Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
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Andrew B
9 contributions
Sep 2022
If you are not staying or fishing over on Bolivar you might not consider taking the ferry ride. What you would be missing by not going is a great view and a free dolphin show as they are constantly playing in the wake and popping up and down all around. At peak season, it might not be high on a list of "must do" things, but after 15+ years living in Houston and making weekend trips down to Galveston, we finally were able to do this. With the relatively light late September crowds, it was well worth it. The ferries are constantly docking and leaving, so the traffic does move, but be prepared for the line up to take at least some time. Get up to the front of the boat and check out the view both from the main car deck as well as the upper passenger deck.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Great_Beer_Now
Houston, TX5,386 contributions
Jun 2020
Galveston is a tourist- driven city with much to see and do. One of the most popular activities of all happens to be one that takes you away from Galveston. I’m talking about the Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry, a boat ride across the water that runs back and forth continuously between Galveston Island and the Bolivar peninsula.
I have been visiting Galveston on and off for the past 13 years, but only recently took the ferry ride. And now that I have taken the ride, I can’t understand what took me so long. It’s a fun way to see the sites, watch dolphins, enjoy the ocean breezes, and even feed seagulls while you’re at it.
Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry has multiple boats and they run night and day. This helps with the continuous flow of cars and helps keep things under control. But if you do arrive here with your vehicle, you can expect a lengthy wait to board the boat. There is a marked pathway on the street and you have to wait your turn in line. If your goal is simply to take in the sites and you don’t care about driving your car once you get to the peninsula, then I recommend parking in the free, adjacent parking lot and then entering the boat on foot. You will then be directed to a narrow deck on the second level, where you can walk around while the boat is transporting guests and cars to the other side. Once the cars have been emptied out, just stay on the boat and ride back. This is the best choice if you don’t have any desire to drive your car on the peninsula.
There aren’t any snacks and drinks while you’re on the ferry. They have restrooms, but that is it. Also, it isn’t a guided tour so don’t expect someone to come on the loudspeaker and make announcements about the sites or anything else. The only announcement you will hear is when it’s time for everyone to get back into their cars in order to exit the boat. It’s a short trip across the water- less than 30 minutes.
Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry is a cool way to watch dolphins and birds. The best thing about this service is that it’s offered FREE of charge! Not too surprising that it is so popular as a Galveston activity. Really, about the only negative I can think of is the long wait in line if you decide to bring your car onboard. It can easily take 1 to 2 hours. This is why I recommend just boarding the boat on foot, cruising to the peninsula, and then cruising right back.
Galveston has a bunch of activities and the Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry is one that ranks as a must. You can cruise over the waters, view the sites, watch the dolphins and birds, all at no charge. You can’t argue with a deal like that and considering everything, this easily rates among Galveston’s top activities.
I have been visiting Galveston on and off for the past 13 years, but only recently took the ferry ride. And now that I have taken the ride, I can’t understand what took me so long. It’s a fun way to see the sites, watch dolphins, enjoy the ocean breezes, and even feed seagulls while you’re at it.
Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry has multiple boats and they run night and day. This helps with the continuous flow of cars and helps keep things under control. But if you do arrive here with your vehicle, you can expect a lengthy wait to board the boat. There is a marked pathway on the street and you have to wait your turn in line. If your goal is simply to take in the sites and you don’t care about driving your car once you get to the peninsula, then I recommend parking in the free, adjacent parking lot and then entering the boat on foot. You will then be directed to a narrow deck on the second level, where you can walk around while the boat is transporting guests and cars to the other side. Once the cars have been emptied out, just stay on the boat and ride back. This is the best choice if you don’t have any desire to drive your car on the peninsula.
There aren’t any snacks and drinks while you’re on the ferry. They have restrooms, but that is it. Also, it isn’t a guided tour so don’t expect someone to come on the loudspeaker and make announcements about the sites or anything else. The only announcement you will hear is when it’s time for everyone to get back into their cars in order to exit the boat. It’s a short trip across the water- less than 30 minutes.
Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry is a cool way to watch dolphins and birds. The best thing about this service is that it’s offered FREE of charge! Not too surprising that it is so popular as a Galveston activity. Really, about the only negative I can think of is the long wait in line if you decide to bring your car onboard. It can easily take 1 to 2 hours. This is why I recommend just boarding the boat on foot, cruising to the peninsula, and then cruising right back.
Galveston has a bunch of activities and the Galveston Port Bolivar Ferry is one that ranks as a must. You can cruise over the waters, view the sites, watch the dolphins and birds, all at no charge. You can’t argue with a deal like that and considering everything, this easily rates among Galveston’s top activities.
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pattiaz2019
Tucson, AZ10 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We came to Galveston for a 3 day trip. After reading reviews and recommendations my husband and I decided to ride the ferry one evening. I HIGHLY recommend that you take advantage of the free parking the ferry offers and walk on. There is nothing to do on the other side and there seems to be a long wait getting on and off. The ferry is free and the staff was extremely friendly. The ferry was clean and they had hand sanitizer everywhere. On our ride we saw many dolphins. In fact at one point we saw a group of 6. If you have a big group, this is a free way to see dolphins for sure. A better way would be to book a $15 dolphin tour ( totally worth the money). The ferry takes about 18 minutes each way. What the heck now we can say we rode the ferry!
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
djc486
Temple, TX22 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.
Edward G
Waterloo, IA6 contributions
Jun 2022
We went to the Galveston Naval Museum and toured the two ships there and then did the Bryan Museum. We also did a drive by of the downtown and seaside pier and old hotels. This was mu third trip to Galveston and we were concentrating on things we had not seen before, We came from downtown Houston and were on our way to Louisiana and the ferry seemed a good way to avoid more Houston traffic, We had views of dolphins while crossing as well as a lot of ships of various kinds, We had come across on the ferry the last time we were in Galveston and wanted to go the other way. It was an interesting trip particularly since we are from an inland part of the U,S, and it was good to get a close up view of the Gulf which was available in Galveston and from the Bolivar peninsula,
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wetravelalot007
Rossville, IN1,257 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.
MelissaWP
Shorewood, IL433 contributions
Aug 2022
This is the first thing we did in the morning of a full Tuesday day planned for Galveston. We parked in a nearby lot and walked up to wait; there was no line and we were the only ones there but still had to wait for clearance to walk on after a long line of vehicles got loaded on. It was quite an enjoyable and relaxing ride. We went to the top, felt the nice breeze, and saw several dolphins popping out of the water.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LittlePaint
Urbandale, IA677 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.
John H
Dallas, TX319 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.
T&D
12 contributions
Sep 2022
We had no idea that it would take nearly 3 hours waiting just to get on the ferry. The most frustrating part was watching many cars cut into the line ahead of us at various cross streets. Best advice is to plan ahead and allow extra time to get wherever you are going, especially on sunny weekends.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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!
Tony T
Mississippi1,455 contributions
Honestly, I think the only walk on dogs would be service dogs.
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?
Paul G
Tucson, AZ3,983 contributions
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.
If you make a u turn at the store why do they make you get out of line and wait on others to go past you?
Poudre1
Bellvue, CO581 contributions
No clue.
TexasGina4655
14 contributions
Why do they search under cars hood and trunk when leaving Bolivar Port Ferry to Galveston but not the other way around?
Anne E
The Woodlands, TX88 contributions
I’ve never seen them check under cars, under hoods, or trunks at any time.
SkyPole Fitness
Fort Worth, TX3 contributions
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.
Texmarc
Longview, TX511 contributions
Anytime other that commuter times when the wait can be a while, but for sight seeing I'd suggest afternoon. By the way, sunset at Fort Travis Park is outstanding.
can we take the ferry and go thru towards Louisiana or do we have to return back and go back owards houston
sassyhavingfun
missouri37 contributions
That's why we take the ferry to avoid Houston. We get on Galveston @ Freeport, stay a few days, & continue via the ferry to reconnect to I-10 on the east side of Houston. It's a beautiful drive along the water.
Excursion58809072439
Tylertown, MS
Motorhome with tow.Cannot back up. LOA 52' Will this be allowed?
Todd6789
Calgary, Canada8 contributions
All the driving is straight ahead, lots of room to turn around at either end.
Can I enter New York from a Galveston boat
pcox_1968@yahoo.com
Beaumont, TX4 contributions
The Galveston ferry only travels between the Port Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island. You can get from Galveston to New York by boat. I am sure it would be a long, fascinating trip.
Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
- Hotels near Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry:
- (0.09 mi) East End Retreat < 2 Miles to Historic District!
- (0.55 mi) Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites By The Beach
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- Restaurants near Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry:
- (0.09 mi) The Boat Inn
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