Lewes Ferry

Cape May Lewes Ferry
For a fun-filled, functional and scenic ride across the Delaware Bay, the Cape May Lewes Ferry has been transporting and entertaining passengers en route to and from Cape May since 1964. Several times a day, the Cape May Ferry shuttles walk-on and drive-on passengers over the scenic, 17-mile Delaware Bay, connecting the thriving tax-free shopping center and beaches of Lewes Delaware with the essentially Victorian beachside resort town of Cape May NJ. For 70 minutes passengers are delighted with entertainment options, ocean beauty and a spectacular boat ride. Come stay at our delightful
Bed and Breakfast in Cape May New Jersey and enjoy the beauty on both sides of the Delaware Bay!

The Cape May – Lewes Ferry offers more than shortcut from Delaware to the Jersey shore; the modern and happening terminals at both ends of the Cape May Ferry are stocked with restaurants, foot courts, outdoor cafés, ticketing and information booths, lounges, gift shops and occasional cultural exhibits. The terminals were recently remodeled to include identifiable “towers” with elevators, staircases and glass-enclosed walkways, allowing foot passengers to board the ferry separate from the automobile passengers. The ferries and terminals also feature large rooms for private parties.

For those looking for a picturesque view of the Delaware Bay, the Lewes Cape May Ferry offers a view of three, historic lighthouses: the Cape May Lighthouse in New Jersey, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse and the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse near Lewes Delaware. Spot oceangoing vessels and seabirds, and perhaps experience the playful and friendly activities of dolphins escorting your ferry across the bay!

Cape May – Lewes Ferry Fleet
Originally comprised of four ships purchased from the Chesapeake Bay ferry line that was decommissioned due to opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the Cape May – Lewes Ferry now consists of five vessels with the capacity for each to carry 100 cars and 1,000 passengers. The ferry line welcomes buses, RVs, tractor trailers, motorcycles and bicycles aboard and is operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority. Three vessels remain from the original 1964 fleet; The M.V. Delaware, M.V. Twin Capes and the M.V. New Jersey. In 1981 and 1985 respectively, the M.V. Cape Henlopen and the M.V. Cape May were added to the fleet. All vessels differ in appearance but maintain functional identicalness: length of 320 feet, breadth of 68 feet, two 4,000 horsepower diesel engines and a top speed of 16 knots.

Cape May Ferry and Ticketing Information
For a basic, one-way bay crossing, prices range from $10 to $41 a person, depending on when you travel. Children under 6 receive free admission. Depending on the season, children 6-13 pay $3.50-$4.75. Peak travel times are Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and times between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Foot passengers pay the same rates, although passengers planning to dive their vehicle onto the boat need to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Drivers are encouraged to arrive at the terminal 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure that reservation spots are not lost to other awaiting vehicles. For special cruise packages, reservations are strongly recommended. From mid-June hrough mid-October shuttle buses run nearly ever day connecting foot passengers with destination spots in Lewes DE and Cape May NJ. Shuttle bus tickets are purchased along with ferry tickets. Shuttle and ferry departure times change regularly so be sure to contact the terminal offices for updated information.

Cape May – Lewes Ferry Events and Programs
The Lewes Cape May Ferry has many special events and programs for all ages to enjoy. From firework shows, music nights, to
children-oriented cruises, the Cape May Ferry is an entertaining attraction aside from its service connecting the charming Mid-Atlantic seaside towns. For special cruise programs, the cost of ferry service is included in event ticket price.

During the summer, book a guided tour setting off from the Lewes terminal at 9:15 am on Tuesdays and Thursday for the Cape May Zoo. For a great deal, the Lewes Cape May
Ferry shuttles you across the Delaware Bay to the Cape May Zoo and its 250 species of animals and accompanying 200 acres
of Cape May County Park recreational fun. Children under 6 are free, children 6-13 received reduced fare of $18 and adults pay $25 for this spectacular activity which returns to Lewes Delaware at 4:30 pm.

Children also love Lighthouse Pete’s Family Fun cruise starring Lighthouse Pete the Pirate, the mascot for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Departing on Wednesdays from Cape May NJ on the 6:00 pm round-trip departure and on Thursdays from Lewes DE on the 6:15 pm departures, this memorable, family oriented entertainment is free with the price of ferry admission.

Also free with the price of ferry passage is the Rock the Boat cruise, leaving every Friday in July and August from Cape May at 6:00 pm and Lewes at 6:15 pm.

For the history and cultural adventurer, the Travel Thru Time cruise departs from Lewes DE at 9:15 am and shuttles passengers to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, a WWII facility that trained dive-bomber squadrons, and Cold Spring Historic Village in Cape May. This historic cruise costs $27 for adults, $22 for children 6-13 and is free for children under 6.

During certain times of the year you can join the “View Victoriana” cruise tour that visits Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and includes a 30-minute
trolley tour of the Cape May National Historic District. The program cost is $23 for adults, $17 for children 6-13 and free for children under 6.

Those interested in Delaware Bay’s marine life will enjoy with Marine Naturalist cruise. Setting off on Monday and Thursday at 11:15 am and 2:45 pm from Lewes and 9:30 am and 1:00 pm from Cape May during the summer, this program is free with the price of ferry ticket. The Stone Harbor Wetlands Institute naturalist boards with passengers to share knowledge of coastal sea and botanical life.

For adults wanting a gamble of a good time, take one of the Atlantic City Tours: Lucky 7 departing at 9:15 am from Lewes every Wednesday from June October. Price for admission is $9 for adults 21 years of age and older and includes round-trip ferry cruise to Atlantic City’s Tropicana Resort

Prices

Lewes Terminal

Cape May Terminal

November – March: $30
April – October: $36
Peak times: $44

Discounts Available

43 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE
800-64-FERRY
(1-800-643-3779)

1200 Lincoln Blvd
Cape May, NJ 08204
1-800-643-3779

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 609-884-2129 or 866-844-2129, email us, or use our online request form.