Ferry in the bay at sunset

55 Reasons To Sail The Cape May-Lewes Ferry

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry: 55 Years & Sailing Strong

It's Our Birthday!

On July 1, 2019, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry turned 55 years old. To celebrate, we highlighted 55 reasons people have told us the Ferry is such a great experience. Check them all out on our  Pinterest Board, but below are some of our favorites, along with some highlights from our Ferry history.

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Boardwalk photos of Ocean City, MD and Ocean City, NJ

Still Going Strong

The Ferry started operations in 1964, and has sailed more than 80,000 voyages back and forth across the Delaware Bay since. Much has changed on both sides of the bay, affording travelers many new sights and experiences to discover while on a Ferry trip. At the Ferry itself, the sailing experience, although reminiscent of earlier voyages, has also been updated with new innovations from modernized terminals and automated SkyWalks to the dockside restaurants, now operated by Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen and Exit Zero Hospitality, respectively. 

But as time marches on, the Ferry is proud not only about what has changed, but also about the basics have stayed the same -- a relaxing, fun travel experience that almost automatically makes it into family vacation scrapbooks.

In 2018, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry was both recognized as 1 of the 7 most scenic rides in the U.S. by Smithsonian Magazine, and inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame. 

Virtually every kind of travel enthusiast will find something they admire on a Ferry trip. Here is a list of just some of the fantastic reasons to take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry on your next adventure. 

  • Dolphin sightings along the journey

  • Sunsets over the Delaware Bay

  • Relaxation on the outside deck chairs

  • Activities for the kids such as mini golf at the Terminal

  • Sipping cocktails at the Lido Bar

  • Birdwatching on the water

  • Reconnecting with Family

  • Lighthouse Sightings

  • Experiencing one of the most scenic Ferry rides in the U.S.

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picture of Pinterest Post of the #1 Reason to Experience the Ferry - It's fun!

What's to Love? Lots!

Although ferries operate throughout the U.S., they are not as common a travel experience as in Europe.  According to one UK blogger who loves ferry travel, the fact that her luggage can weigh any amount, and she can take as many bags as she wants in her car are especially nice aspects of Ferry travel; that and the fact that if you take your car onboard you never have to rent a car when you get where you're going!

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are approximately 220 ferry operators in the U.S. working out of 37 states. Washington State and Alaska rank among the best known along with New York's Staten Island Ferry. New York and California have the largest reported fleets, but are generally passenger only commuter lines. The Cape May-Lewes ferry is unique not only because it connects New Jersey and Delaware, but also because it is among the 42 percent that carry vehicles of all sizes in addition to passengers. 

Don't Take Our Word for It

Of course, we think everyone should take the Ferry at least once to experience it, but we don't want you to just take our word for it.  Here are a few stories and posts where others have shared their favorite reasons for experiencing Ferry travel across the Delaware Bay. 

  • The family behind Wild Kids Wander experiences a whole day of fun on the Ferry

What 's your special reason for taking the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, or any ferry for that matter?  Let us know by sharing your favorite experiences using the hashtag #CMLFerry55!

Find Your Reason to Sail