One of the most scenic ferry rides in the United States is right here in the First State.
Urging its readers to skip the bridges and tunnels and board a boat on their next road trip, Smithsonian.com recently recognized the Cape May-Lewes Ferry as one of the seven most scenic ferry rides in the country.
“We’re honored to be recognized by such a renowned magazine that’s known for chronicling the arts, history, sciences, travel and culture. It’s a tremendous honor,” said Jim Salmon - the public information officer for the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), which operates the Ferry.
Salmon says the Cape May-Lewes Ferry has three vessels in its fleet and welcomes foot and vehicle passengers 365 days a year, “On an average year we transport 275,000 vehicles and about a million passengers each year. It’s a heavily used transportation link.”
He says there’s plenty of reasons to use the ferry, but the scenery along the Delaware Bay may be the best.
“It is the scenic route that you take; you can see wildlife, maybe you’ll see a whale or dolphin, birds, osprey and gannets. You’ll see obviously lighthouses and transportation on the sea lanes with shipping going up into the Ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia,” said Salmon.
The Ferry, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey and historic Lewes, Delaware began transporting passengers across the Delaware Bay in 1962.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is joined on the list by the Staten Island Ferry in New York City; Block Island Ferry in Rhode Island; Washington State Ferries; Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry in Texas; Alaska Marine Highway System and the S.S. Badger ferry in Michigan and Wisconsin.
