Want a quicker way to get to Clearwater Beach?
Want to avoid the crush of thousands of vehicles being shoehorned onto the beach every day?
Are you looking to avoid the often never-ending search for a parking spot along the beach?
There may be an answer for you starting today.
A new, privately-owned ferry service will run from downtown Clearwater and shuttle passengers over to the beach.
The service, which will primarily be for beach employees during the ferry's trial, will depart from Coachman Park on the hour starting at 9 every morning. The ferry will dock along the Clearwater Beach Marina and then return to the mainland.
The ferry operator, Tropics Boat Tours, will operate the service daily until 9:30 p.m. There are multiple lots available for parking at no cost.
One-way fares are $3 for beach employees and $6 for the general public. During the trial period, beach employees will receive priority seating, and the general public will only have access to the seats that are remaining.
Ferry operators said they plan to run a trial service for several weeks to gauge ridership and interest in the service before deciding on a set schedule and plans for expanded service.
For more information, go to clearwaterferry.com.