Take a Long Island ferry ride on foot
The Cross Sound Ferry is open to foot traffic with same-day rountrip fares of $38.45. Credit: Randee Daddona
No boat? No problem. You can still get out on the water and enjoy the surf, the views and fresh air — on a local ferry.
Most people think of the ferry as a mode of transportation, a way to get from points A to B. But you don’t need a destination to ride — you can just enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable “cruise” or a different date idea, “joyriding” on a ferry might just do the trick.
Many ferries have a cafe or some kind of food service on board, so you can upgrade your basic joyride to a “drift and dine” experience if you choose.
For Ilene Schuss, of Oceanside, a trip to nowhere was a remedy for cabin fever.
“My first time taking the ferry just for fun was several years ago out of Port Jefferson,” said Schuss, 67. “It was during a heat spell, and we were tired of just staying indoors with the air-conditioning.”
She had taken her parents on the ferry to get out on the Sound to cool off, take in the scenery and have something different to do, she said.
“We alternated between being indoors, where it was comfortable seating with a nice food concession stand and plenty of windows, and upstairs in the open air,” said Schuss.
Here are some to check out.
Cross Sound Ferry, Orient
The Cross Sound Ferry offers a relatively long voyage, at 1 hour and 20 minutes each way between New London, Connecticut, and Orient Point daily year-round for passengers with and without cars. If you’re looking to level up the thrill and don’t have as much time, the High-Speed Ferry is passenger-only and cuts the ride to 40 minutes. An adult round-trip passenger-only fare is $38.45.
The Cross Sound has added several lighthouse tours to its repertoire that navigate past the North Dumpling Light, Race Rock Light, Plum Island, Gardiner’s Island and more. Sightseers stay aboard the ferry for a two-hour excursion, taking in the history and views as they cruise. Tickets are $35 for adults.
Staten Island Ferry
Looking for free ride? The Staten Island Ferry runs free of charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, between the St. George Terminal in Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The ride takes about 25 minutes each way across New York Harbor and offers excellent passing views of the Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan skyline. Concessions aboard feature light snacks, beverages, beer and canned cocktails.
Tip: Sit on the right side when heading from Manhattan to Staten Island for the best views of the Statue of Liberty.
Fire Island Ferries
If you want a short voyage across the Great South Bay, a ferry ride to Fire Island could be the ticket. Service leaves Long Island from several ports — including Bay Shore, Sayville and Patchogue — giving you access across Fire Island from Kismet to Watch Hill. Depending on departure location, round-trip passenger fees range from $16 to $25.
Other worthy ferries
- Astoria Ferry, service between Astoria, Queens, and midtown, $5 each way, ferry.nyc.
- Shelter Island South Ferry, service between Shelter Island and Sag Harbor, foot passengers are $2 each way, southferry.com.
- Shelter Island North Ferry, service between Shelter Island and Greenport, foot passengers are $3 each way, northferry.com
- Bridgeport Port Jefferson Ferry, service between Port Jefferson and Bridgeport, Connecticut, adult foot passengers are $25 each way, 88844ferry.com.
Savvy ferry travel
Make reservations well in advance if possible, and arrive 30 minutes prior to ferry departure to line up for check-in and boarding. Before leaving home, check the ferry website for any cancellations due to inclement weather.
