Bolivar Ferry

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Taking a ride on the Bolivar Ferry is a great idea any time of the year!

I’ve taken the trip on SH 87 from Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula (and back) more times than I can count but, always, the excursions have been memorable and fun.

(Another time I might record trips taken when on a date, as a wife and mother or with my girlfriends! But, for now, I just want to encourage visitors to the island to put this activity at the top of their vacation must-do lists.)

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Important to note: The ferry is free! It provides a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air, view giant tankers and barges as they travel to and from the port. You can also watch for shrimp boats and look for dozens of dolphins as they follow the shrimp boats looking for a free dinner.

Onboard, there is an open-air upper observation area. Inside, there is an air-conditioned sitting area surrounded by windows, Needless to say, the view is amazing both inside and outside.

From Bolivar, the path gives you a great view of Fort Travis and the Bolivar Lighthouse, 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.

Bring a camera or your iPhone to take lots of selfies!

The ferry has been operated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) since 1934. Each trip covers about 2.7 miles and takes about 18 minutes. Each ferry can carry approximately 70 vehicles, 500 passengers and six crew members. You can drive your vehicle-on or walk-on depending on your plans.

One vessel is in operation 24 hours per day. A second vessel is placed in service at 6:30 a.m. After this departure, the two vessels operate based on traffic volume and space themselves to carry traffic as efficiently and safely as possible. A third vessel is placed in service during the afternoon period if necessary. Up to five vessels may be operated for summer and holiday traffic.

For additional information, you should call 409-795-2230.

Seawolf Park

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Seawolf Park is a memorial to the USS Seawolf, a U.S. Navy Sargo-Class submarine, mistakenly sunk by U.S. Navy forces in 1944 during World War II. It is located on Pelican Island, just north of Galveston Island.

It is the home of the U.S. Navy Museum and two preserved U.S. Navy ships: the Gato-class submarine USS Cavalia, and the Edsall-class destroyer escort USS Stewart. The remains of the World War II tanker, SS. Selma, the largest concete ship constructed, can be seen northwest of the park’s fishing pier. Also preserved at the park is the conning tower of the Batao-class submarine USS Carp, and the sail of the Sturgeon-class nuclear attack submarine USS Tautag.

The park has a picnic area and a playground. Fishing is permitted on the pier for a small fee. There is also pedestrian access to the shoreline on either side of the park where anglers can fish for free. Fish that can be caught in the park area includes sand sea trout, speckled trout, catfish, drum and flounder.

Seawolf Park is accessible by car from Galveston. Just take 51st north to Pelican Island. The road deadness at the park.