Palm Island Transit: Navigating Safely
Explore the rules and guidelines that ensure a smooth and safe journey with Palm Island Transit.
Palm Island Transit Rules and Guidelines
At Palm Island Transit, we prioritize the safety and convenience of our passengers. Here are some general rules and policies to ensure a smooth journey:
- Arrival: When you arrive at the ferry landing, please observe the signs regarding boarding instructions. A Ranger will collect your fare while you line up on Panama Blvd to board the ferry until 6 PM. After 6 PM, our mates will assist you in boarding the ferry and then collect your fees.
- Boarding: Do not attempt to board until the ferry has docked, unloaded vehicles returning to mainland, and the Mate motions you forward.
- Onboard: Once onboard the ferry, roll down your windows, turn off your ignition, and engage your parking brake. All passengers must remain inside their vehicle during the trip to the island. Walk-on passengers must wait in the designated area and remain seated until the ferry comes to a complete stop at the landing.
- Disembarking: Do not restart your vehicle or turn on your headlights until the ferry has stopped at the landing. When disembarking, do not back up until the Ferry Mate has instructed you to do so. Please be mindful of what is behind you as you carefully back off the ferry.
- After Sunset: If you’re arriving after sunset, please turn off your headlights when you pull into the line for boarding. This helps prevent blinding the Ferry Captain. Do not turn your headlights back on until you disembark the ferry at the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Palm Island Transit Ferry and its operations:
Where is the Palm Island Transit office?
The office is located at 7075 Placida Road, Suite 101 Englewood, FL 34224 – Across from Loggerhead Marina. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM.
What are the Ferry hours?
Ferry: Sunday through Thursday: 6:30am to 10PM
Friday: 6:30am to 11PM
Saturday 6:30am to 12AM
Water Taxi: Operates daily from 11:30am to 6PM. Last boat leaves mainland for island at 6PM. Last return trip at 8:30pm.
Do I need reservations for the ferry?
There are no reservations for the Ferry. It runs as needed, first-come, first-served.
What does it cost?
Please see our Rates page
Are there any discounted tickets for multiple trips?
The office is located at 7075 Placida Road, Suite 101 Englewood, FL 34224 – Across from Loggerhead Marina. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM.
Coupon Booklets are available on our Rates Page
Is there parking available if I want to leave my car on the mainland?
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM.
The north side of Panama Blvd has parallel parking, first come-first served. The south side has no parking.
Can I access Don Pedro State Park from the ferry?
No you cannot access the State Park from the ferry.
Safety Procedures: Ensuring a Safe Journey
At Palm Island Transit, your safety is our top priority. We have established the following safety protocols to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey for all passengers:
Arrival
Upon arrival at the ferry landing, please observe the signs regarding boarding instructions. Do not attempt to board until the ferry has docked, unloaded vehicles returning to mainland, and the Mate motions you forward.
Boarding
Purchase ticket from the Ranger on the golf cart and follow his instructions for boarding.
Onboard
Once onboard the ferry, roll down your windows, turn off your ignition, and engage your parking brake. All passengers must remain inside their vehicle during the trip to the island. Walk-on passengers must wait in the designated area and remain seated until the ferry comes to a complete stop at the landing.
Disembarking
Do not restart your vehicle or turn on your headlights until the ferry has stopped at the landing. When disembarking, do not back up until the Ferry Mate has instructed you to do so. Please be mindful of what is behind you as you carefully back off the ferry.
After Sunset
If you’re arriving after sunset, please turn off your headlights when you pull into the line for boarding. This helps prevent blinding the Ferry Captain. Do not turn your headlights back on until you disembark the ferry at the destination.
We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all. For any questions or more information, please Contact Us.
