balboa fun zone boat tours

Fun Zone Boat Company

Review Highlights

“ I'm so grateful for their flexibility on my last cruise on the Tiki Boat , which was for my high school reunion. ” in 8 reviews

“ He was very knowledgeable about who lived in the harbor homes, talked about the Seals and we followed dolphins. ” in 34 reviews

“ The captain and one crew member were really helpful and let us have all the fun we wanted while keeping us safe too! ” in 32 reviews

Location & Hours

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700 E Edgewater Pl

Newport Beach, CA 92661

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Since 1948 we have been providing live narrated Harbor tours and Dinner cruises in Newport beach. During our tours we show and tell you the fun filled history of Newport harbor as we pass the waterfront homes on our way out to the Sea Lions. We offer daily departures every hour on the hour from 11.00 am to sunset all year round. 45min tour Adults $14.00 Seniors $11.00 90 min tour Adults $19.00 Seniors $14.00 Childeren $7.00 4 years and under are free We can accommodate groups up to 149 and using our website you can book your trip online. www.Funzoneboats.com www.Tikiboat.com …

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Overall rating

145 reviews

Today we took our Special Ed high school kids for a harbor tour. There were a total of about 25 total passengers. The captain was awesome. He was very knowledgeable about who lived in the harbor homes, talked about the Seals and we followed dolphins. They were so kind to the kids, we had a birthday on board and he let us borrow the boom box so we could have a little dance party. We will be making this an annual field trip.

The harbor cruise is a must for anyone wanting a relaxing boat ride around the harbor! You can take your own wine and food and the price is very reasonable. I grew up in Balboa and still love to go on the Harbor cruise. Sunset cruise is the best! Didn't have my phone, so no pics, sorry!

It was fun! Lots of knowledge about the houses and who they belonged to. The captain had lots of corny jokes and puns. We came during december 2022 for the holiday lights. It was wonderful CA december weather with sunny skies. We were able to see the harbor seals as they napped in the middle of the buoy tower. I would definitely recommend coming back. Cons: parking is hard to find, and it is all paid parking spots.

We took the 45 minute boat tour in Newport Beach. The tour consists of enjoying the beautiful water but also seeing homes that belonged or still do to famous people. The highlight of the tour is the stop at buoy where the harbor seals hang out, make noise, and generally delighting the people on board. The captain has a lot of corny jokes and puns to lay on the passengers and we took them all in good humor although some were worse than I've been known to tell. Going along the jetty at a slow pace, you learn about the history of the area and then you get to where the channel opens into the Pacific. Shortly after this, is the seal buoy. The boat makes a large circle and you return to the dock in the 45 minutes as advertised. For me besides the buoy, the house owned by Marcy Cook was interesting. I had never heard of her (thank you, Google) but she has made enough money selling her math items that she can afford this house. Having in excess of 5,000 bears in a house seems to suggest a psychological problem, perhaps, but she does her thing. Losing one of those bears would just be unvbearable for her! OK, that'[s a sample of the captain's humor and they kept coming! I'd really recommend this tour. It's a relaxing 45 minutes and it's always nice for a desert rat to be on water!

See all photos from Norm K. for Fun Zone Boat Company

I wish I could give them 10 stars! From Hank, to Captain Jack and Chad to the size and cleanliness of the boat, we want to say thank you so much! They were so helpful and anticipated our every need. The tour in the harbor was fantastic! I just can't say enough good things about our experience. You helped us make my moms 80th birthday one we will never forget!!

We did the 45 minute celebrity home cruise and it was awesome! Relatively cheap, fun, and the guide was knowledgeable and funny. Plus we asked about shifted our reservation 1 day earlier and they had no problem doing that for us.

Had a blast on the sunset cruise. The captains had a fun sense of humor and were very knowledgeable. We will do it again!

Went for the parade of lights tour. The captain / driver was great - )gave us a terrific tour before the parade of lights started,) the boat was comfortable and price was really reasonable. I highly recommended this experience.

90 min tour was fantastic. The staff are great and did a great job providing info about the homes and history. We went on a gloomy day but the boat offers both outdoor and indoor seating. The boat was sanitized and we had 6 feet distancing. I enjoyed the last 45 min tour when we headed into the open ocean. We saw a few seals hanging out and we were able to stop the boat for a few pictures. Overall this was a nice tour around the bay.

Do not let your vacation in or near Newport Beach go by without taking a Sunset Cruise with the Fun Zone Boat Company. In fact, do not let your Life go by without taking a Sunset Cruise. Need to add a bit of spark to your romantic relationship--take a Sunset Cruise. Want to learn a little about the history of the area--take a Sunset Cruise. Want to give someone a great Birthday Present--take them on a Sunset Cruise. Want to reward your office--take them on a Sunset Cruise. There is a reason it's called the "Fun Zone" Boat Company and not the unhappy zone boat company. The unhappy zone boat is on Irvine Lake. We had the BEST experience on the sunset cruise last Weds. It's 90 minutes, they take you around Newport Harbor and point out all the homes and yachts of interest and then just in time for sunset they position the boat off the Wedge so you have an unblocked view of the sunset in the West. (see my pics) Then after that they take you to California Seal Buoy to hang out with the Seals for a while. (see my pics). All this for a very modest price. The folks operating the boat were nice happy people and unlike my last Sunset Cruise off the Coast of Somalia--they did not act like pirates and demand a ransom--they did politely ask for tips and we gladly gave. During these Corona Virus times they are limiting the 100 person boat to 25 people max (they told me) so plenty of room to spread out but limited tickets for each cruise. They let you bring alcohol on and food. But if you are drunk they will not let you take a turn driving the boat and calling the Coast Guard on the radio. (Just kidding!--about driving the boat and the radio.) The boat is equipped with Life Jackets and has one bathroom you should not plan on using unless it is an Extreme Emergency. Do not forgo going to the bathroom on land Before getting on the boat as if you are going on a Princess Cruise for a week. Parking is at meters on the street--Payment required up until 6 PM or at the paid lot a block away or at the Beach/Pier parking lot. We got dinner to go at Big Mex a couple of blocks away--not bad there--get the shrimp bowl. It is just a fun time so if you have not done it before--get on the boat and don't be a second late or you will "miss the boat."

See all photos from David D. for Fun Zone Boat Company

15 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Balboa Fun Zone's

Ferris wheel.

oFFICIAL WEBSITE for the Balboa Fun Zone's Ferris Wheel.

EXPLORE THE FUN ZONE

Go whale watching.

Signature Whale Watch (plus one Ferris Wheel ticket) from $20. 

Luxury Whale Watch*  (plus one Ferris Wheel ticket) from $52.

*Faster - Fewer people - More  sightings

FUN THINGS TO DO

Near the fun zone.

Enjoy great dining, attractions, beach views and more! Including whale watching tours , parasailing, narrated harbor cruises, & beach-side fun.

FERRIS  WHEEL TICKETS

View pricing and details about the Ferris Wheel.

Established

 ferris wheel, beautiful .

BALBOA FUN ZONE

Since 1936, the Fun Zone at Balboa Village has been providing affordable entertainment for all ages. With no admission costs, you can stroll the bayside boardwalk and play as you like. Take a long, relaxing ride on our Ferris Wheel, which offers fantastic views of the Newport Harbor and Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a narrated harbor cruise and get the inside information on who’s who in the million dollar waterfront homes. You’ll also get a chance to see the harbor’s most playful denizen, the sea lion. Harbor cruises take you right up close and personal at the harbor buoys. Be a kid again in the Arcade & Game room or go whale watching on the Pacific. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants, including the best BBQ around and, of course, Ruby’s Diner at the end of the pier. 

CONTACT & LOCATION

Monday- thursday 11am - 6pm  friday-saturday 11am-7:45pm sunday 11am-6:45pm hours of operation may change without notice closed thanksgiving and christmas day  .

OUR ADDRESS

600 East Bay Ave #R

Newport Beach, CA 92661

[email protected] ​

949-484-4600

What you should bring?

Water, cap/hat, positive attitude, guided tour of newport beach, kayak paddleboard tours.

• $80 per person 3 or less
• $60 per person Minimum 4 people
• $50 per person 5 or more

Electric Bike Tours (Back Bay)

• $100 per person 3 or less
• $90 per person 4 or less
• $80 per person 5 or more

Beach Cruiser Tours

• $40 per person
• $50 Bikes with attachments
• $75 for 90 minutes
• $90 for 2 hours

Quick Links

• Paddle Boards
• Beach Stuff

Get in Touch

2000 w balboa blvd newport beach ca 92663.

Call 949-484-4600 To Reserve NOW

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Balboa Village

Newport beach boat rentals.

Located in the heart of the historic Balboa Fun Zone waterfront, Newport Beach Boat Rentals is home to Newport Harbor’s largest and most diversified rental fleet. Experience a relaxing self-guided tour of beautiful homes and gorgeous yachts in your choice of high quality electric or power boats, hi-tech stand up paddleboards, and brand new kayaks. Ocean rentals for fishing & whale watching are also available for more experienced skippers. Free ice & refreshments included for groups of 7 plus.

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Balboa Fun Zone

Price & Hours

• Facilities 4.0
• Atmosphere 4.0

The Balboa Fun Zone lives up to its name. The small park is full of fun activities for children, and with views of the Pacific, adults are sure to enjoy their time as well. This boat yard-turned-amusement park has been in operation since the mid-1900s. Over time, more and more activities have been added, and nowadays there are enough features to keep you busy for hours.

The main attraction is the Ferris wheel that overlooks the sea and provides panoramic views of the rest of the Balboa Peninsula and beyond. It costs $5 to ride, and children younger than 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. The Ferris wheel is independently owned, so its operating hours differ from the rest of the park; it's open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Other kid-friendly features include arcade games and the Happy Swing – a large swinging ride that will make your stomach drop. There is also a Discovery Science Foundation outpost on the boardwalk called OceanQuest Newport Beach. Here, children can enhance their science education with exposure to different marine life exhibits and hands-on activities. To check out upcoming events at this facility, visit the official website . The whole area is free to explore but the Happy Swing, OceanQuest as well as other rides and attractions charge separate fees.

The food options here go way beyond your typical amusement park hot dogs and hamburgers: There are taco stands, sushi to go and Italian and Thai options, among many others. There are also a variety of shops around the park area, including boutiques, surf shops and eyewear stores. If you're looking for water sports, boat rentals or whale watching excursions , this is a good place to start. Parking and public restrooms round out the amenities at the park. Balboa Fun Zone is open year-round; it operates from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information, visit the Balboa Fun Zone website .

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Corona Del Mar State Beach is one of the most popular shorelines in the city – and for good reason. Its calm surf makes it ideal for swimmers, and the half-mile-long stretch of sand means it's easy to find a spot to sunbathe. The beach is hugged by towering cliffs and provides a picture-perfect backdrop for a romantic date night or a family photo.

Near the parking lots, you'll find many volleyball nets for public use. The beach offers public restrooms, outdoor showers and an array of picnic tables. There are also fire pits for public use during normal beach hours (from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.) available on a first-come, first-served basis; you'll have to bring your own wood and fire starters, though.

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