Newport Harbor is a semi-artificial harbor that was formed in the early 1900s after the Newport Bay estuary was dredged. Several artificial islands were built shortly after this: Newport Island, Balboa Island, Little Balboa Island, Collins Island, Harbor Island, Lido Isle and Linda Isle.

The Upper Bay of Newport is a canyon that was formed by the prehistoric flow of the Santa Ana River in the Pleistocene period, and the Lower Bay of Newport was formed later by sand brought about by ocean currents which would later construct the beach that is now recognized as the Balboa Peninsula. The Upper Newport Bay, or “the Back Bay,” feeds the delta and eventually joins the Lower Newport Bay, commonly referred to as Newport Harbor. The Lower Bay includes Balboa Island, Bay Island, Harbor Island, Lido Isle and Linda Isle.

Newport Harbor is more than three miles long and stretches into the Back Bay – where homes, shopping and activities are sprinkled throughout. April through November are the busiest months in Newport Harbor, so make sure to plan accordingly, especially if you’re bringing a boat or vessel! Newport Harbor is about 20 feet in depth.

Newport Beach Harbor once supported an assortment of maritime industries such as boatbuilding, shipbuilding and commercial fishing, but today, it is used almost exclusively for recreation. Its shores are occupied by private homes and the locals are welcoming and love to participate in water sports activities with neighbors and visitors alike.

With approximately 9,000 boats, Newport Harbor is one of the largest recreational boat harbors on the west coast. Newport Beach Harbor is a popular stop for sailing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking and more.