About

Anyone local will tell you that the Ferry is your best chance at spotting dolphins - even better than a dolphin sightseeing tour! This ferry runs 24 hours a day making stops in just two places. The landings are in Galveston and Port Bolivar. Depending on the demand, more ferries will be in service; however, there is always at least one ferry running. Note: This is the only way motorists can cross the waterway between the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island. The ferry is the connection between two segments of State Highway 87. This ferry allows you to go East without driving through Houston.

Rides on the ferry are free! The only somewhat difficult thing about this activity is that ferry times are not set in stone. You must track the updates through their website. Thankfully, they give you all the information you'll need. Through live camera footage and GPS mapping, you can time your trip perfectly.

The ferry ride is peaceful and scenic - it's the perfect activity for people who are looking to enjoy the quiet of the waters. Of course, the prospect of seeing dolphins in their natural habit is a major incentive. Depending on the time and day of your ride, there may be a wait. However, the wait tends to be minimal most of the year. Note: According to locals and reviews, the wait times can get pretty long during summers. Some state they've had to wait 2-4 hours before making it on a boat.

Ferry Details

The length of the route spans 2.7 miles. When you plan for this activity, we recommend allotting 35-40 mins for travel each way due to ride and loading time.

If you plan to take your vehicle with you and spend the day on the other side of Highway 87, keep in mind there are restrictions. Vehicles should not exceed 80,000 pounds, may have a maximum length of 65 feet, a maximum height of 13.5 feet and a maximum width of 8.5 feet.

Pro Tip: Get updates on Twitter by following @GalvestonFerry

Local Tips

This is the best thing to do if you want to see dolphins!
The best times to spot dolphins are around 10AM-12PM and 2PM-dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Galveston, TX?

Galveston is located in Southeast Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. It is a coastal resort city and port. It is located on Galveston Island and Pelican Island, providing residents with some of the best Galveston vacation rentals on the waterfront. Galveston is only about an hour from Houston, and near the communities of Alvin, La Porte, and Friendswood, Texas. For those who plan to visit Galveston, vacation rentals on the waterfront is an excellent option.

What is the closest airport to Galveston?

For those flying to the Galveston area, the closest airports are located in Houston, TX, about an hour away. The larger Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) handles national and international flights, while the smaller William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) serves mostly domestic routes and is a hub for Southwest airlines.

How big is Galveston Island?

Galveston Island is a large island spanning 27 miles long and less than 3 miles wide at its widest point. Overall, it has 66 square miles of land area. The island creates a separation between the Gulf of Mexico and West Bay. The Galveston Bay system, which the island is a part of, is at the eastern end of a chain of barrier islands. Overall, that island barrier extends for over 600 miles along the coasts.

Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry

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