Cross-Bay Ferry Between St Pete and Tampa

Published on 03/07/22: Who is familiar with the Cross-Bay Ferry between Downtown St Pete and Tampa? It exceeded our expectations, and we’ll definitely return. You’ll find some general thoughts on our day trip below! My next post will provide tips and things to do in Tampa, all walkable from the ferry port!

Nice Catamaran with Full Bar

Some use the ferry to avoid traffic. We took it because it’s a boat ride across Tampa Bay that departs an incredible area of downtown St Pete (Beach Drive) and arrives into a great area of Tampa. In between, you’re on a large catamaran with a full bar. Are we in Florida or are we in Florida? 🤷🏼‍♂️ I mean a great perk is no traffic and you have a driver, but still, we did it for the experience and destinations.

The Cross Bay Ferry is setup to be more ‘social’ than we expected. Not simply a water taxi with 15 rows of uncomfortable seats and mere goal of point A to point B. Instead there are tables with comfortable seats around them, encouraging conversation. Our family will bring games next time as the tables make a perfect setup to pass the 50 minute ride. (50 minutes each way)

Cross Bay Ferry Specs

Size and Capacity:

98 foot catamaran and holds 149 passengers!

The Provincetown III is ADA friendly, stroller friendly and has bike racks. Colt even found power outlets to charge his Nintendo Switch. Indoor and outdoor seating is available as well as restrooms. Service animals are allowed.

Food/Drink:
Coffee, tea, soft drinks & water are avail. Plus beer, wine & limited cocktails. We enjoyed our Bloody Marys! Some basic snacks are avail as well.

Dates of Departure:
Departs Wednesday thru Sunday from Oct 21st thru April 30th. Full schedule: https://www.thecrossbayferry.com/st-pete-tampa/ They’re working hard to make the ferry a year round possibility. Hopefully one day!

Cost:
Adults: $10 one way, $20 round trip. Seniors 65+ and students: $8 one way, $16 round trip. Those in a wheelchair are $5/$10. Children four years old and under are free.

How to Purchase Tickets:
Use http://www.thecrossbayferry.com or their mobile app. You can also purchase at the ticket window in St. Pete starting 1 hour before first scheduled departure. The Tampa ticket window is manned 30 minutes before first scheduled departure.

Click here for Ferry FAQ’s

Google Reviews: 139 with a 4.5/5 Average

Departure Address: 375 Bayshore Drive NE, St Pete

Arrival Address: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa

Phone: 727-273-6877

I’m a local Tampa Bay Area Realtor, with over 25K people following my LovingStPete Guide on Social Media! You’ll receive up to $10K at closing when you use my LovingStPete Team to buy or sell a property! My past includes developing a vacation rental advertising business that I ran for more than a decade, then sold to HomeAway/VRBO. I’d love to help you buy or sell a property, simply contact me.