May 11, 2023

Why The Ferry Is On So Many Bucket Lists

May 11, 2023 by administrator

6 Ideas for Your Personal Bucket List

In olden times buckets and water adventures always went together, but for negative reasons — you always needed a way to bail out! Happily, today, when we talk of buckets and bucket lists, it’s to give people a desired experience that they want to have. At the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, numerous passengers each year tell us that the trip is on their bucket list, for a wide variety of reasons. Here are a few we’ve heard to date:

Traveling all 50 states, and this seemed a different way to get to Delaware.
Wanted to travel all of route 9, including the water portion of the route.
Always took it as a child and wanted to experience it as an adult.
Just got married and wanted my sweetheart to see where I grew up and how we used to visit relatives in New Jersey.
Wanted to tick off birds on my bird watching bucket list, and in a new way — on the water!

And then, people tell us that they come aboard just to experience more scenic touring, as the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is an exciting (and in most cases, efficient) addition to any East Coast adventure. Transporting travelers between two iconic East Coast destinations – the New Jersey Shore and the Delaware Beaches – the Ferry prevents a long drive around the Delaware Bay and hectic travel via the often-congested highways through Baltimore and D.C.

Don’t have a Delaware Bay bucket list yet? No problem! Here are 6 suggestions for starting one:

Bike through historic Cape May, NJ, making sure you stop by the Cape May Lighthouse and climb to the top for the 360-degree views.
Tackle more than eight miles of scenic bike trails at Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware
Catch one of the best sunsets on the east coast at Sunset Beach, while also witnessing a piece of history – the Atlantus, a sunken ship from WWI.
Continue south of Lewes to soak up the sun and enjoy food and amusement on Ocean City Maryland’s wooden boardwalk.
Visit Naval Air Station Wildwood in Cape May County, NJ’s answer to the Smithsonian, and find out why despite it’s name, it’s never been in Wildwood!
Visit all zoos in the country, including the Cape May County Zoo!

Whether you’re an eco-tourist, historic buff, or beach aficionado, there is a Delaware Bay bucket list that can be tailored for just about any interest.

DOLPHINS & WHALES

OH THE THINGS YOU'LL SEE

Why Pets Love Riding The Ferry

May 11, 2023 by administrator

5 Reasons A Ferry Ride Is the Best Pet Treat

For years, animal lovers and their four-legged companions have enjoyed ferry rides. We know why animal lovers like taking their dogs on the ferry. Two key reasons: 1. Pets travel free and 2. Pet lovers like taking their pets out with them!

But, there are more reasons why dogs like going on the Ferry. It includes everything from breathing in open air, sighting the most unique birds (with a bark), rocking and relaxing Adirondack chairs and because of that, we’ve put a list of reasons together for you. Here are some of the reasons why pets love riding the ferry as much as their owners!

1) New Animal Sightings

While on board they get to see their favorite whale and dolphin friends in the Delaware Bay. During the summer months, many whales and dolphins travel along the waters for furry passengers to see. And, to be clear, 2016 has been an AMAZING year for sighting whales!

2) Walk Arounds

You pup can endlessly walk around the boat for the entire width of the Delaware Bay! Dogs enjoy the 360 degree views of the bay from many vantage points from the wrap around deck. On later rides, sights include a stunning sunset.

3) Ball Chases

Before boarding the ferry, dogs of all shapes and sizes can play free miniature golf with their owners. We promote tail puts and nose puts. Lots of owners like to give their dogs a good run from golf to ball tosses on the Ferry greens to get all their sillies out before the Ferry ride.

4) New Friends

Your wonderful pup can meet other furry friends from around the world! People and their pets from all over the country use the ferry to travel, so you never know who you may get to meet. For those with puppy eyes, you won’t want to miss out. Your pup should be very friendly, but if he or she is afraid of other pets, they can stay in vehicles with the windows open for fresh air.

5) Free and Freedom

Let’s face it. Dogs think everything is free, and in this case they are correct. Dogs ride free! So do rabbits and cats and parrots, but we don’t have to let the dogs know that.

These are only a few of the reasons why pets love riding the ferry but there are plenty more. Come and see why everyone loves riding the Cape May- Lewes Ferry as much as their four-legged companions! Visit our website now to book a trip for you and your 4 legged bestie.

Helpful Travel Tips For Travel with Pets

• Bring water and a bowl for your pet during warmer months.

• Arrive early to give your pet a chance to stretch and use the designated relief areas before boarding.

• Keep an eye on the weather—shade is limited on some decks during mid-day crossings.

• Plan your adventures! Many beaches and parks near both terminals are pet-friendly.

The Wildwood Boardwalk

May 11, 2023 by administrator

The Wildwood Boardwalk

If you’re planning a trip across the Delaware Bay, don’t miss one of New Jersey’s most iconic destinations: the Wildwood Boardwalk. Just a short drive from the Cape May Ferry Terminal, Wildwood blends vintage charm, neon lights, family attractions, and wide-open beaches into the perfect Shore getaway.

The Wildwood Boardwalk has been attracting visitors for over 100 years with its two and a half miles of beachfront shops, restaurants, and loads of other fun activities. From the sights and smells of the boardwalk, with its bright neon lights and freshly made funnel cakes, to its eccentric shops and huge beaches, Wildwood is sure to offer a vacation you and your family will never forget!

A Classic Jersey Shore Experience

Stretching 2.5 miles, the Wildwood Boardwalk has been welcoming visitors for more than a century. With its Doo Wop architecture, retro signs, and seaside favorites like funnel cakes and fresh-cut fries, it feels like stepping back in time—without missing any of the modern fun.

A crowded evening on the Wildwood Boardwalk

Morey’s Piers & Water Parks

Wildwood’s biggest attraction is Morey’s Piers, home to:

Over 100 rides and attractions
A massive 156-foot Ferris wheel offering sunset views over the marshlands
Two beachfront water parks at Mariner’s Pier and Surfside Pier

From kiddie rides to thrilling coasters, Morey’s Piers delivers fun for every age.

Friday Night Summer Fireworks

Be sure to check out Wildwood’s summer firework displays, which happen every Friday night at 10 pm at Pine Avenue on the beach. The best views are from the boardwalk between Oak Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. It’s a great way to end a fun filled day.

Sightseer Tramcar on the wildwood boardwalk

"Watch the Tramcar, Please!"

You can’t visit Wildwood without hearing the famous phrase. The Sightseer Tramcar has been cruising the boardwalk for over 70 years, offering a nostalgic way to travel from end to end.

Monster Truck Beach House: Time to "Crush" the Beach

There’s no better place to go off-roading than the beach! The Wildwood Boardwalk is home to the only Monster Truck Beach House on the East Coast! Prepare to take a ride over the sandy dunes of the Wildwood beaches in either the “AmeriCrush” or the “ZombieCrusher”. Make sure to hold on tight, because it’s going to be a “wild” ride. Monster Truck Beach rides are located at Youngs Avenue and the Boardwalk.

Sam's Pizza Palace

Looking for a bite to eat? Check out Sam’s Pizza Palace, located at 26th Street and the Boardwalk. Sam’s Pizza Palace has been a Wildwood institution since 1957! It has become a favorite of Wildwood locals and even summertime visitors. If you’re looking for some of the best pizza on the Wildwood Boardwalk, Sam’s Pizza Palace is a great place to try!

Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or adding Wildwood to your Ferry getaway, this timeless Shore destination promises fun, nostalgia, and plenty of seaside adventure.

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

Ready To Sail?

Yes Virginia, We Carry 18 Wheelers

May 11, 2023 by administrator

Yes, Virginia — We Carry 18-Wheelers

In any one day , 90%+ of all vehicles getting on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry have the standard four wheels and range from Mini-Coopers to mini-vans. But, almost weekly, a much larger vehicle can be seen boarding. It’s the Lorric Auto Transport tractor trailer out of Newtonville, NJ. The vehicle is an 18-wheeler in its own right, but most often is spotted carrying an additional 6-8 cars behind.

Richard Schmidt is the veteran driver who’s been doing this type of work for almost 30 years. Almost weekly he carries vehicles traded in at Burke Auto in South Jersey to car auctions in Virginia. It takes a unique driving skill, and Schmidt has encountered almost any situation, including a few no one wants repeated.

Richard Schmidt of Lorric Auto Transport and his 18-wheeler

Whereas most Ferry travelers check the schedule for the most convenient sailing, Schmidt checks the tides. He’ll take whichever departure is leaving at lowest tide in Cape May when he has a full load. The low tide helps him have a less steep ramp climb getting on to the boat. This day in February, he was traveling at mid-tide — and didn’t have any worries. It’s only true high tide he likes to avoid.

Most crossings are happily event free. However, January 2018 provided a new challenge for both Schmidt and the Ferry crew. After the boat was fully loaded, the Captain uncovered a minor switch problem in the wheel house, but it was enough for him to call a time out for that sailing. The second boat was pulled out of dock to the first pier and all cars were asked to off load by backing up back on to the staging lanes.

The crew were worried about Schmidt’s long vehicle, but he didn’t blink an eye. “I can go backwards as easily as forward,” he noted having done it for so many years. And, he did!

Loric Transport is one of many commercial carriers who regularly take the Ferry to shorten their road trips and give drivers a rest on long hauls. In any one week furniture retailers, moving companies, fisheries, and clam and oyster shell services take the Ferry between locations on both sides of the bay. Frequent traveller commercial accounts generally sail with contracted rates tied to business invoicing services handled through special arrangements negotiated with our Customer Service team. If you have a commercial vehicle and want to learn more, call our Customer Service Manager Terry Anstead at 800-643-3779.

Why The Ferry Is On So Many Bucket Lists