When was the last time a ferry ride took your breath away? Whether you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, Istanbul, Alaska or Chile, these ferry journeys offer more than just a way of getting from A to B!
Star Ferry, Hong Kong
In Hong Kong and want an alternative to catching the underground? The Star Ferry connects Hong Kong’s Main Island to Kowloon and serves up fabulous views of Victoria Harbour. A ferry trip during the day is lovely, but make sure you go after dark as well to see the dazzling city skyline at night.
Golden Horn Ferry, Istanbul, Turkey
The Golden Horn is one of the most beautiful waterways on the planet and one of the best ways to explore it is via ferry. The Golden Horn Ferry will take you all the way from Üsküdar to Eyüp, and along the way you can jump off and explore some of the city’s best sights and suburbs. A great way to get off the tourist track in Istanbul.
Capri Ferry, Naples, Italy
If you know anything about the island of Capri, you know that it’s unbelievably beautiful. A ferry ride here is one of the best you can take on the Italian coast and they depart regularly from both Naples and Sorrento.
While you can take the regular or the high-speed ferry here, we recommend the slow one – it takes around 80 minutes but is slightly cheaper and means you’ll have more time to soak up the views.
Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska, US
Thirty stops and over 5,000 kilometers of ferry rides make the Alaska Marine Highway System – which extends from Bellingham (in Washington) to Dutch Harbor – one of the most unique in the world. This ferry ride is all about snow-capped mountains, stunning glaciers and the chance to glimpse amazing sea life.
Batobus, Paris, France
Cruising the Seine is one of the most glorious ways to see the famed city of Paris – and also get around from attraction to attraction. This ferry ride stops in nine different destinations throughout Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée D’Orsay, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Hôtel de Ville. In peak season, rides run til 9.30pm, so go at night for stunning views.
Navimag Ferry, Patagonian Fjords, Chile
It might be a ferry made for commercial vehicles, but it’s one that also allows regular old tourists on board. The Patagonian Fjords are one of the most remarkable sights along the Chilean coast and getting on one of the Navimag ferries is recommended. You’ll need to book a cabin in advance to secure a spot on this ferry ride, with trips lasting for around 4 nights.
Manly Ferry, Sydney, Australia
If it’s supreme views of Sydney Habour you’re after, jump on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach. This ferry journey is a wonderful way to take in the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, as well as glimpse views of Bradleys Head, Watsons Bay, Luna Park and North Head.
Staten Island Ferry, New York, US
It transports more than 22 million people a year and a trip on the Staten Island Ferry is one of the most iconic ways to see New York. Along the way, sights from the boat include the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge and of course, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.