Where to Sail: the 6 Best Ferry Day Trips in the USA

1.Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,162 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $129Our pick

Leave Boston early in a 24-passenger minibus, ride through Cape Cod, and cross Vineyard Sound by ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Explore independently or add a three-hour island tour covering Edgartown, Aquinnah, the Gay Head Cliffs, and all six island towns. Guides such as Tom, Elaine, Jonathan, and Johnny Boston are known for lively local commentary.

“Very informative, friendly guides. We very much enjoyed our tour of the island and history, as well as the food!”

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2.Olympic National Park Small Group Day Tour w/Scenic Ferry 2CanGo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 624 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $148

This 11-hour small-group trip from Seattle combines round-trip Bainbridge Island ferry rides with Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and seasonal walks or snowshoeing. A guide such as Tony, Ryan, Duan, or Andy handles the driving, park entry, lunch, snacks, and water. Expect a full day, long road stretches, and weather-dependent plans.

“The best things about the tour are that they pick customers up and drop customers off from the hotel, a completely hassle-free tour. they provide lunch and drinking water for the tour. The tour guide is friendly and has full knowledge about what she is going to introduce.”

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3.From Miami: Bimini or Grand Bahama Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 299 reviews · 15 hours · from $284

Take a same-day ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini or Grand Bahama for beaches, swimming, and free time. Bimini gives you about 5.5 to 6 hours ashore after a two-hour crossing. Grand Bahama takes about three hours by ferry and allows roughly four hours on the island. Optional beach passes, snorkelling, stingray swims, golf carts, and jet skis cost extra.

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4.Boston Day Tour by Ferry: Salem Witch Trials Past to Present

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 127 reviews · from $129

Travel from Boston to Salem by ferry with a guide and a group of no more than 14. Visit the Salem Witch Museum Sunday through Thursday, or Real Pirates Salem Friday and Saturday, then walk past key sites including the Witch Trials Memorial, Ropes Mansion, and Witch House. You also get two hours for lunch and shopping.

“good sftuff: -memorial for those hanged -witch museum presentation -riding out on the Atlantic Ocean bad stuff: -tour guide 'off her game' some, really no enthusiasm, no excitement for her presentation today”

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5.Bimini Island Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 29 reviews · 16 hours · from $289

Take an economy-class ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini in about two hours, then enjoy free time on the island for beaches, cafes, shops, swimming, and optional snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, or golf-cart hire. Bring your passport, prepare for possible rough seas, and check the departure schedule carefully.

“asked to arrive at 5am. boat didnt leave until 9am.”

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6.Miami: Bahamas Full-Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 22 reviews · from $259

You’ll leave Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale on an air-conditioned ferry, with a reserved seat, restrooms, and a snack bar. Spend the afternoon on Bimini or Grand Bahama, choosing a beach day, water sports, or independent exploring. Bring a sweater for the cold cabin, and remember that island transport and activities cost extra.

“Bring a sweater for the ferry, the air conditioning is much too strong. Everyone should take out their towels to use as blankets... Otherwise, it's a beautiful island, nothing to complain about.”

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