When most people think about ferry travel, they picture short trips between nearby islands or quick hops across rivers. But there are some absolutely amazing ferry routes out there that most travelers have never heard of. These aren’t your typical boring boat rides – they’re epic journeys that take you through stunning scenery and connect places in ways that will blow your mind.
Ferry Routes That Cross Entire Seas
Some of the most incredible ferry journeys actually cross massive bodies of water and take days to complete. The ferry route between Denmark and the Faroe Islands is one of those hidden gems that sounds too good to be true. This two-day journey takes you through some of the roughest and most beautiful waters in the North Atlantic. You sleep on the ferry, eat meals while watching whales swim by, and wake up to see dramatic cliffs rising straight out of the ocean.
Another mind-blowing route connects Estonia to Sweden. The ferry travels overnight across the Baltic Sea, and passengers get private cabins that feel more like hotel rooms than boat accommodations. When planning these types of extended ferry journeys, resources such as Ferryroutes.com can help travelers find detailed schedules and compare different options for multi-day crossings.
The ferry between Morocco and Spain might sound ordinary, but it’s actually one of the coolest ways to travel between two completely different continents. You start in Africa and end up in Europe after just a few hours on the water. The contrast between the two sides is incredible – you board in Tangier with its bustling markets and Arabic signs, then step off in Algeciras to Spanish architecture and a totally different culture.
Ferries Through Dramatic Landscapes
Norway has some of the most spectacular ferry routes on Earth, but most people only know about the famous tourist routes. The lesser-known ferries that connect small fishing villages along the coast are absolutely stunning. These boats weave between towering fjord walls, past waterfalls that drop hundreds of feet into the sea, and around islands that look like they belong in fantasy movies.
The ferry system in Chile’s Patagonia region is practically unknown outside of South America, but it’s one of the most dramatic boat journeys anywhere. These ferries navigate through a maze of channels and islands at the bottom of the world, past glaciers and mountains that most people will never see. The whole area is so remote that the ferry is often the only way to get around besides flying.
Scotland has ferry routes that most visitors completely miss. The ferries to the Outer Hebrides islands take you to places that feel like stepping back in time. These islands have beaches with sand so white it looks tropical, except you’re surrounded by rugged Scottish landscapes and ancient stone circles.
Urban Ferry Systems You Never Expected
Some cities have ferry systems that are way cooler than their buses or trains, but tourists rarely discover them. Istanbul’s ferry network crosses between Europe and Asia multiple times per day, giving you amazing views of the city’s skyline and historic buildings from the water. The ferries are cheap, comfortable, and used by locals as their daily commute.
Hong Kong’s Star Ferry has been running for over 100 years and gives you the best possible view of one of the world’s most impressive skylines. The ferry ride only takes about 10 minutes, but you get to see the city from the water, which makes all those tall buildings look even more impressive.
Sydney has ferries that most tourists never try because they’re focused on the famous harbor bridge and opera house. But the ferry routes to places such as Manly Beach or up the Parramatta River show you sides of the city that you can’t see any other way.
Ferries to Places You Can’t Reach Otherwise
Some ferry routes are the only way to reach certain destinations, which makes them extra special. The ferry to Socotra Island off the coast of Yemen takes you to one of the most isolated and unique places on Earth. The island has plants and animals that exist nowhere else, and the landscape looks alien.
The ferry routes in the Greek islands go far beyond the famous tourist spots that everyone knows about. There are ferries that connect tiny islands where only a few hundred people live, and these boats are often the only connection these communities have to the outside world.
Planning Your Ferry Adventure
The best part about these amazing ferry routes is that they’re usually much cheaper than flying, and the journey becomes part of your vacation instead of just a way to get somewhere. Many of these ferries have restaurants, comfortable seating areas, and even entertainment, so you can actually enjoy the travel time.
Most of these routes run year-round, but the schedules change depending on the season. Some of the more remote routes only operate during certain months, so it’s worth checking ahead of time. Weather can also affect ferry schedules, especially for the routes that cross open ocean.
These incredible ferry journeys prove that sometimes the best way to travel is the one that takes a little longer. Instead of rushing to get to your destination, you get to see amazing scenery, meet interesting people, and have experiences that you’ll remember long after your trip is over. Next time you’re planning a trip, consider taking one of these amazing ferry routes – you might discover your new favorite way to travel.