St. Johns River
St. Johns River
4.5
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4.5
17 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
debidepot
Osage Beach, MO42 contributions
Mar 2018
We used our Freedom Boat Club membership to go boating on this great river, one of the longest in the state of Florida. My husband and dog and I took a leisurely cruise to observe nature. More enjoyable for adults than children because it is not safe for swimming. Stopped at a cute restaurant. Swamp House, which was pet friendly.
Written 4 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
billinda55
Cocoa Beach, FL134 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
What a fun trip this is. It leaves from Sanford for a two-day journey down the St. John's River. We were joined by award winning environmaental writer, Bill Belleville, who described the cultural history of the river and the present impact on the river's health. We made stops at Blue Springs State Park and Hontoon Island State Park.where a picnic lunch was provided. After lazily drifting along the river we stayed overnight at a rustic motel and were taken to dinner by boat. The next day another famous historian joined our traveling group inspiring us with.folk stories and tales of his boyhood experiences growing up on the river. By the time we ended up in Palatka, Florida we knew a whole lot more about the fascinating St. John's River. A bus transported us back to the Sanford Marina. For more information about this fun trip visit their website stjohnsriverkeeper.org. We paid $325 for the 2 day trip. They only offer the trip once or twice a year so ask to be put on their mailing list for the next sailing. You'll be glad you did.
Written 6 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard F
Louisville, KY7,369 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We enjoy getting off the interstate highways so when we found a route from Jacksonville to Brunswick, GA that included a ferry ride across the river we had to take it. It's a fun short trip that's not exciting but, it's a beautiful ride up the coast with great scenery. The traffic is light and you don't have to worry jam ups along the way. Neat and fun to do for $6 how can you beat that.
Written 12 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FLHarlock
Tavares, FL4,942 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Crossed St. Johns River on the Fort Gates Ferry on my bike. Awesome adventure! The oldest operating ferry in Florida and part of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. (Fort Gates Ferry has been running since the 1850's) Caught the ferry after riding on a dirt road, Forest Service Road 43, coming from Salt Springs in the Ocala National Forest, on the west bank of the river. Just pull up, flash your lights or beep your horn, and here comes the ferry. Looks like it could hold 2 cars but I was all alone. It's more like a barge and a small tugboat. $10 to cross and it takes about 10 minutes. You end up in Fruitland and have another mile to ride on a dirt road before you hit pavement. The ferry operates from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except Tuesday. Spectacular ride and worth the time and money. Highly recommended!
Written 19 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bucket L
Niceville, FL58 contributions
Oct 2012 • Family
This was our very first ferry experience and we were very excited to say the least. We went with my mother-in-law and a 10-year old daughter. No one knew what to expect. We thought we would have to get-off the car before getting in the ferry. But we stayed inside our car, and just waited in-line with the rest of the other waiting vehicles (i.e., motorcycles, mopeds, RV).
The staff waived each vehicles in one-by-one and directs the driver specifically where to go/park (very organized). The fare is collected as soon as everyone is in. The fee for a vehicle (i.e., car/SUV) is $6 each way. It was a short "cross" between Fort George to Mayport.
The staff are all very nice and helpful.
The staff waived each vehicles in one-by-one and directs the driver specifically where to go/park (very organized). The fare is collected as soon as everyone is in. The fee for a vehicle (i.e., car/SUV) is $6 each way. It was a short "cross" between Fort George to Mayport.
The staff are all very nice and helpful.
Written 9 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan_of_art19
57 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
The St. Johns River Ferry connects A1A from Mayport (Atlantic Beach) Florida to the other side of the river... we drove north from Jacksonville, ate lunch at the Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant, and then got on the ferry. The drive from there is magical... beautiful white sand beaches, marshes, just beautiful. Made the drive home to Brunswick Georgia extra fine. We are so glad to live in a place with so much natural beauty.
Written 27 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don B
Los Angeles, CA18 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
The ferry no longer operates and based on the condition of the ramp, has not operated for some time.
Written 3 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George E
Pensacola, FL350 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We found the ferry as described in TripAdvisor, during the advertised operating hours. The operation was shut up tight. Had to drive all the way around through Palatka. Bummer
Written 12 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rbmiii
Orlando, FL2 contributions
July 2016 • Couples
If you enjoy or are curious about Olde Florida, take a quick trip on the Ft. Gates Ferry. The 15 ride will ferry your car across the St. John's. As you ride across, think back to the mid-1800s when the Ferry was first established and how important it was to the settlers. WARNING: the approaches to the Ferry on both sides are on sand roads. However, they seem to be grated and we had no problem at all.
For those of you in Central Florida, make a day of it. Deland, Crescent City, Palatka, Welaka, then catch the Ferry over to the Ocala National Forest (Salt Springs, Silver Glen), and back through Astor.
For those of you in Central Florida, make a day of it. Deland, Crescent City, Palatka, Welaka, then catch the Ferry over to the Ocala National Forest (Salt Springs, Silver Glen), and back through Astor.
Written 23 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlene C
Monroeville, PA691 contributions
July 2015 • Friends
We took a cruise on the St Johns River from Blue Springs State Park about an hour long it was beautiful and relaxing. The wildlife was amazing and the tour guides extremely knowledgeable. This state park is a wintering home for Manatee's. A must see if your in the Daytona area.
Written 31 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When you are a walk on where does it leave you? Can we walk around or need an Uber? Looking to go from Mayport to Amelia Island area.
Written 25 March 2019
Where on the St John’s River is salt or brakish water to fish for flounder etc??
Written 20 December 2018
Taking a houseboat up the St John for a week, are there any areas/springs where you can swim?
Written 18 September 2018
Looking for a quiet place without a lot of people...maybe some part of the interior of the sate..natural springs..
Written 15 January 2018
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