Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
4.5
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- Scotty RogersFort Smith, Arkansas26 contributionsRide the ferry!The Port Bolivar ferry is pretty neat! While it may be used for transportation, it has become quite a tourist attraction. We enjoy riding it back and forth. Once the ferry is in motion, they allow you to get out of your cars and roam around. We enjoy watching the waters and seeing dolphins (we see some every single time). They also allow you to park, walk on, and ride the ferry back and forth. If you go up the stairs, you'll find an air conditioned seating area with plenty of windows. There's also bathrooms up there too. Best of all, it's free!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 27, 2023
- ArthurEl Paso, Texas12 contributionsBoat RideCool water based activity, usable for dolphin, bird and ship watching. The landing and ferry have enclosed areas with windows, benches and bathrooms. The ferry has a second deck walkway for great views.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
- jamaicagal53Boston, Massachusetts3 contributionsGalveston Texas FerryI fell in love with the ferry in 1956 when we went to Galveston, I was 3 years old. My Daddy was holding me and showing all of the dolphins and passing ships. You can get out of your car to feed to see gulls off the back. You can go upstairs to view the harbor inside, or you can go outside. They have recently installed bathrooms in the main deck, so that people don't have to climb the stairs to get to them. Free and tons of fun. And if you just want to ride from Galveston to Port Bolivar you can just park your car and walk onto the ferry for a ride. Luckily, I live here now and have never lost my love for the ferry.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 24, 2024
- Emily VHouston, Texas2 contributionsDefinitely revisitingMy friends and I wanted to take a small trip to Galveston and experience the beach and the food. We used the ferry to cross over and the organization and car flow is down to a T! Great job, this made our experience enjoyable.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- dt-2003Niagara Falls, Canada206 contributionsFree boat ride and dolphin watchingNice boat ride to see dolphins, etc and totally free for walk ones or vehicles. Understood there could be a considerable wait so we walked on, and had hoped there would be somewhere near by for a drink/lunch but no luck with that so we returned in same ferry. Nice ride but wished somewhere to go on other sideVisited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
- saschamcMemphis, Tennessee311 contributionsAvoiding Houston traffic…YES!This ferry was awesome. This was my first time driving my car onto a ferry. We didn’t have to wait long to load up, and the 2.6 miles across went fast. We got to be the first car in line so we had an awesome view! I was so excited when I put in GPS to get us to our next destination, and I didn’t have to drive back through the Houston traffic! Only tip- go to the bathroom in Galveston BEFORE getting in line for the ferry! Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach had nowhere to stop! We finally came to a gas station after driving 30 miles and they made us use a porta potty… gross! Also, we didn’t know and no signs actually say, but this ferry is FREE! 💯❤️🎁Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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djc486
Temple, TX25 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Waited over an hour. The problem is the priority lanes for cars with the priority sticker which costs at least $200(?) These 2 lanes always load first while the 6 other totally full lanes just sit there. When we finally got on we were one of only 5 vehicles that weren't priority stickered on that ferry. Terribly inefficient and poorly done. Really enjoyed the ride though.
Written February 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wetravelalot007
Rossville, IN1,229 contributions
Feb 2021
We drove from Houston to Galveston Island just to see what we could see. We were on our way back east but not in a hurry on a Sunday early evening. We decided to take the free ferry accross the inlet between Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
It was very foggy so visibility was the edge of the boat (which was a bit of a disappointment). The experience was smooth as well as the ferry ride. They pack on the cars this ferry. We were fortunate our SUV was one that was slated for a check so we were directed to a line and given priority entry upon its completion. The check entailed popping the hood and having the gentlemen look under the hood. Easy as could be and onto the ferry we went. We are sure others had to wait in line for some time to gain access as their were multiple lines full of vehicles waiting their turn.
The day we were there they were running three ferries. So the wait could not have been to much over a half hour. It takes 20 minutes to go accross the inlet. It was a good experience. One we would do again if we decided to spend some time on Galvestine Island.
Worthy of an out of the way detour (especially if the weather cooperates-sadly it did not for us but still enjoyable detour).
It was very foggy so visibility was the edge of the boat (which was a bit of a disappointment). The experience was smooth as well as the ferry ride. They pack on the cars this ferry. We were fortunate our SUV was one that was slated for a check so we were directed to a line and given priority entry upon its completion. The check entailed popping the hood and having the gentlemen look under the hood. Easy as could be and onto the ferry we went. We are sure others had to wait in line for some time to gain access as their were multiple lines full of vehicles waiting their turn.
The day we were there they were running three ferries. So the wait could not have been to much over a half hour. It takes 20 minutes to go accross the inlet. It was a good experience. One we would do again if we decided to spend some time on Galvestine Island.
Worthy of an out of the way detour (especially if the weather cooperates-sadly it did not for us but still enjoyable detour).
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ishtiaq Sagri
Indianapolis, IN5,044 contributions
Apr 2020
While visiting Galveston, a free ride on a ferry is a must. Since 1934, this ferry service for all travelers runs continuously, night and day, between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula by TX-Dot. It is a great way to watch dolphins, seagulls, and view the surrounding sites. Each trip covers about 2.7 miles (4.3 KM) and takes about 18 minutes. Depending upon the rush and the weather, up to five vessels are operated for summer and holiday traffic. This was a great sightseeing activity as well as a mode of transportation since along the way we spotted dolphins in the water and seagulls in the sky. We noticed that some people brought bread to feed the pelicans and birds. We have a choice: either drive our car onto the ferry or park the car at the dock and walk on. We took our car so that we can go around the area. All the staff we encountered during our trip were courteous and helpful.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LittlePaint
Urbandale, IA745 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Plenty of room for my 25' motorcoach. Well organized getting on and off. It was very cold and rainy, so we stayed inside for the crossing and did not see dolphins, but did see lots of pelicans and other birds.
And it was free. Doesn't get much better than that.
And it was free. Doesn't get much better than that.
Written February 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TacomaTRD
Dallas, TX547 contributions
May 2020 • Family
This a must do if you visit Galveston. You can cross with your car but I recommend (if you are just riding over and coming back) parking in the walk-on section and walk-in. There is an observation area that is air conditioned with seats, restrooms and balconies. You can stay on when it turns around and don’t have to wait in line on the return. You can see dolphins and feed the seagulls if you bring bread. There are large ships, small fishing vessels and barges that you will navigate around. I highly recommend you try this.
Written May 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aggiewoowoowoo
East Texas227 contributions
Jan 2020
The ferry travels between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula, it's free to use, and operated by TXDOT.
The wait to board can be longer than the ferry ride itself. When the ferry is underway, you can get out of your vehicle move about. You will see boats, ships, and if you're lucky dolphins. Watch out for the rats with wings (Seagulls).
The wait to board can be longer than the ferry ride itself. When the ferry is underway, you can get out of your vehicle move about. You will see boats, ships, and if you're lucky dolphins. Watch out for the rats with wings (Seagulls).
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick J
Austin, TX253 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
If you are a Texan, you owe it to yourself to see how the department of transportation spends a little of its budget. This toll-free ferry takes a few minutes to get you with or without your car through Galveston's harbor to the Bolivar Peninsula. You may see dolphins. You will see ships of all kinds and you are allowed to feed seagulls! There's an indoor observation deck and listen for the captain's welcome.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Dallas, TX377 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Just wanted to take a trip over to Bolivar for lunch and sightsee. There is not much over there, but the trip on the ferry is worth it. There were only two ferries operating when we arrived but some time later a third was added. This did speed up the northern route for which we did wait about an hour. Loading was very efficient and the ferry got away almost as the ramp was closing.
We were parked on the outer row so had a good view of the harbor as we crossed. Even saw some Dolphins.
About a 30 min journey, quick offload and we were on our way to lunch.
Return trip was less of a wait - maybe no more than 20 minutes. This time we were parked in the center so no view of the harbor.
Offload was again fast and we were back in town.
Worth the experience and it is FREE (paid for by gasoline taxes).
We were parked on the outer row so had a good view of the harbor as we crossed. Even saw some Dolphins.
About a 30 min journey, quick offload and we were on our way to lunch.
Return trip was less of a wait - maybe no more than 20 minutes. This time we were parked in the center so no view of the harbor.
Offload was again fast and we were back in town.
Worth the experience and it is FREE (paid for by gasoline taxes).
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fred d
spring, tx102 contributions
Sep 2020
a weekend trip to Galveston is never complete without a ferry boat ride. its a refreshing trip across the channel during which all sorts of ships are in sight as well as the entrance to the channel from the Gulf. if you find out what time sunset is, take a boat half an hour before and enjoy a romantic sunset cruise. its free, if you walk on you can stay on for the return trip.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
funseeker310
Sioux Falls, SD28 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Fun free activity if no wait. Otherwise, I’d suggest NOT driving vehicle over. They need to have more ferry boats running. Just walk on instead to avoid long car waiting lines. Monday after Christmas around noon, 80 min wait Galveston side & 60 min wait bolivar side. We did see dolphins on the way over though, so that was neat.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I ride the ferry if I don't have any papers and/or legal documents?
Written November 8, 2024
Can I put my dog's ashes in the water while on the ferry? His ashes are in a biodegradable box. Thank you in advance!
Written May 25, 2023
I don’t see why not, I would suggest doing it somewhere out of view of other people on the boat. On both my trips most people were staying in their vehicles so you should be ok.
Written May 26, 2023
Are dogs allowed as a walk on? I would guess they are allowed if you drive but not sure if they can be leashed and walking around with us. I have seen conflicting answers. Maybe if someone can pass along a number or office I can look up and call to find out for sure that would also be a great help. Thanks!
Written June 10, 2022
My cousin is coming in from Oklahoma this weekend and her dad's and mother's wishes were to have their ashes scattered in Galveston. My cousin is a healthcare provider and it has been tough for her to plan ahead because of her schedule. Will she be able to dispose of their ashes this coming week? Is there a permit or anything that she needs to obtain to make their wishes come true?
Written August 7, 2021
The best, easiest and most practical way to have your question answered is to contact The Ferry Authority and inquire of them.
There may be regulations that you would have to know and follow.
Written August 9, 2021
Why do they search under cars hood and trunk when leaving Bolivar Port Ferry to Galveston but not the other way around?
Written September 9, 2020
Only seen them look in the bed of a pickup. Thats all.
Written April 6, 2023
SkyPole Fitness
Fort Worth, Texas
Whats the best time to go on the weekend? Me and my family want to do a walk on round trip but I don't want to wait a long time in the hot sun.
Written June 12, 2020
I would suggest an early morning trip. The traffic will be lighter and it will be cooler. I also advise parking and walking on. You don’t have to circle around at the other end and the ferries have an A/C sitting area.
Written June 13, 2020
Can we ride without having to put the car on the ferry?
Written January 21, 2020
Yes - this is what we did just to check it out. However you need a car (or Uber / taxi) to get to anything on Bolivar Island. There is nothing in walking distance.
Written February 4, 2020
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