In this study, the impact of zeolite thin film coatings on bacterial deposition and “biofouling” of marine surfaces has been investigated. The synthesis and characterization of two types of zeolite coatings, ZSM-5 coated on aluminum AA-2024-T3 and zeolite A coated on stainless steel SS-304-2B are described. The extent of cell deposition onto the zeolite coated surfaces, as well as bare aluminum and stainless steel, are investigated in a parallel plate flow cell system under a laminar flow conditions utilizing a fluorescent optical microscope and an image-capturing device. A marine bacterium Halomonas pacifica g is used under a range of ionic strength conditions simulating fresh to marine solution chemistry conditions. The initial rates of bacterial transfer to the various surfaces are compared, and the surface properties found to have the most notable effect on attachment are the electrokinetic and hydrophobicity properties of the metal and zeolite coated surfaces. H. pacifica g deposited onto metal surfaces (stainless steel and aluminum) to a greater extent (as exhibited by a higher attachment efficiency value) as compared with cells deposited onto the zeolite coatings (ZSM-5 and zeolite A). Our results suggest a combination of two chemical mechanisms - hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions - contribute to the antimicrobial and antifouling nature of the zeolite surface. Additional observations on the relative role of the physical roughness of the metal surfaces will also be discussed.