Two Places You Can Take A Free Boat Ride In Texas

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• Take A Free Ride
• Bring The Family
• Courtesy Of TxDot

Texas has so many different landscapes to traverse on our roads and highways. It also has a lot to offer if you want to travel on water.

There are over seven thousand lakes, most of which are around Dallas. Only a small percentage of them are naturally occurring, and none offer free boat rides that I know of.

If you want to get on the water but you don't have the cash, the Texas Department Of Transportation has two locations where they will ferry you around on the Gulf Of Mexico, and it's absolutely free.

Being A Driver In Texas Has Ferry Many Benefits

The most awesome thing about this boat ride is that you don't even have to leave your car. You can even ride them in the middle of the night.

The first ferry on the list is in Corpus Christi-Port Aransas. The Port Aransas ferry runs up to six ferries a day and will take you from SH 361 across the Corpus Christi Channel between Aransas Pass, on the mainland, and Port Aransas, on Mustang Island.

The ride is about a quarter of a mile and usually takes less than 10 minutes total on the boat. Your wait time to board a ferry could take longer than the ride itself.

This ferry isn't pet-friendly, and they will have to wait in the car with the engine off.

The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry In Texas Is The Best Free Boat Ride

If you are looking for a longer ride with a lot more departures, then the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is for you. I rode this many times as a kid, and it was always fun to get out of the car and go up the stairs to the observation deck.

One vessel is in operation 24 hours a day, so there are lots of chances to ride. During the busy season in the summer, up to 5 ferries will be in operation at the same time. Take SH 87 to go between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.

The best part about this ride is that it is over 18 minutes between the two points. I think this would be a great option for kids with special needs who can't leave the vehicle to say they rode a boat. You will have to turn the car off, so just wait until it's nice and cool.

Click Here to see wait times and more details about the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry.