Cape May–Lewes Ferry
An 85-minute boat ride across the Delaware Bay — the trip is the destination, dolphins and all.
43 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958 · About 1.5–2 hours to the Lewes terminal
Hours
Hours not posted
Last checked 2026-09-20
- Cost
- Passenger and vehicle fares apply (varies) adult · Reduced; children under 6 ride free child
- Best for
- All ages
- Indoor / outdoor
- Indoor & outdoor
- Typical visit
- Half-day (round-trip ~3 hours on the water), or a full day if you explore Cape May
A real boat ride with a snack bar and restrooms, but it runs on a timetable and takes most of a day round trip.
The Quick Version
- • A year-round ferry across the Delaware Bay between Lewes and Cape May, NJ — 17 miles, about 85 minutes each way.
- • For kids the boat ride IS the outing: open-air decks, dolphin and seabird spotting, lighthouse views, and a snack bar.
- • Walk on as a foot passenger for a cheap round-trip 'boat day,' or drive on to explore Cape May; kids under 6 ride free.
- • Reservations recommended (especially with a vehicle); the Lewes terminal is about 1.5–2 hours from Wilmington.
Best Ages
All ages
Plan For
Half-day (round-trip ~3 hours on the water), or a full day if you explore Cape May
Adults
Passenger and vehicle fares apply (varies)
Kids
Reduced; children under 6 ride free
What to Expect
The Cape May–Lewes Ferry, run by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, carries cars and walk-on passengers across the mouth of the Delaware Bay between Lewes and Cape May, New Jersey — a 17-mile, roughly 85-minute crossing.
For families the ride itself is the attraction: the big vessels (each holds up to 800 passengers) have indoor lounges, open-air decks, a snack bar, and free Wi-Fi, and the bay crossing regularly turns up dolphins, seabirds, and lighthouse views. You can do it two ways — walk on as a foot passenger for an inexpensive round-trip 'boat day' (about three hours on the water), or drive on and spend the day in Cape May's beaches and Victorian town. Kids under six ride free.
Set expectations: it's a boat ride, not a playground — keep antsy little ones out on the deck with snacks and a dolphin-spotting mission. It runs year-round, but summer has the most sailings, the onboard dining, and the best wildlife. Reservations are recommended, especially with a vehicle. The Lewes terminal is about 1.5–2 hours from Wilmington.
Who It's Best For
Toddlers and up love being on a big boat — the open decks, the water, the dolphins. Babies ride fine in a carrier. It's a ride, not a play space, so an antsy toddler does best out on the deck with snacks and a lookout job.
Highlights
The crossing itself
All ages85 minutes on the open bay with breezy deck views — the ride is the whole point.
Dolphin & seabird spotting
All agesGive the kids a lookout mission — dolphins are a common sight in summer, along with seabirds and lighthouses.
Walk-on round-trip 'boat day'
All agesThe cheapest way to ride — no car needed; park at Lewes and go round-trip just for the experience.
Day trip to Cape May
Ages 5+Drive on and explore Cape May's beaches and Victorian streets on the New Jersey side.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Counting on a play area — it's a boat; bring deck activities and snacks.
- • Booking nothing in summer — reserve ahead, especially with a car.
- • Staying inside the whole time — the deck (and the dolphins) is the fun part.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
Passenger and vehicle fares apply (varies)
Kids
Reduced; children under 6 ride free
Under
Under 6 free
Fares vary by passenger vs. vehicle and by season — check current rates at cmlf.com. Reservations are recommended, especially if you're bringing a car in summer. Walking on as a foot passenger is the cheapest way to do it as a round-trip ride.
Getting There
Parking
Parking at the Lewes terminal (43 Cape Henlopen Drive) for walk-on passengers.
Arrive early in summer. If you're walking on, you park at the Lewes terminal and ride round-trip.
Entrance
Check in at the Lewes terminal off Cape Henlopen Drive; board on foot or drive on.
Parent Logistics
Walking on with a stroller works — the terminals have elevators and enclosed walkways. On board there are indoor lounges and outdoor decks; a carrier is easiest for moving around the boat.
Restrooms on board and at both terminals.
Not confirmed — likely in the terminal/onboard restrooms.
Indoor air-conditioned lounges plus open sunny decks — bring sun cover for deck time.
Food & Snacks
An onboard snack bar (plus craft beer for adults) and free Wi-Fi; seasonal sit-down dining at the terminals — Grain on the Rocks in Lewes and Stowaways in Cape May.
Snack strategy: The snack bar covers a crossing; do a bigger meal at the terminal restaurants or in town.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Walk on as a foot passenger for a cheap round-trip ride if you just want the boat experience.
- ✓ Kids under 6 ride free — a budget-friendly outing.
- ✓ Park yourselves on the outdoor deck and put the kids on dolphin watch.
- ✓ Reserve ahead in summer, especially with a vehicle; check cmlf.com for fares and schedule.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Summer for the most sailings, onboard dining, and dolphins. Pick a calm, clear day for deck time and views, and check the schedule and book ahead.
Seasonal Notes
Runs year-round, but more sailings, onboard dining (Grain on the Rocks in Lewes, Stowaways in Cape May), and dolphin sightings come in the warm months. Seasonal special-event cruises (live music, fireworks) too. Reservations are recommended, especially for vehicles in summer.
Rainy Day?
The boat has indoor lounges, so a crossing still works in light rain — but rough weather can affect sailings, so check before you go.
While You're in the Area
The Lewes terminal is minutes from Cape Henlopen State Park and Historic Lewes; on the NJ side, Cape May's beaches and zoo.
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