The ferry operates operates on State Highway 87 between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula. One vessel operates 24 hours a day and an additional one is added at 6:30 am. Up to five vessels operate based on the time of day and season.
There is no charge for the ferry for vehicles or walk-on traffic. If you chose to drive on (which we did because we brought our dog with us), vehicles are lined up in multiple lanes for loading onto the ferry. For those that chose to walk on, there is a parking lot (to the right as you approach the ferry). Minimally, ferries run every 30 minutes. Today, there were three ferries in operation.
We were amazed to see large RVs and an 18-wheeler use the ferry! Vehicles up to 80,000 pounds with a maximum length of 65'; height of 13.5' and 8.5' wide are permitted. Wow!
You must stay in your vehicle until the ferry leaves the port and return to your vehicle on the opposite side prior to the ferry docking. There are great views from the front of the ferry or from the second floor level that is accessible via an internal stairwell. Bathrooms are also available on the second level.
Seawolf Park (named for the USS Seawolf, a navy submarine mistakenly sunk by NS Navy forces in 1944 during WWII) can be seen from the ferry. The WWII submarine, USS Cavella, and a destroyer, USS Stewart, can be seen in the photos.
Northwest of the pier at Seawolf Park, are the remains of the WWI tanker, the largest concrete ship ever constructed.
Lots of sea birds follow the ferries.
This is a great way to spend time on the water for free! Loved the sights, smell and sounds of the Gulf.
Website: www.galveston.com/galvestonferry/
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