Forget cruise ships, sailing tours, and jet boat rides. These popular tourist options offer beautiful views of a city’s waterways and coastlines, but they’re generally overpriced. You needn’t miss out on these shoreline vistas while traveling though; simply hop on a ferry! In this article we profile some of the world’s best.
They’ve got ferries to spare in Scotland, where a network of the ships helps island hoppers. There really isn’t a bad trip amongst the bunch, but the journey from Oban to Barra is probably the pick of them. This five-hour voyage has an edge because it passes several other islands before reaching its destination. The ferry has a TV area and cafeteria, but who’d want to spend their time inside? Outdoor seating offers plenty of space for admiring the green isles as they pass. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking in the waters! The ferry sets off on its five-hour journey six times a week. It costs around £153 for two passengers and their car to make the trip.
The fjords are big business in Norway, but you needn’t join a tour boat to see them. A ferry service runs from Laerdal to Gudvanger between May and September each year. The route passes Nærøyfjord, which is regarded by many as one of Norway’s prettiest fjords. At €400 return this three-hour ferry trip is no bargain, but it’s still significantly cheaper than the tourist boats.
If that fee leaves you smarting, you might be better off seeing New York from the Staten Island Ferry. This iconic boat, which travels from Manhattan to Staten Island, offers some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Big Apple’s imposing skyline. The ferry leaves every half hour, so you’re never left waiting too long for the next one. And best of all, it’s free!
If you’re spending any extended period in New Zealand, you’ll probably catch The Interislander. This ferry connects Wellington on the North Island with Picton on the South. This passage of water is beautiful, particularly when the weather is calm and still. But beware when the winds get up; the rough waters of the Cook Strait can make the three-hour journey seem even longer! The trip costs around NZ$70 per person, which is relatively affordable considering its duration.
If that sounds like far too long to be on a boat, you may enjoy a much shorter trip on Hong Kong’s Star Ferry. This journey takes just ten minutes and costs HKD$2.50 for adults through the week, and HKD$3 on weekends and public holidays. And if you’ve hit 65, you can travel for free! You might not be on board for a long time, but you’ll have a good time taking in the spectacle of buildings Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It looks beautiful by day, but incredible by night when the evening light show colors the skyscrapers.
The trip from Sydney’s Circular Quay to Manly is another relatively quick but beautiful ferry journey. The route’s so famous it was even immortalized in a song by Australian singer-songwriter James Reyne! And when you travel it, you’ll see why. This affordable Sydney public transport option takes around 30 minutes to pass local icons, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, before winding up around the famous Manly Beach. The Manly ferry leaves every half hour and costs around AUS$6 for a one-way fare.
So why fork out the big bucks on those overpriced tourist cruises? You might miss out on the commentary, but you’ll enjoy views that are just as beautiful from the world’s public ferries!
International ferries are another, less expensive option for tourists exploring Northern Asia. Ferries to Incheon leave from around 10 Chinese ports, while ferries from Russia travel to Sokcho in Gangwon-do province and ships from Japan travel to the international ferry terminal near Jungang subway station in Busan. Prices vary according to the quality of accommodation provided. The cheapest fare is likely to offer only a thin mattress in dormitory style lodging, while the most expensive tariffs might buy a small cabin with a television. Children and students often receive discounts, making ferry trips an economical traveling option for young people and families.