An iconic part of balboa island-taking the ferry is such a unique, cost friendly, and nostalgic ride. (You can always come in off of PCH..but if you have out of ton guests...I like to take them on the ferry to experience the charm and the view. Driving to the ferry is a tad tricky if you do it at night. I used Google Maps..and it takes you in a bit of an odd looo by the parking lot, but trust the process and you'll magically end up where you need to be. I came at night to enjoy views of the lights from the fun zone as well as the island. The ferry is **CASH ONLY** and very reasonable at $3 for a car with a driver. $2 for additional people in the car. The ferry only fits 3 cars. read more

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This ferry only takes a few minutes to take you across. It was $2 a person with an extra .$25 for a bike. Can't go wrong. 3 vehicles & several persons fit. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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So many memories, 30 years ago, I recall rollerblading at Balboa, and taking this ferry! Another time, with our dogs on the ferry. Took my kids across the beach in the ferry recently too. Funny thing. after three decades, I've never taken my car or been in a car across Balboa in the ferry! Five stars because it's just a wonderful experience, reminiscing, seeing Balboa, on the Ferris wheel watching the ferry. You name it.! read more

Balboa Island Ferry - They took off without me ! - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The Ferry is the perfect way to get from Balboa Peninsula to Balboa Island. This cute old fashioned ferry takes a maximum of 3 cars and about 20 pedestrians. They have not raised their rates for as long as I can remember. It's still $1.75 per pedestrian - CASH ONLY. Cars are $3 plus $1.75 for extra people besides the driver. Kids only $.50. This is so relaxing to glide over to the island. Looking forward to those Balboa Bars! We walked around Tuesday night to admire all the holiday decorations. They are working on some electric solutions to meet the zero emissions regulation for 2025. I really hope they figure it out because the ferry is a treasure. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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A must-add to your OC bucket list! I grew up frequenting the Balboa Island Ferry with my dad and brothers. I recently visited for the first-time as an adult during the Balboa Art Walk. So bummed I haven't been utilizing this public service for the past decade! It's super affordable: $2 per walk-on and a little more per car. It's about a five minute ferry ride, which somehow felt so much longer as a kid? This is a great way to experience more of this coastal town, take in the lovely views of the harbor, and it's a shortcut for those looking to hop between the Balboa peninsula and island. Be sure to bring cash! read more

What a convenience!!! We missed PCH and drove into the peninsula. We needed to get over to Balboa Island and behold . . . we stumbled unto this ferry! Picturesque with blue skies and rolling waves. I didn't even feel when departed - it was that smooth!! Nominal fee. Carry cash. read more

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BIF is the easiest way for us to get to the Peninsula. Sometimes you have to wait and other times you can drive right on. The easiest and cheapest way is to park on the island and walk on the Ferry. Taking the car on does cost more and they will also count how many people you have in the car. Riding a bike also costs more than walking on but is cheaper than the car. I have figured it costs about the same with gas and a bit more time if you drive around to the peninsula instead of the ferry. This also offers a more scenic drive than driving around the long way. I guess it depends where you are headed and traffic conditions. They do offer a frequent driver booklet if you ride it enough. You can save a few bucks by doing this. Overall, there are two ways to get to the other side. You can drive or take the Ferry. Overall, I am a fan of the Ferry. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Pricing keeps creeping up but I still don't mind spending a bit more to get across Balboa Peninsula. As many others have mentioned, this ferry has been in operation for quite some time and definitely brings back a level of nostalgia. I've purchase the frequent rider pass in prior times which gave me a small booklet of prepaid stubs, but I do not think that is available any longer. Most recently, I took my kid on a short roundtrip on the ferry and paid $4 ($2 adult for one way, kids under 5 are free!) and it felt worthwhile since we had a bit of time to look at the other side of the island and also check out the ferris wheel. I definitely can recommend using the ferry for actual commuting purposes or just for a quick ride in Balboa, it's kind of cool to see everything from the water and definitely brings back great memories! read more

One of the highlights on our trip was taking this ferry to balboa Island. Inexpensive way to get from balboa peninsula to balboa Island. It was out first time on a ferry so that itself was fun! $1.75 each person and .50 cents for kids 5 and under. The ride was approximately 5-10 minutes read more

Cute effective ferry!!! It allows 3 cars, bikes and pedestrians! I really enjoyed the ride over! It's very cheap. Pro tip.. cash only! read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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My first time in America taking a ferry with a car! It was such a fun experience and I didn't know about this place until I saw it on the news quite a while ago. But I thought this was a great day to try it out and also go to the beach. The boat can fit one car and it takes you literally across which is not that far away so it only takes a few minutes. They do charge you to do this but it was super low. Just a few dollars is all you need for a fun adventure. If you haven't done this I feel like you should. Sesame the doggie was so fascinated by it and it was also her first ferry ride too! read more

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Such a cute little adventure ! Very affordable, cash only and all the workers were so kind. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Two dollars per person. Friendly staff. Nice ride. Usually not busy. At night beware the seats are wet

Easiest and fastest way to get across! You can even take your car or bike with you if you'd like. I believe l it's $1.25 or $1.50 and I believe it's cash only, and the guys have plenty of change. It's a very short ride, maybe 3 minutes at most by Making it a fun and easy ride. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Blink and the ride is over. LOL This is a ferry where you can cross to the other side via your vehicle or on foot. We paid to drive our car onto the landing port and then drove over once we got off the ferry. It was a nice view and fun experience. read more

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The Balboa Island Ferry is an iconic part of Newport Beach that has been in operation for over a century. It also helped me win a bet with my kids that our minivan could drive on the ocean! The ride is very short, only about 200 yards or so, but it's really the only ocean-going ferry that I'm aware of in Southern California, or maybe the whole state. While the ride is quick, it is definitely scenic. It can be pretty cool to see the boats on either side. Despite being somewhat unncessary as you can just drive around, this little shortcut remains super popular. It can get pretty crowded, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons. So if you are in a car, be prepared to wait. They do have a time-tested, quite efficient method using three separate boats - one at each end, and one waiting in the middle. So it's not always that long. Also, it's cash only, but not that expensive. Plan on about five to 10 bucks for a group of adults. If you're looking for a quirky and fun way to cross Newport Harbor, or win a bet with your kids about cars driving across the ocean, this is definitely it. Worth the experience at least once. Five stars! read more

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This is a very accessible ferry and a quick ride across to the other side. The staff is very friendly and they were very helpful with entering and exiting the ferry to help keep people from falling. This is a very useful service they have. read more

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OK, I'm from the state of Washington which has REAL ferries. Ones that hold 100+ cars. You can get out and walk around the boat. Of course, those trips usually take 30-40 minutes. So, I kind of laughed a little when I saw this this 3-car ferry that was more like a small barge. Still, I have to admit, it was fun for the 5-minute trip the $4.00 I paid. They were super organized and professional in the way they load you in, especially since you're with people on foot and with bikes. You drive on and then pay once the ferry gets under way. I have to admit, we actually started moving as soon as I stopped my car on the ferry. They ask you turn off the engine, but I thought my car was rolling and I keep hitting the breaks! It was a weird feeling moving on the ocean while sitting in your car. It took me minute for my brain to kick in that I'm on a boat and it's OK. Now, for the important part. Go to their website sign the petition to save this ferry. The state wants them to go all electric which will cost $5 million dollars!!! At $2 per person, that's 2.5 million people, and with the average ride probably taking in $40-50 bucks, you can do the math on this one. People will use more gas to drive around to the bridge, not to mention create more hectic and slow traffic. It's insane. But more importantly, if the bridge is closed, the ferry is the only way on/off the island unless you own a boat. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - The view from my driver's side window. Very peaceful and relaxing. - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Very quick and fun way to get between Balboa Island and the peninsula. Efficient, scenic, historic, and easy in non-peak times. Thoroughly enjoyed this piece of history and totally recommend if you need to get between the two amazing locales. read more

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The Balboa Island ferry is the main mode of transportation between Newport beach and Balboa Island. The tickets are cheap and The Fairy as fast.. THE DEAL: have your phone ready to capture scenic views, both coming and going! read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Balboa Island ferry takes passengers, and cars, from Newport Beach to Balboa Island. - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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It's a wait to get in line and ride the ferry with a vehicle, but it's worth it if you want to experience riding in your car on a ferry to go to Balboa Island from Newport Beach. Each ferry ride can hold 3 cars at a time. It's cash only - $3 per vehicle with driver, $1.75 per adult passenger, and $.50 per child passenger -- not bad! Since we didn't have the exact change, they even gave us a discount! read more

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These people provide an excellent service at a great price. You can travel between Balboa Island and Peninsula in a couple of minutes. It's $2 a person (adult). The ferry can take you and your car for only $3. The staff is friendly and considerate. I felt safe on this transportation. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I love being around water. This ferry will get you to the island and back in a snap. Or you can take it from the island to The Fun Zone. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

*****CASH ONLY***** $4 for 1 car and 2 adults. Not sure how they're charging it cuz the website and the front prices are different than how they're coming up with $4 ******CASH ONLY***** Great way to get from Balboa Island to Balboa Peninsula where there is Balboa Pier. 5 min boat ride. You can bring your car on the boat. They collect your money when you're on the boat. Long wait when you're going to the Balboa Peninsula. There's a small sign when you're waiting to make sure you turn off your car engine. Maybe cuz of neighborhood don't want to smell gas or save environment.... You can even ride it without a car. Cool experience. read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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It's so exciting to go over water no matter how far or long it may be. It's always nice doing something different on a nice day in summer and just be spontaneous. The ferry sparked my interest, as it was warm in the valley and the crowds are not as large on Balboa Island, as the Fourth of July is over. At first, I wanted to drive my car onto the ferry, but realized I'd need to deal with parking , so walked aboard and enjoyed the 5 minute trip across the Pacific. A fun way to stay cool and enjoy something different on a Sunday afternoon... BTW, travel for the two of us was $3.00; quite a deal! read more

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One of the family friendly activities to spend the afternoon is taking the Balboa Island Ferry and explore the connecting areas. The ferry is a short ride between Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island, but it's a nifty experience cruising and relaxing on the water. Love making an outing taking the ferry, riding bike, and walking around to sightsee and enjoy some ice cream/treats. The ferry runs frequently, every few minutes, Monday through Sunday: 6:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. There are separate lanes for automobiles and pedestrians; each ferry accommodates about 2-3 vehicles at a time + several bikes + 20+ passengers. Once on board when the ferry gets going, ferry staff will walk around to collect the fare, cash only. One Way Fare: PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLE PASSENGERS: - Adult $1.50 - Child (5-11 years) $0.50 VEHICLES (AND DRIVER): Bicycles: - Adult .$1.75 - Child (5-11 years) $0.75 Motorcycles/scooters $2.00 Passenger automobiles/trucks $2.50 read more

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I enjoyed the Balboa Island Ferry experience. This ferry connects the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island in Newport Beach. They are quick and efficient with 2 boats simultaneously coming back and forth to get vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from one side to the other. When I was younger I experienced the ferry from the car, but honestly it was less exciting than my recent experience as a pedestrian. My niece and I were down in Balboa Island and we decided to take the ferry over to the other side. We took many many gorgeous photos with the stunning island in the background. The view was so fun with all of the boats and attractions, especially around the holidays. FARES: - $1.25/adult pedestrian or passenger - $0.50/child (age 5-11) pedestrian or passenger - $1.50/vehicle and driver - $1.75/motorcycle or scooter and driver *FREE for children under 5* I highly recommend the pedestrian experience if you haven't had it before. The wind blowing on your hair and the sun's warmth on your face. It's an easy going simple, but incredible experience... especially when you are with you loved ones :) read more

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This is such a Great Experience to drive your car onto the ferry, it takes to the other side of the beach, short trip. Day time is probably better, more to see during the day. The employees who run the ferry were very friendly and kind. Three cars per Ferry trip. A must do if your ever in the area There was five of us in 1 car, the cost was only $7.50, A must do, Enjoy! read more

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It's a cheap way to cross the water to get from balboa peninsula to the island quickly and back. There are no frills or extras. You literally just get on and off. The people working it are friendly and efficient. Only 3 cars per ferry- I can see how there might be too big of a line during peak times. I went off peak and it was just right. If you don't absolutely need your car, just park in a lot on the peninsula side and take yourself across to avoid that car line. The island is small enough you really don't need your car for anything. read more

I love the ferry! It's great for personal use (going to and from the beach across PCH) and fun to take tourists. I've driven on, biked on, and walked on many times. Crew is always friendly. read more

Fun and quick way to cross Newport harbor between Balboa Island and the peninsula. I often ride the ferry even if I don't need to just for the experience. read more

The Balboa Island Ferry has comfortable seats on all ends of the deck. There is a bar and snacks inside the cabin. I got to experience a tour of the estates with Christmas lights. The seats were wet when we sat down. If you are going during the Winter make sure to wear jackets and bring a blanket. read more

Nice ferry ride but NOT $1 person. Its 1.75 person just want to update Yelpers. Still worth the ride, Cash Only from what I saw. Balboa Island is a very nice walk and small downtown is cool but everything closes down at 6 PM. Get the frozen bananas downtown. read more

Yes definitely recommend to get quickly from Newport to Balboa. Ferry ride was $2 for vehicles. Total ferry ride was about 5 minutes. Nice scenic views of the water. You can even step out and walk around the ferry and or have to sit in the car. read more

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The guy Steele was really unfriendly. From the moment we got to the area and he saw us, he held a glare at me and my boyfriend as if to say "you're in the wrong place" or when cops pull you over for something bad. Absolutely terrible customer service. I had never been to the ferry before & didn't realize it was cash only, and as I nervously fumbled through my bag & wallet looking for cash, he looked at my wallet & when he saw my boba rewards cards section, he barked "what is THAT!", thinking it was cash. It was just the tone & the subtle attitude that he had towards us the whole time that was really disrespectful. What is this, you think you're in the military bossing around some civilian of an invaded nation during a war? I'm paying for this. We did not deserve to be treated this way. I ended up getting cash from the ATM across the street to pay after, as the other guy wasn't giving us straight up hostile energy, but man. We felt so uncomfortable with that ass hat that we didn't even feel like getting out of the car for a better view. Ruined our date night. My boyfriend had been wanting to show me that place and it ended up being spoiled by that guy named STEELE. read more

Easy and adds a little excitement to your trip. The Balboa ferry helps you travel across to and from the Peninsula to Balboa island. You never gave to wait long. First they allow up to 3 cars on it, and them people on foot or bikes fill in on the sides. You can choose to sit since there is seating. While traveling, they take cash only and will come up to you for the fee. Then after about 5 minutes, you get off the ferry to your destination! Cheap and cool! read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Fun quick cheap and easy! Took bikes over with family of 7, We will be back next time

I've been eyeballing getting on the ferry for 2 years & yesterday we finally went. Since we were riding our motorcycles up from San Diego, I had to do a few things to understand how our bikes would be parked on it. This is where the anxiety really kicks in. I was swiping thru their business images on Yelp, Google, their own website. Factor in having anxiety in general, I know I couldn't have loaded/ unloaded my bike without my husband's help. First off, let me get into detail about everything else.... We entered at Agate St.... So, once you drive pass Newport Beach Yacht Club onto the lil bridge on Marine Ave... you'll turn on Park Ave. There's gonna be signs posted along the way for Balboa Island Ferry. Since we arrived early, the ferry was already docked (green light on to proceed). This is where my anxiety kicked in, I already knew where my tires had to be on, but, there's a slight dip on the ramp where my short legs couldn't touch the ground. So, yes, panic does set in & although I tried my best to remain calm- thank you to the staff member & my husband for helping me dismount my bike & letting my husband pull my bike up to the front. Now, have your cash on hand, staff will have change for your large size bill. Get your videos & pics asap because in the blink of an eye- you're already approaching Balboa Island. The views are beautiful & the prices are super fare. Would I do it again? YES!!! But, not on my motorcycle. LOL read more

Balboa Island Ferry - This is where you park your motos while on the ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Fun thing to do if you're hanging around the beach. Here's the run down: 1) Only 3 cars per trip 2) $5= 4 humans and 1 car 3) other passengers included bikers and hikers and birds You'll want to take this ferry for the fun of it. Waiting in line to board the ferry can be arduous at the very least because and as I mentioned, only 3 cars per ferry journey. You'll have to turn of your engine so if its summer, it can get pretty warm for that short journey over the water. That said however, the bikers and the hikers will benefit with the ferry ride as you can get from the Balboa Island to Balboa Penninsula without taking the long way with the roads. AND, if you're wanting to watch the holiday boat parade you may want to take the ferry to the island because of parking.... And there folks is the plus and minus factors to this ferry. Oh for Pete's sake!!! Just Do It!!! For the FUN OF IT!!! read more

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Cool fun experience taking the ferry across the balboa island. It was a nice day out and me and the gf were enjoying our time walking around after some coffee. We saw the ferry entrance not being crowded so decided to give it a try. It's $1.50 to get across and it's pretty relaxing. You get plenty of views. Only thing is if there's a lot of ppl sitting around, it's kinda awkward as they are right next to you. Nonetheless everyone is chill and having a good time. As you dock on the other side, the workers allow the cars to leave first. Good thing to check out read more

Balboa Island Ferry - Ferries Near Me - Newport Beach, California