The waters between Chula Vista and downtown San Diego now host a scheduled passenger connection. On June 1, 2026, the ferry named Balboa completed its inaugural run from the Chula Vista waterfront, marking the start of daily operations between the South Bay and the Fifth Avenue landing behind the San Diego Convention Center. The new service is operated by Flagship Cruises and Events and is intended to serve both residents and visitors as an alternative to driving.
Officials describe the route as more than a tourist attraction: they expect it to function as a practical piece of regional transport infrastructure that supports local commerce and waterfront access. The vessel’s capacity, schedule pattern and fare structure were planned to balance operational realities with community goals for sustainable mobility and economic benefit.
Service details and vessel specifications
The ferry in service, the Balboa, is a 30-foot, diesel-powered vessel that can carry up to 32 passengers per trip. It travels at about 10 knots (roughly 11 mph), and operators estimate a one-way journey time of approximately 45 minutes. Flagship Cruises schedules multiple daily trips, with the route offering regular departures intended to provide reliable connections throughout the day.
Schedule and fares
Passengers can expect a practical timetable: the service is offered daily with repeated departures that allow commuters and visitors to plan trips without long waits. The published fare for a single ride is $15 per person, one-way; children under a certain age may ride for free, depending on Flagship policy. The company recommends purchasing tickets in advance through its website to secure a spot, particularly during busy periods.
Why leaders support the ferry
City and port leadership framed the service as an economic and environmental opportunity. Chula Vista Mayor John McCann characterized the ferry connection as a potential game changer for the local economy, anticipating increased visitorship to restaurants, shops and small businesses along the South Bay waterfront. The Port of San Diego emphasized that the ferry fits into a broader planning vision that included a future ferry terminal as part of Chula Vista’s bayfront master plan.
Transportation and sustainability goals
Officials highlight several policy aims: reducing road congestion, lowering vehicle emissions and expanding mobility choices. By adding a waterborne route, planners hope to give commuters and leisure travelers an alternative to driving that can ease pressure on local streets and freeways. The ferry is presented as part of a multimodal approach that also includes shuttles and expanded bike paths — components intended to make the waterfront more accessible without increasing car traffic.
Operational context and historical notes
Flagship Cruises and Events is a longtime operator in San Diego Bay with a family-owned history dating back to the early 20th century. The company runs a fleet that includes sightseeing vessels, ferry services and higher-speed craft on other bay routes. Adding the Balboa route extends that portfolio and taps into renewed interest in waterfront connections as cities invest in coastal redevelopment projects.
Stakeholders say the ferry service aligns with planned and existing bayfront investments. Including a ferry terminal in the master plan for Chula Vista’s bayfront reflected an expectation that water transit would play a role in future mobility solutions. The launch of the Balboa is the operational step that puts that concept into daily practice.
What travelers should know
Prospective riders should factor trip time, ticketing and boarding locations into their plans. The departure point in downtown San Diego is the Fifth Avenue landing behind the convention center, while the Chula Vista stop uses the Safe Harbor South Bay marina area. Because the crossing takes around 45 minutes, the service is best suited to those valuing a scenic, stress-free commute or a recreational transit option rather than a high-speed express.
To avoid disappointment, Flagship advises travelers to buy tickets online in advance, especially during weekends or special events when demand can spike. Riders should also check for any service advisories or schedule adjustments that may arise from weather conditions or operational needs.
Looking ahead
City leaders and transit advocates will be watching ridership trends to evaluate how the ferry integrates with broader regional mobility plans and local economic development. If patronage meets expectations, the Balboa route could pave the way for expanded frequencies, additional vessels or complementary services designed to knit the bayfront communities more tightly into San Diego’s transit network.
For now, the launch represents a tangible step toward offering people another option for crossing the bay, one that is framed by officials as supporting sustainability, waterfront access and local business growth.
