How to: Take the Cross-Bay Ferry

Since this past November, the City of Tampa has been operating a ferry that takes passengers on a scenic ride from Tampa to St. Pete and vice versa.

Here are a few tips for a smooth ride on the Cross-Bay Ferry:

Do: Purchase your tickets ahead of time. The ferry is on a tight schedule, so there is no stand-by seating. Once the ferry is sold out, no one else can buy a ticket, even if not all the passengers show up. Tickets are available on the website or on the free app.

Do: Familiarize yourself with the schedule.

Do: Get there 20 minutes early.

Do: Budget 50 minutes for the ferry ride.

Do: Be prepared to pay. One way tickets for adults, which is anyone older than 12, cost $10.

Do: Show up at the right place.

When departing from Tampa, go to the Tampa Riverwalk behind the Tampa Convention Center at 333 S. Franklin St. between the Sail Pavilion Bar and the S. Harbor Island Blvd Bridge.

When departing from St. Pete, meet at 501 2nd Ave NE at the rear of Beach Drive parking lot in the Vinoy Yacht Basin, next to St. Petersburg Museum of History.

Do: Come on Free Ride Sunday. On every third Sunday of the month, roundtrip rides are free to walk up customers.

Do: Call ahead of time to see if your pet can come. The ferry allows some pets on a case-by-case basis. Call customer service at  727-317-9885 to verify if your pet is able to come.

Do: Make sure you’re on the right boat. The name of the boat is Provincetown IV.

Don’t: Worry about being safe. The ferry is assessed by the United States Coast Guard. Additionally, it only goes at about 33 miles per hour.

Do: Come thirsty. There is soda, coffee, and tea available on the ferry.

Don’t: Worry about having to “hold it.” There are two restrooms on the ferry.

Do: Be 15 or older if planning to ride by yourself.