Since The Tarpon began operating from Galveston Island in the 19th century, Galveston Island Ferry has been a part of the Texas transportation system. Later, two barges carried passengers between Port Bolivar and Galveston. Though there were no published or regularly scheduled operations, however, even at that time roaming around this North American isle by a ferry was a favorite choice for the tourists.
In the year 1929, the first regularly scheduled ferry service between Port Bolivar and Galveston Island was started by a privately owned company.
On July 1, 1934, the first ferry operated by the State of Texas left Port Bolivar. Texas had been operating the ferry service toll-free for approximately six months; however, to reduce traffic congestion Galveston County officials asked the state to impose a 25 cent charge.
The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry is regarded as the bridge between two segments of State Highway 87. The free ferry service is the only way motorists can cross the waterbody between Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island. However, the service becomes critical when a hurricane threatens. Ferries continue crossing the channel until high winds and tides make their mission unsafe.
The ferry operation is comprised of five boats, each of which is capable of carrying approximately 70 vehicles, 500 passengers and six crewmembers. All of the boats are double-ended with a pilothouse on each end, and the Captain changes from one pilothouse to the other to go in the opposite direction.
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