where can I park

There is street parking on Balboa Island as well as Street and metered parking on Balboa Peninsula.

Are there restrooms nearby the Ferry?

Yes, Public Restrooms are located right next to the Ferry landing on the Island and are open between 6am-10pm

On the peninsula side, public restrooms are located in the Fun Zone, as well as behind the Fun Zone

Are there employment opportunities at the Ferry?

Yes! please enquire at: https://www.balboaislandferry.com/career-opportunities.html

I’d like to buy a shirt or a hat, when is your store open?

Our storefront is typically open Tuesday Through Thursday, from 9am to 3pm, but we recommend calling ahead as this can change week-to-week.

All of our merchandise is available at our online store and purchases made online can be picked up locally.

Click Here To Visit Our Online Store!

Does the Ferry ever shut-down?

On rare occasions the Ferry does shut down if weather and current reach a point where there is concern for safety. We do our best to stay ahead of things and communicate to you through out alert system on Instagram.

Click Here To Visit The Ferry’s Instagram Page

Does the Ferry run during the Christmas Boat Parade?

Yes! The Ferry will continue to operate during the parade with Parade Control creating breaks for our crew to get you in and out of the docks.