Local History: Balboa Ferry

THE BALBOA ISLAND FERRY

IN NEWPORT HARBOR

Since 1919, the Balboa Island Ferry has provided continuous service between Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula. Just inside the entrance to the Balboa Village, you’re ready to step aboard the Balboa Island Ferry, taking you to and from quaint Balboa Island. The Balboa Island Ferry is the only ferry of its kind in Southern California, and one of the oldest continuously operating ferry services west of the Mississippi River. Similar ferries, such as the Coronado Ferry in San Diego and one that ran from San Pedro to Terminal Island, have shut down.

In 1919, residents on the island lobbied the city for better ferry service. A local resident, Joseph Beek, was the only bidder who also happened to own a boat and thus, he won a contract for $50 per month to run the business. A quick history on Joseph Beek:

Balboa Island might as well have been called Beek’s Island. Joseph A. Beek, was “one-of-the-first” when it came to almost everything. Beek first came to Balboa to pay for college by selling lots on Balboa Island. Eventually owning his own real estate office on Balboa Island, he co-developed Beacon Bay and Harbor Island. In 1907, he became the first harbor master. In 1919 he officially started the Balboa Island Ferry and founded the Balboa Island Yacht Club. He was one of first supporters of an early hospital called the Newport Beach Hospital. He was one of the early directors of the Newport Balboa Federal Savings and Loan Assn. He was one of the city’s first library trustees. Joseph Beek did a lot of things for the advancement of the still small, mostly transient city of Newport Beach his family name has been intertwined with Newport Harbor ever since.

The Ferry can be accessed from either the Balboa Peninsula side or from Balboa Island, as bridges connecting the ‘mainland’ to the island were built in 1919, and offer easy access from either route. The Balboa Ferry is steeped in history, making its first appearance in 1909. In 1915, Beek purchased the boat known as “The Ark,” and began

service. The Ark, essentially a large rowboat which came equipped with a small engine, still carried oars in the event of engine failure. As there was no scheduled service, passengers made arrangements to be picked up by telephoning Mr. Beek directly. As demand grew, Joseph built the first of his ferries in 1920, which held 20 passengers. Later a barge was added which accommodated one vehicle, which his ferry pushed across the harbor in front of it. The cost for that first car? 10 cents. In 1922, Joseph acquired his first self-propelled ferry that could carry two cars. In the 1950’s, his fleet of double-ended ferry boats, the Admiral, the Commodore, and the Captain, which were actually built on Balboa Island, were put into service and remain so to this day.

In the 1950’s Seymour Beek, Joe’s son, was attending Pomona College when his father gave him a summertime job as an operator. Seymour Beek has been running the business since 1968 and it has now been in the family for 100 years.

Each Ferry holds three cars and 75 passengers, and has transported over three million people. The ferries travel over 3,200 miles a year, making the approximately 800 foot trip over 200 times a day, leaving every five minutes.

Come ride the ferry and experience it yourself! On Friday and Saturday nights the hours are extended until 2 a.m., leaving plenty of time for late night fun in the Balboa Village! Both sides of the peninsula are packed with charm, offering an enjoyable day of shopping and sightseeing. Bon Voyage!

HOURS OF OPERATION:

7 Days a Week 6:30 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.

20311 SW Birch St., Suite 150 Newport Beach, CA 92660