Catalina Flyer, Newport Beach

we are heading to Catalina later this week...any information on parking? Is there a secure lot?

Do not accidentally leave anything behind. I had accidentally left my camera at the Snorkel Catalina shop and didn't realize it until after we were on the boat. When I approached the lady at the ticket window back at Balboa Island, she told us we could contact the Catalina Chamber of Commerce. That evening I left a message at Snorkel Catalina to see if my camera was there. Lisa from Snorkel Catalina called me back the next morning and was very sympathetic and told me she did find my camera and would be happy to take it to the Catalina Flyer to see if they would bring it to the main land for me. That evening we went to Balboa excited that I would be getting my pictures of our vacation, only to be disappointed that it wasn't there. I called Lisa to see what had happened and left a message. The next morning, Lisa called and said she had taken it to the Catalina Flyer and they told her it was lost. I was very upset, to think it was found and then lost again. Today I received a call that they had my camera and it was at there Balboa office. Thank you for finding my camera and bringing it back to the main land for me.

On July 11 my girlfriend and I used this ferry to travel from Newport to Avalon and we appreciated it, because this was the only ferry that left out of the Newport area. We went golfing and jet skiing, and we scheduled everything in Avalon around the fact that the ferry leaves at 4:30 sharp, because this was the only ferry back to Newport. We finish jet skiing and look at our watch - it's only 4:00. Considering that we could see the Flyer from Front Street and knew that it wasn't leaving until 4:30, we stopped for a quick drink to kill the time before hopping back on the boat. We get one drink each and close our tab immediately so we can head over to the ferry as soon as we finish. At 4:23 we leave the bar and start walking. From Luau Larry's to the pier is about 300 yards walking so we figured there was plenty of time, especially considering we still hadn't heard the 5 minute warning horn to hop on. By the time we're 150 yards away we hear the horn, but at the same time the boat is leaving the harbor - NO FIVE MINUTE WARNING. I look at my watch: it's 4:27. Looking at my cell phone and my girlfriend's cell phone, it's still 4:27. THE BOAT LEFT EARLY. I run over to the Catalina Flyer Kiosk to tell the attendant that the boat's leaving early, but the window closed at 4:00, which made me stop and think - why would a company stop all business 30 minutes prior to departure? I know of no train service or airline that stops all business 30 minutes prior to departure. I'll admit, coming up to the dock at 4:27 was cutting it close. But this is the only ferry that goes back to Newport Beach - the only other option is to go to Long Beach or Dana Point, both of which are at least 20 miles away from where you parked your car in Newport. There is only one ferry back to Newport and that's at 4:30; therefore, this company is not at all justified at leaving even 30 seconds prior to departure. 3 minutes was more than enough time to walk the final 150 yards, show our ticket, and get settled in our seats. It certainly was enough time when we showed up in the morning at Newport. After this, I called Catalina Flyer's number and explained that the boat left early and that our only option at this point was to take the Catalina Express to Long Beach. The attendant on the phone said "that's tough, you missed your boat" and was completely unsympathetic. She spoke with the captain and told me that the captain blasted the 5 minute warning for everyone before he left, and I explained to her that he blasted the 5 minute warning as he was leaving. She was unreceptive to our problem and refused to be helpful in any way, trying to pass my complaints on to a voice mailbox. After she passed me through she stopped answering the phone, even though business hours we're still open. I found the whole episode to be completely unprofessional. It's clear that there is a trend in this company to "clock out early" - from the captain who decided to go home and leave the dock early to the window kiosk that closes before the service even leaves the harbor to the customer service rep who refuses to answer the phone. If you're going to Catalina, use Catalina Express - it's a much more stable company with professional employees with who leave ON TIME, not early to go home. At least if you miss their boat there are 4 or 5 ferries that leave later so there's always a ride home - just not to Newport. Take it from me - Catalina Flyer is a $61 mistake.

I thought it was a good deal. You leave out of Newport Beach at 9am and you arrive in Avalon at 10:15am. I only stayed for the day, but was able to do quite a bit in Catalina before I had to board the ship at 4:30pm to go home. The staff on the ship are very friendly and helpful. It's $68 roundtrip for adults. If you're looking to visit Catalina Island this is a good way to go.

They still allow smoking on board. I don't think I could have made it across without toking up! Thanks Catalina Flyer!!!

Believe it or not, this company still allows smoking on-board. Considering that they are located in California, this is a ridiculous fact! They are 20 years behind everybody else.