Tampa’s beloved Cross-Bay Ferry is preparing to dock for the final time this season on April 30, 2025—and its future beyond that remains uncertain.
The ferry has long been a favorite for Tampa residents looking to explore all that neighboring St. Pete has to offer, from massive community events like Localtopia, St. Pete Pride, and the Mainsail Art Festival to the Saturday Morning Market and Tampa Bay Rowdies matches. With a quick, breezy ride across the bay, visitors could skip traffic and cruise straight into the heart of the Sunshine City.
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St. Pete locals have also embraced it as a stress-free route into downtown Tampa. The vessel docks right outside the Tampa Convention Center, just steps from the Tampa Riverwalk and all the downtown action.
City officials seek replacement for Cross-Bay Ferry service
However, that ride is about to hit pause. The City of St. Pete announced that operator HMS Ferries defaulted on its agreement with Hillsborough County and cannot provide a replacement vessel.
Hillsborough County commissioners voted 6-0 to terminate the contract with HMS Ferries after the company failed to secure a suitable vessel. Commissioner Joshua Wostal was absent during the vote.
HMS Ferries, which has operated the Cross-Bay Ferry since its launch in 2017, informed the county it could not provide a replacement ferry that meets the terms of the agreement. The current vessel will return north at the end of April, and HMS proposed using a slower boat in its place—doubling the travel time between Tampa and St. Pete from one hour to two.
County officials pushed back, saying the alternative didn’t meet expectations for service speed or quality. Hillsborough County gave HMS until April 3 to secure a suitable replacement. When HMS confirmed it couldn’t deliver, the county moved forward with terminating the contract. Despite the abrupt end, local leaders say they remain committed to ferry service across the bay.
Could ferry service return in the fall
The timing is especially frustrating for fans of the ferry, as this season was expected to kick off year-round service. Until now, the ferry had been operating Wednesday through Sunday, with extended evening hours for Tampa Bay Lightning home games.
Even with the looming end date, there’s hope on the horizon. The City of St. Pete is actively working with PSTA and regional partners to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) and explore options for launching a new and improved ferry service.
With pet-friendly policies, bike access, waterfront views, and a dock-to-dock experience that skips the stress of I-275, the Cross-Bay Ferry has become more than just a ride—it’s a vital connection between two thriving cities.
