galveston - port bolivar ferry

It's not often in today's world that you experience the use of a ferry, especially if you're from the Midwest. There wasn't a long line, the ferry seemed to be clean and the people were friendly. My only comment is that if you've got kids with you, be sure that you check to make sure they aren't watching any R-Rated "activity" in cars below. We ended up laughing over it, but if your children are not of an age where you want them to ask about it, be aware.

not much on the other side but the ferry ride was nice. We thought it went to Pelican Island so we did not stay long.

We rode the ferry two different days hoping to see the dolphins. We saw a couple one day and several the 2nd day, but very far off and they weren't jumping due to cold weather. The first trip we drove on, but didn't realize that we had to come back on the ferry to return to Galveston, so we took a not so scenic 20 mile drive out of the way. The second trip we parked and walked on so we could come back on the same ferry instead of having to get in line and wait to get back on. We did see lots of gulls and pelicans so that made for an interesting ride. You can feed the birds off the back of the boat. There are restrooms and an upstairs inside observation deck as well as outside deck. Definitely something I would do again, especially in nicer weather.

This should be in one of your activities while visiting Galveston, TX! It's a free round-trip service ferry. You can either bring your car with you on the ferry and stroll from Galveston to the other side of Bolivar Peninsula or park your car before boarding the ferry. You'll also get to see a pod of dolphins swimming along the bow of the ferries plying this route. Overall experience, awesome!

Years ago, we rode the ferry for a beach day. This time we brought our boys to Galveston for spring break. On a rainy day we decided to catch a ride on the ferry . You drive up and get in line. We were lucky and drove right up. You are directed to park your car on the ferry and then directions are given over a loud speaker. On the first half we got out of our car (when instructed) and climbed up the stairs to the Second level. It was chilly and drizzling but fun to look out over the water . At the back of the boat people were feeding the seagulls and there were plenty of them to watch. Previously I've seen dolphin and Pelicans. We got off and turned around for the return trip. We didn't have a wait other than loading time. Our boys 12, 13 & 13 really enjoyed the trip and would love to do it again!

We had a blast riding the ferry back and forth across the Galveston and Port Bolivar points! The staff was friendly and the trip with your vehicle across the water was a hit with the kids!

I think it is amazing that the state still offers free ferry service across this inlet. Probably some politics being played of some kind. The fleet of boats are in like new condition and well maintained. The ride across i smooth and take only a few minutes. The kids (and adults) will especially love making the trip by ferry. Be sure and have your camera ready as you will see wild life right at your ferry's edge. If you only want to make the ride across , turn around on the opposite side and ride back. There is usually not a long line except at work hours when workers need to get to work.

Done this a couple of times and the last time was this past Saturday. It's fun to ride along and see the sights. We usually see dolphins but not this time. Nothing to see or do on the Bolivar side.

Love going on the ferry need to see if it is running tomorrow for a D.R appointment and going to league city as well

And it was fun, quick and well organized. The whole trip was < 25 minutes. Was surprised that it was free. Great freebie.

We visited Galveston in January when there wasn't a ton to do. After looking up things to do online we found a link to this ferry. It is used to transport people from one island to another as a commuter ferry. The best part is that the ferry is free. I love being on boats, so this was a fun opportunity for me. It was in the 40s when we went on the ferry. All the locals in Galveston that we talked to about our plan to ride the ferry laughed at us because it was so cold that day but it turned out nice, very windy, but still fun. If you go on the ferry you should consider bringing bread or some food to feed the birds at the back of the ferry. As the ferry travels between the areas the birds will follow the back of the ferry looking for food scraps from passengers. This might actually be my favorite part of the ferry. It was really entertaining. We did not spend any time on the other island because it was cold and cloudy that day but if I went back on a warm day I would have spent time there.

From the Galveston - Port Bolivar Car Ferry you get great views of the bay, many ships, dolphins and it's a free ride. There's no charge because it's part of the state highway system. Just drive up and get in line and in few minutes (depending on traffic) you drive onto the ferry for a 20 - 25 minute ride across the bay. You can get out of your car and walk around on the main deck or use the stairs to the upper deck. On either deck you can get some great views. On the main deck at the bow, you might get a little sea spray, so be forewarned. People feed the birds chips, so while on deck, keep an eye on any food or chips you're carrying because the birds will swoop right in and take their share. We took the trip both ways and had a great time.

We went on this ferry expressly to see the dolphins. We were not disappointed. Coming and going they were riding the waves off the helm! We also had fun feeding the seagulls off the back of the ferry. We would throw a piece of bread up in the air and they would catch it midflight. So much fun with the kids!

you can walk on or drive on. It is free and you see dolphins when it is warm. Take some bread and feed the sea gulls too. Don't do a dolphin tour.

Liked the orderly efficient way cars were taken in order and freedom to enjoy the evening when underway. There were signs with severe fines for breaking out of line, as sometimes happens at other ferry services we have used.