Getaway Guide To Ferries And Water Taxis
City skylines are visually dramatic. Whether the city is large or small, an approach by boat provides an indelible snapshot of a world beyond the docks. And that brings us to ferries and water taxis for travel from point-to-point and to see the sights on some of our most popular summer vacation getaways. So, if your travel plans take you to any of my favorite destinations, hop aboard these waterborne vehicles. -- Jay Lloyd
BOSTON WATER TAXI
www.roweswharfwatertransport.com/
www.bostonharborcruises.com/water-taxi/
The fun in Boston starts the minute you cast off from the airport. You got it. "Cast off". If you've picked a hotel anywhere near the famed Boston Harbor, a water taxi from the airport is the most exhilarating way to go. Water taxis leave the airport of a regular schedule and drop off at key locations on the harbor. Take in the sights, the aquarium, Old Ironsides, waterfront restaurants - all as you zip along an eye-filling shoreline. The water taxi dropped us off across the street from the Seaport Hotel and then carried us the next day to the cruise ship pier, a fine appetizer for a week long voyage to Bermuda. Fares range between $12 and $20.
STATEN ISLAND FERRY
How does free sound? One of New York City's most visually dynamic attractions is free. The Staten Island Ferry that I used to ride as a kid for a nickel now carries commuters and visitors between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island without a charge. The half-hour, one-way ride provides one of the best seaward views of the New York skyline, taking in Lower Manhattan, the newly risen World Trade Center and Wall Street with "Lady Liberty" constantly in sight. Most visitors debark at the Staten Island Terminal and immediately turn around to board the next ferry back to Manhattan. New York is awash in ferries that go point to point from lower and mid-town Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens and key spots in New Jersey - all for reasonable fares.
BALTIMORE WATER TAXI
Baltimore packs more fun, food and history into its fabled waterfront than most towns can fit in their borders. And the best way to see it all is by water taxi. A $14 all-day adult ticket ($7 for seniors) lets you get on and off at most major waterfront locations on the Inner Harbor, nearby Fells Point and historic sites. Visit the National Aquarium and Fort McHenry. Climb to Federal Hill, have lunch at the Rusty Scupper and pub crawl by evening at vibrant Fells Point. The water taxi here is the perfect prep for climbing aboard any of the historic ships that make up the collection at Baltimore's Maritime Museum. Your Inner Harbor hotel, favorite eateries and a ball game at Camden Yards are all near a water taxi stop.
ANNAPOLIS WATER TAXI
cruisesonthebay.com/annapolis-water-taxi
It was once affectionately known as "The Buck Boat". It cost a single dollar to ride between Annapolis waterfront locations, restaurants and City Dock (Ego-Alley). Now it's a Three-Buck Boat. But still worth the price of passage. We use it whenever sailing into Annapolis Harbor and tying up to a mooring on the water. Visitors who come to this popular getaway destination by car find the water taxi, a convenient way of traveling between restaurants, attractions, bars and marinas on the harbor, Back Creek and the upper reaches of Spa Creek. Rates to Back and Spa Creek locations can range to $8. Talk about convenience. You can call a water taxi at 410-263-0033. Or call from your boat on VHF channel 68. We've never waited more than 5 minutes. After all, when visiting the home of the United States Naval Academy, water travel is the way.
LONDON/PARIS/AMSTERDAM
If any of these popular European destinations are in your summer getaway plans, getting around town by boat is simple, traffic free and a wonderful combination of transportation and sight-gazing.
London City Cruises will take you to the London Eye while cruising past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the Tower of London. Then head for Greenwich and the spot where time begins. It's an eye filling cruise on the Thames River with stops at some of the most popular destinations.
The Paris Batobus launches a voyage on the picturesque Seine River around the "City of Light". That might be an invitation to include a ride at nightfall when you'll pass the brilliantly lighted Eifel Tower while on your way to dinner at a Left Bank riverfront cafe. A 24 hour ticket lets you get on and off at any stop which includes Notre Dame, the Louvre, access to Le Marais and the Eifel Tower.
Amsterdam Canal Tours provide one of the most fascinating ways of getting around a city that is carved with nearly 65 miles of canals. There are a number of canal boat companies operating here, but I chose this one because we were able to get on and off at major spots including the Rijksmuseum , the Anne Frank House and the Holland Casino. Yes. The Red Light District too.
