What could be better than FREE? It’s my favorite price! Well here in the Lone Star State there’s a free Galveston Texas Ferry.
We were on the Ray Stoker Jr. Ferry
Last Sunday we took a drive to Galveston with our Florida friends Laura and Stanley, who just moved to Houston a few short months ago. They’d never been to Galveston and we have been there twice and loved it. But even we didn’t know that there was a free ferry available. One of Laura’s neighbors told her it was something she had to do, so we did!
The Spot on Galveston Island
The weather was gorgeous with crystal clear skies, bright sunshine, a slight breeze stirring the palm trees and temperature in the low 70s. Perfect for a boat ride. It was also perfect for dining outdoors overlooking the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. So before lunch we shared our favorite lunch spot on the island – The Spot.
The serene view from our table
Steve and I had enjoyed our lunch at The Spot so much on our first visit to Galveston in 2020, that we were anxious to return. This gave us the perfect opportunity.
Uncle Bill’s Famous Shrimp Po’ Boy with amazing Waffle Fries
We arrived about 12:30 and got seated right away. The food lived up to our memory of it. Steve and I both ordered the Shrimp Po’ Boys which are sandwiches, literally, overflowing with tender sweet battered shrimp. There are so many shrimp that you need a fork handy to pick up all of the strays! And don’t get me started about the fries. The Cajun seasoned waffle fries are the bomb. I defy you to leave any on your plate.
Our friend Laura ordered wings and was able to get half of them cooked with BBQ sauce and the other half with Hot Honey. And she washed them down with a fabulous Mojito. Stanley enjoyed his Grilled Chicken sandwich that came with those delicious fries.
Unfortunately we were starving so we dug into our food before I had a chance to take pix of everything. Good thing I took some the first time we visited.
As we left the restaurant to our awaiting Jeep and driver (Steve), we couldn’t help but notice that our timing had been perfect. The line to be seated was about a block long!!!
Laura and I saying “HI” from the back seat of our Jeep while on the Free Galveston Texas Ferry
Leaving the Port of Galveston on the Ferry
We drove along the beach for a bit to enjoy the scenery and then headed to the Ferry. Waiting in line to drive on felt like an eternity. At long last it was our turn to board and on we drove. Galveston Bay was calm and our crossing to Port Bolivar was delightful.
Port Galveston is one of the busiest ports in the country!
Hmmm…what do you think is in all of those container?
At the Port we drove off the ferry and continued down the main road looking for points of interest. After driving a few miles we came upon Margaritaville RV Resort. Naturally we had to explore and get pricing, just in case we decide to stay there next time we’re in Texas.
Freighters and cruise ships abound in Galveston Bay
This seagull seemed to be guiding the ship!
Other than Margaritaville we did not see anything much on Bolivar. But I imagine it is the perfect place to leave the world behind.
Sailor Steve
The Hafnea Swift out of Singapore
So we drove back to the Free Galveston Texas Ferry and got in line to board for our crossing back to Galveston.
Arriving at Port Bolivar
The Galveston Ferry is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don’t need tickets either because it’s a totally free service. But beware. Since riding the ferry is free, it attracts thousands of tourists who are doing exactly what we did – taking a delightful and free 18 minute boat ride.
