Ferry to Fort Matanzas

Ferry boat in the water with the Fort in the background

NPS

No Ferry Service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Fort tours are running Thursday through Monday only.

Fort Matanzas National Monument is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25).

The free passenger ferry to the fort leaves from and returns to the Visitor Center dock. Boarding passes are required for every person wishing to ride the ferry including children and babies. Boarding passes are issued for free at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center located within the park.

Boarding passes are only good on the date they are issued and must be picked up in person. Passes are not available on Tuesdays and passes cannot be picked up in advance for another day’s fort tour. Passes are distributed on a first come, first served basis. We do not accept calls for reservations or to hold passes until you arrive. Tours fill up early in the day and it is not unusual for all passes to be handed out before 11:00am on the days the ferry is in operation. Plan to arrive early to get your boarding passes.

Boarding pass holders must be present when boarding begins, 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time. If you are not present at the time of boarding your seat will be given away to another passenger.

Pets are not allowed in park buildings, on the boat or at the fort. However, service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are permitted in these locations.

No food or drink is permitted on the boat or at the fort. Your trip will last approximately 45 – 55 minutes. We recommend that your bring water for your visit.

Ferry Departure Times:

Thursday - Monday Only
The ferry to the fort carries 30 people on a first come, first served basis and leaves the Visitor Center dock at the following times, weather permitting*:

9:30 10:30 11:30 1:30 2:30 3:30

Everyone riding the ferry needs a pass, including babies and children.

Animals, except for service animals, are not allowed in the visitor center, on the boat, or at the fort.

No food or drink is permitted on the boat or at the fort. You can bring water.

Ferry trips are subject to cancellation without advanced notice. Trip cancellations do occur. Ferry service will shut down during approaching lightning storms and in windy conditions.

For additional questions please call 904-471-0116.

Details

Duration

30-45 Minutes

The tour last roughly 45 minutes. It begins with a senic boat ride across the Matanzas River. Followed by greeting a Park Ranger for a orientation talk on the area history and pleanty of time to walk through the historic watchtower.

Activity

Boat Tour

Here's what you need to know to take the free ferry ride to historic Fort Matanzas.

Age(s)

All ages

Pets Allowed

No

Only Service Animals

Activity Fee

No

Tours are free.

Location

Ferry Service Visitor Center & Dock

Reservations

Yes

Free Boarding Passes are required. They can be picked up from the park visitor center on a first come, first served basis.

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The ferry service and fort grounds are accessible. However, a 14 step staircase is the only entrance into the fort itself.