DUNEDIN, Fla. — A 40-minute ferry ride from Dunedin to Clearwater beach is now a trip you can make to beat sitting in traffic.
The Clearwater Ferry added a blue line that starts up July 6, that will run seven times a day from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The current ferry holds up to 21 passengers.
"I wanted to go for a nice little boat ride,” said Michael Barbosa, who came from Massachusetts with his family. “Something different. I've been on ferries before in other places!"
Folks with the Clearwater Ferry say they use ridership to help guide them in the direction of a new route.
"Dunedin was the number one answer,” said the Clearwater Ferry Sales and Marketing Manager Camille Hebting, when they asked folks where they’d like to go next. "People were ready for an alternate mode of transportation to take them to the beach.”
It’s $8 dollars for a one-way ticket, $5 dollars if you’re a Dunedin resident. Plus, you get a breathtaking view of the water.
"Because the waterways are one of the best things we have in Pinellas County, it was definitely one of the best ways to go,” said Hebting.
The 1-year pilot program was approved unanimously by Dunedin commissioners. Dunedin residents already took advantage of booking a reservation.
"I love it it's a great deal,” said Julie Hernandez. "I actually had to battle traffic almost an hour to get to Clearwater Beach a month ago!”
Trips for this weekend are already selling out which is why they say book your reservations quickly and get a spot before they’re gone.
