THE GALVESTON-BOLIVAR FERRY -
FREE
RIDE (Opened in 1930)
Approaching the Bolivar Peninsula from Galveston Island, the visitor
will be delighted to
find the bay crossing will be accomplished by driving onto a free
highway department ferry boat.
Dolphins often accompany the 588 ton ferries on their three mile
crossing. Often
ocean-going ships may be seen on their way to or from the wharfs at
Galveston, Texas City
or Houston.
Looking toward the left, the passenger will see a large concrete
structure
sticking out of the water which is the remains of a concrete ship, the Selma.
She was built
as an experimental vessel during World War I. The ship sank in 1922.
Passengers may
enjoy feeding the sea gulls from the back of the boat and the view from
the observation deck
is magnificent.
There are five ferry boats in service, with one leaving about every
twenty
minutes. The two smaller ferries carry an average of sixty-nine cars.
The larger
boats, the
Gibb Gilchrist, Robert Lanier, and Greer accommodate eighty-five cars.
This thirteen
minute mini cruise always provides a thrill for children and a pleasant
experience for
adults. Bring your camera.
PHOTO-OP: SHRIMP FLEET
Immediately after driving off the ferry on the Bolivar side, turn
inland on Loop 108, thru
the town of Port Bolivar. Drive on to Spur 108 and as it dead-ends, you
will be able to see
up close, a small fleet of commercial shrimp boats and seafood packing
plants.
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