Say 'Ahoy' to Tampa's New Highlight, the Cross Bay Ferry

After years of discussion, local boat transportation between Tampa and St. Petersburg is now a possibility with the Cross Bay Ferry. The Tampa dock is conveniently located across from Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina at the Tampa Convention Center, the Pinellas County dock is in the North Yacht Basin, St. Petersburg at the stunning Vinoy Renaissance Hotel making it easy to spend a spectacular day shopping, dining, enjoying and exploring two great cities while commuting waterside.

It is no secret that traveling the Howard Frankland Bridge is something many people dread. Traffic during rush hour is almost always bumper-to-bumper. Throw a car accident into the mix and you are looking at a two-hour commute or more.

Travel between these two cities should not be a point of stress. That’s where the Cross Bay Ferry comes into play!

Now when you want to travel from one side of the bay to the other, you have a new option. The Cross Bay Ferry!

Photo from the Cross Bay Ferry official photo gallery.

The Cross Bay Ferry took its maiden voyage on Nov 1 and opened to the public on Nov 4. Throughout its first month – known as the “Test the Waters” period – the ferry is scheduled to travel on weekends. Free rides will be offered on select days, and regularly scheduled daily rides will begin on Monday, Nov 28. You can view the full schedule by clicking to their 813area business page where you find a link to the Cross Bay Ferry website!

While riding the ferry, guests are offered a scenic ride and comfortable seating that relaxes travelers. The trip is approximately 50 minutes from start to finish – the perfect length of time to read a book, to talk to new people aboard the ferry or to even get some work done. This ferry offers an alternative travel option to people who live on one side of the bay but work on the other. It is a great way to commute to and from work, all while avoiding the stress that comes from surviving rush hour traffic.

The Cross Bay Ferry offers select food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. Wondering how you can get from the docks to your final destination? In addition to transportation such as ridesharing, you can bring a bike on board the ferry with you for only $1 each way! On the Tampa side you have additional FREE transportation opportunities with the new Tampa 'Downtowner' A New FREE Green Ride Service.

Tampa and St. Petersburg are both cities worth exploring. The Cross Bay Ferry is here to jump-start your next dining, shopping, clubbing, ice hockey, musical or just plain relaxing adventure.