Whether planning a day trip as a foot passenger or looking to cross the bay with a vehicle to continue on a longer trip, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides comfort and speed to destinations up and down the eastern United States.
Driving from the tip of New Jersey to shore towns further south will result in a 170 mile trip taking over 3 hours and 15 minutes. Compare that to 17 miles on the ferry and an 80 minute ride enjoyed in the ship's restaurant watching other ocean-going vessels, lighthouses and various sea birds. Occasionally dolphins can be seen arcing out of the water as they seem to accompany the ferry on the journey across the Delaware Bay.
History of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
July 1, 1964 marked the maiden voyage of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry with eight cars and 15 passengers on board. The date was celebrated on both sides of the Delaware Bay as decades of attempts to create a ferry route finally became a reality. Since then, over 34 million passengers have crossed the bay on the ferry. The current fleet of five ships can handle 100 cars and 1000 passengers on each ferry and travels between the sea ports over a dozen times a day during peak season.
In 2001, renovations were completed in both terminals for increased comfort of passengers. The Cape May terminal has a gift shop, mini golf, a restaurant and a more casual food court. The Lewes terminal offers a seasonal sit-down restaurant, a food court and a souvenir shop. Both terminals have free parking, restrooms and kiosks with maps and other information. Looping shuttle buses are available at each terminal for foot passengers to get to the sites and destinations they want to visit.
About the Cape May-Lewes Ferries
The ferry operates 365 days a year. The full fleet is handicap accessible. Pets are permitted on the external decks of the ships. Ferries have elevators, air conditioning, televisions, restaurants, gift shops and plenty of seating areas on open air decks or inside air conditioned lounge spaces.
Special events can be booked in advance on the ferries. Wedding receptions of 75-100 guests are held in a private room. Birthday partiesfor children and adults can be customized and held at either one of the terminals or on the ferry itself.
Things to do in Cape May New Jersey
Perhaps best known for its colorful Victorian homes, Cape May offers numerous shops, restaurants and walking and trolley tours. The Cape May County Zoo showcases over 100 species of animals including otters, tigers, giraffes and wallabies. The land surrounding the zoo is available for recreation with playgrounds, tennis and volleyball courts, trails for walking, biking and jogging and areas for freshwater fishing.
Historic Cold Springs Village is an open-air living history museum exhibiting life in the early 1800's. With buildings like the blacksmith shop, pottery barn , printshop and the Cape May Point Jail, visitors are treated to historically clothed presenters who bring history to life.
A short drive takes you to other NJ beach towns such as Wildwood, Ocean City and Atlantic City.
Things to do in Lewes Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park features sandy beaches, nature trails, camping and an educational nature center. The Rehobeth Outlets Centers has over 130 store such as Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lenox and the L.L. Bean Factory Store. Save money with tax free shopping.
The close by "quiet beaches" of Fenwick Island and Bethany Beach are surrounded by state park lands. A short trip over the state line offers Ocean City Maryland's ten miles of free beaches and famous boardwalk.
Book a Trip on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Current schedules and fares can be checked at the Ferry website. Reservations are always recommended, and are required for vehicles. To reserve a space, visitors should call 1-800-64-FERRY at least 24 hours in advance of the desired travel day. A credit card number will reserve the space. Adults must present a photo ID upon check-in.
From a day trip filled with dining and shopping, to a shortcut for travel alongthe Atlantic Coast, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry allows passengers to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Keep an eye out for a school of dolphin escorts!
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