With peak busy season just around the corner, now’s a good time to make your ferry reservations and start planning for a day or weekend trip to our sister city of Cape May, New Jersey.
Whether you are a part timer or permanent resident, the experience never gets old.
The views from the ferry are stunning, giving a different perspective about our coastline. Seventeen miles by car seems like nothing, but by ferry, it’s an 85 minute adventure. Enjoy the views from the various areas outside, or relax inside, where there are refreshments and food and comfortable seats with great views. There’s wifi service if you really need it, and even a store on board for ferry themed apparel and gifts.
Cruise across the bay while soaking in the maritime scenery, including the historic lighthouses and dolphins and whales (the captain and staff will let you know when sightings are made, to the delight of passengers of all ages).
Year round, the ferry hosts tourists and commuters alike. Travelers heading either south or north choose this relaxing route that bypasses inland metro traffic. Summer, of course is very busy, so advance reservations are a must. Passenger fare for Seniors is only $14 round trip, plus $57 for a vehicle or $23 for a scooter round trip.
If you’d like to head to Cape May’s historic district, there is a free shuttle bus that runs during the spring, summer and fall months. You can check the schedule in advance, but this is an added bonus for people who simply want to explore the beautiful Cape May architecture, walk on the boardwalk, or relax on the beach.
Before your return to Lewes, enjoy the new amenities the Cape May terminal offers. The Lookout has panoramic views of the bay and ferries arriving and departing. Café 64 offers a nice menu, and new this year is Ferry Park, an indoor/outdoor area for seating or enjoying your cocktail. There’s even an outdoor play area they’ll enjoy as you wait for your return trip (remember that you need to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance).
Also during the summer season, Cape May Terminal offers free outdoor concerts with ample seating and quality local musicians.
Oh, and then if you are curious about bringing your pet, the ferry gladly welcomes four-legged travelers. They must remain outside on the decks because of the food service inside, but they will allow your well-behaved dogs inside in inclement weather.
2023 Special Events
On July 3rd, consider taking a ferry ride out on the waters to watch fireworks launched annually from a coastal town on the bayside of New Jersey. It’s out and back from Lewes only – it does not continue to Cape May.
This has grown wildly in popularity, so be sure to make early reservations. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for children under 11.
And keep a look out for concerts sponsored by Grain on the Rocks at the Lewes terminal. Their open field and bay views make this another summer event you need to experience.
So take a trip on the briny, or even just enjoy all that our beautiful terminal has to offer.
Ahoy!
Is there a charge to take a bike on the ferry?
Hi John, here’s what we found:
“Bicycles are free on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, riders simply pay the foot passenger fare and walk their bikes on board. Riders may secure their bike using one of the racks located on the car deck, but please note that bicycle locks are not provided.” on the site: https://www.cmlf.com/bicycle-information#:~:text=Bicycles%20are%20free%20on%20the,bicycle%20locks%20are%20not%20provided.