Ferry service returns to region for a fourth season

ST. PETERSBURG — In a ceremony held at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Yacht Basin on Friday, the Cross Bay Ferry kicked off its fourth season of providing transportation between downtown Tampa and the St. Pete waterfront. 

The new season, which runs until April 30, will operate using increased safety precautions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a press release, masks will be required at all times when inside the ferry cabin, with certain seats roped off to encourage social distancing. Additionally, high-traffic touch points, such as door handles and rails, will be wiped down and sanitized in between every trip.

“We’re excited to return to Tampa Bay,” states Matt Miller, president of HMS Ferries, the company that provides the Cross Bay Ferry vessel. “Passenger safety aboard the Cross Bay Ferry is our number one priority.”

In its 2020-21 season, the release states, the ferry will run Wednesday through Sunday, with 4 stacked departure times at both locations on Fridays and Saturdays. As in years past, it will dock at the Tampa Convention Center and the Vinoy Yacht Basin. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $8 for seniors 65 and up, active and retired military and college students; $5 for youth aged 5 to 18; and free for children 4 and under.

“We’re looking forward to connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg by water in a safe and reliable way,” HMS Ferris General Manager Kevin Fisher states in the release. 

To view the Cross Bay Ferry schedule and purchase tickets, visit https://www.thecrossbayferry.com.