United States
Pensacola Beach - Quietwater to Fort Pickens Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Pensacola Beach - Quietwater
Florida
Arrives
Fort Pickens
Florida
Gulf Islands National SeashoreAt a glance
The Pensacola Beach - Quietwater to Fort Pickens ferry takes about 1h, with 3 listed sailings between 10:00 and 16:00. It is operated by Gulf Islands National Seashore.
- First sailing
- 10:00
- Last sailing
- 16:00
- Sailings listed
- 3
- Crossing
- 1h
Pensacola Beach - Quietwater to Fort Pickens ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | 11:00 | 1h | Gulf Islands National Seashore | Sat |
| 13:00 | 14:00 | 1h | Gulf Islands National Seashore | Sat |
| 16:00 | 17:00 | 1h | Gulf Islands National Seashore | Sat |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Pensacola Beach - Quietwater – Fort Pickens crossing
Three sailings, all on Saturdays, spread from 10:00 to 16:00. Those are the departures we hold on this pairing within Gulf Islands National Seashore; the crossing takes a full 60 minutes over 7.6 nautical miles, which is long for a park shuttle and reflects the width of the sound rather than any lack of speed.
A seasonal service
The listed schedule runs from 14 March to 31 October 2026 — roughly eight months, closing for the winter. National seashore ferries are contracted around the visiting season rather than run year-round.
Six hours between first and last
A ten o’clock departure and a four o’clock one bracket a full day at the fort. On an hour-long crossing that is the practical shape of a visit: out on the first boat, back on the last, with the middle sailing as the fallback.
Check the operator before travelling
Park ferry schedules change with the season and with conditions on the water, and the sailings listed here are the ones in our data rather than a guarantee of the full programme. Confirm with the seashore before building a day around them.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Pensacola Bay crossing to Fort Pickens
- Offshore run to Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
When's the first ferry of the day?
The first sailing leaves at 10:00.
Does the ferry run every day?
No — it operates Sat only.
How many times a day does it sail?
3 sailings a day, Sat.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 1h under normal conditions.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within United States.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Gulf Islands National Seashore.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Gulf Islands National Seashore) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 1h and several sailings a day (first 10:00, last 16:00), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings operate on selected days, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Gulf Islands National Seashore does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Gulf Islands National Seashore, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Timetable valid Mar 14, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 10, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Pensacola Beach - Quietwater on the map
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