Gibb-Gilchrist Ferry is one of six ferries that transports passengers between Galveston and Bolivar.
HISTORY OF THE GALVESTON-BOLIVAR FERRY
The Galveston-Bolivar ferry is located at 1000 Ferry Road N., Galveston, TX. Phone: (409)795-2230. The Galveston-Bolivar Ferry takes travelers on State Highway 87 between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula. The service is FREE and is provided to all travelers 24 hours a day by TX-Dot since 1934. The trip is approximately 2.7 miles and takes about 18 minutes. Each ferry can carry approximately 70 vehicles, 500 passengers and 6 crew members. Only 8-eighteen wheelers may board at once and carry 80,000 lbs. each.
One ferry operates 24 hours a day. A second goes into service at 6:30 am and a 3rd in the afternoon. As traffic calls for more frequent service a total of 6 ferries can be put into operation during peak seasons, holidays, and events. You can drive your vehicle onto the ferry or you can park your vehicle at the ferry lot and walk-on depending on your plans.
THE GALVESTON-BOLIVAR FERRY RIDE
Many tourists to Galveston and the Bolivar Pennisula ride the ferry to experience the ferry ride and to enjoy the view. The ferry ride is a great way to see the Houston Ship Channel and the view in between Galveston and Bolivar. There are ships moving commerce to Galveston, Texas City and the Port of Houston. There are fisherman in their boats darting across the water to their favorite fishing spot. You can also see dolphins lead ships up and down the ship channel with their air displays. It’s a great time on the lower deck!
Climb the stairs to the upper observation area outside and a sitting area with a/c inside that’s surrounded by windows. You can see for miles! The view is amazing both inside and outside. From Bolivar the path gives you a great view of Fort Travis and the Bolivar Lighthouse, tankers and ships anchored or traveling into port or out to sea. Coming into the Galveston Landing you’ll pass Seawolf Park on one side and the U.S. Coast Guard Station on the other. As the ferry turns into the Galveston dock, in the distance you’ll also see the Galveston Yacht Basin.
Watch the Bolivar Tourism and Visitors Center video, The Bolivar Ferry And Beauty It Holds In Each Trip – YouTube to experience the ferry ride from Galveston to Bolivar. To view current ferry wait times and liver cameras, visit the Houston Transtar website. For the latest news regarding the ferry, follow the Galveston Ferry on Twitter.
Approximately 7,000 ships move through the Houston Ship Channel annually. During your journey, across the Houston Ship Channel look for dolphins leading tankers to and from port, shrimp boats harvesting dinner for local restaurants, as well as bay and offshore boats cutting across the water to their favorite fishing spot.
Looking to the left on the way to Bolivar, passengers will see a large concrete structure sticking out of the water which is the remains of a concrete ship, the Selma. She was built as an experimental vessel during World War I, but the ship sank in 1922. A ride on the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry is a great way to spend a couple hours while traveling on vacation or a day-trip enjoying the view. Don’t forget your camera! You will find plenty to photographic on your trip.
For additional information or special needs, visit the Galveston-Bolivar website at Galveston Island Ferry | Visit Galveston or call (409) 795-2230.
Robert H. Denman Ferry
Ferry near the Port Bolivar Lighthouse
Dolphins in the Houston Ship Channel
Remains of concrete ship, the SS Selma built in WWI. She sank in 1922.
Port Bolivar Lighthouse, Bolivar, TX Fort Travis Park, Bolivar, TX
Visit my other blogs for Places to Visit and Things to Do in Galveston. If you are interested in trains, checkout the historic galveston Railroad museum (mygalvestonrealtor.com). Interested in a sweet treat or an ice cream sundae, visit The Sweet La King’s Confectionery in the Strand Galveston (mygalvestonrealtor.com). Interested in Saltwater Fishing in Galveston. Get started with my five blogs on saltwater fishing at successful saltwater fishing in Galveston-Part 1 (mygalvestonrealtor.com).
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