For Immediate Release
April 27th, 2026
Tampa Dock Location Set, Two-Boat Plan Announced for Future Tampa Bay Ferry
Tampa Convention Center Dock will Welcome Passengers from St. Pete When New Service Launches
TAMPA, FL – The new Tampa Bay Ferry service is planning to use two boats to offer seven-day-a-week service between Tampa and St. Petersburg, and the service has locked in a Tampa dock location that will bring passengers straight into the heart of the city’s Downtown, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) announced today.
PSTA is leading the development of the new ferry, which will offer improved service, lower costs, and more long-term stability than the popular Cross-Bay Ferry, which shut down last year.
*** CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE TAMPA BAY FERRY BOAT OPTIONS ***
PSTA’s Board is expected to vote this week on a plan to buy and renovate two vessels using a $4.8 million federal grant. The Cross-Bay Ferry operated with only one boat, which prevented it from running seven days a week. The two vessels will be chosen from three possible options that have been identified in a nationwide search that led PSTA’s ferry operator, Hubbard’s Marina, to find potential boats in Seattle, San Francisco, and western Louisiana.
PSTA shared additional details Monday:
- PSTA is targeting a one-way ticket price of $10, which is less expensive than the Cross-Bay Ferry.
- The two chosen boats will have to be fully renovated and include a bar on board with snacks, kid-friendly drinks, and adult beverages.
- The service will launch as soon as the vessels are retrofitted, tested, and delivered to Tampa Bay.
If the PSTA Board approves the two-boat plan on Wednesday morning, PSTA and its operator must still:
- Inspect, negotiate, and buy the boats
- Renovate the boats, which—depending on the vessel—may require new interiors, engine replacements, or other updates
- Transport each boat to Tampa Bay on another, larger vessel
“We’re committed to creating this service the right way, so it’s sustainable for the long term,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “That’s why everyone should be impressed by the effort of the Hubbard’s Marina team, working with our staff, to maximize taxpayer dollars and get two boats with this one federal grant.”
“This is the kind of forward-thinking investment that helps our region grow responsibly,” said Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin. “A frequent and reliable ferry system strengthens the connection between our cities, supports economic activity on both sides of the Bay, and adds a transportation option that fits the way people want to move around today.”
“This ferry service is shaping up to be a win-win for everyone, on both sides of the Bay,” said Tampa City Council Member Lynn Hurtak, who also serves on the board of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization. “We’ll be taking cars off the road, opening up new transportation options for locals and tourists, and activating two great cities in really exciting ways.”
“Welcoming people into the heart of Downtown Tampa is our specialty,” said Tampa Convention Center Executive Director David Ingram. “By helping connect visitors from across the Bay and around the world, we’ll be supporting businesses and driving economic impact to the Tampa Bay region.”
At the Tampa stop on the ferry service, boats will dock at the east end of the Tampa Convention Center, near the bridge to Harbour Island. The Cross-Bay Ferry service also utilized this dock. During major festivals when the dock is inaccessible, such as Gasparilla or Special Operations Forces Week, PSTA intends to identify an alternative dock location and continue service. Specific St. Petersburg dock information will be announced in the future.
Boat Options
The plan presented to the PSTA Board on Wednesday will seek approval to buy two of the three vessels below. In December of 2025, the Board of Directors voted to approve a purchase of the Bay Breeze vessel. PSTA staff and Hubbard’s Marina would determine which two are ultimately purchased in the weeks ahead. The two selected boats are expected to receive new names in a formal ceremony before joining the Tampa Bay Ferry fleet.
Bay Breeze
San Franscisco, CA
Total purchase and renovation cost: $2.5 million
Expected time needed for renovation after purchase: 3-6 months
San Juan Clipper
Seattle, WA
Total purchase and renovation cost: $2 million
Expected time needed for renovation after purchase: 3-6 months
Candy Stripe
Morgan City, LA
Total purchase and renovation cost: $2.3 million
Expected time needed for renovation after purchase: 12-18 months
Stephanie Weaver
Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
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ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net