Pensacola Bay ferry cruises return after two-year hiatus

From Staff Reports
·2 min read

Pensacola Bay City Ferry cruises will return this weekend with Saturday service between downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Fort Pickens.

The two 150-passenger catamaran-style ferryboats owned by the National Park Service and operated by City Experiences by Hornblower began service to Gulf Islands National Seashore on April 20, 2019. A year later in 2020, Hurricane Sally devastated the Gulf Coast, resulting in a pause in service.

“We are excited to have the ferries return to Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Fort Pickens area after a two year absence,” said Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Darrell Echols. “The ferries will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience America’s largest national seashore and its cultural and natural resources. The ferries are a great way to see parts of the seashore that are not often seen by visitors.”

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Pensacola Bay Cruises operates two 150-passenger, catamaran-style vessels, the “Turtle Runner” and “Pelican Perch.” The vessels offer air-conditioned interior and covered exterior seating and restrooms. Imported and domestic beer, wines, soft drinks and water are available for purchase.

Ticket Pricing:

  • Adults = $30 (roundtrip)

  • Seniors (62 and up), military, disabled persons, students = $24 (roundtrip)

  • Youth (3-15) = $20 (roundtrip)

  • Children 2 and under are free

The ferry service operation schedule is below, and the schedule will be updated on pensacolabaycityferry.com:

Saturday Departures

  • Departure 1:

    • 10:30 a.m.: Downtown Pensacola

    • 11:00 a.m.: Fort Pickens

    • 12:00 p.m.: Pensacola Beach (Quietwater)

  • Departure 2:

    • 1 p.m.: Downtown Pensacola

    • 1:30 p.m.: Fort Pickens

    • 2:30 p.m.: Pensacola Beach (Quietwater)

  • Departure 3:

    • 3:30 p.m.: Downtown Pensacola

    • 4 p.m.: Fort Pickens

    • 5 p.m.: Pensacola Beach (Quietwater)

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Bay ferry cruises return after two-year hiatus to beach