Looking for one of the most unique and scenic day trips from Williamsburg? The Jamestown Ferry offers more than just a way to cross the James River—it’s a chance to experience Virginia history from the water while enjoying beautiful river views, fascinating historic sites, and fresh local seafood.

During your stay at our historic Williamsburg bed and breakfast inn, take a drive along the Colonial National Historical Parkway to Historic Jamestowne, where you can explore some of America's earliest history before boarding the free Jamestown Ferry and heading across the river for lunch or dinner at the popular Surry Seafood Company.

In addition to being a free and scenic ride across the James River, the Jamestown Ferry offers visitors a unique perspective on the landscape first encountered by English colonists more than 400 years ago. Captain John Smith and the earliest settlers navigated these same waters before establishing Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America.

Today, visitors can follow in their wake while enjoying sweeping views of the river and surrounding shoreline.

Operated by the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Jamestown Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is completely free for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, with departures generally every 30 minutes. During morning and evening commuter hours, ferries operate more frequently, departing every 25 minutes.

Although pets must remain in your vehicle during the crossing, passengers are welcome to step outside their cars and enjoy the fresh air and river views from the ferry deck.

The four ferries currently serving the route reflect the area's rich history and cultural heritage.

One ferry, Powhatan, honors the Indigenous people who lived along Virginia's coastal waterways for thousands of years before European settlement. The Powhatan people thrived by fishing the rivers and cultivating crops such as maize, beans, melons, and squash in the fertile lands surrounding present-day Jamestown.

Another vessel, Pocahontas, is named after Chief Powhatan's daughter, whose interactions with the early English colonists became an important part of Virginia's colonial story.

As you cross the James River, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for how these waterways connected Indigenous communities and later shaped the development of colonial Virginia.

Before or after your ferry crossing, plan time to visit both Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, two of the most important historical attractions in Virginia.

At Jamestown Settlement, explore the recreated Powhatan village (Paspahegh Town), where you'll see traditional dugout canoes similar to those used by Indigenous people to navigate the James River centuries ago.

At Historic Jamestowne, you can walk the original site of the first permanent English settlement and even watch archaeologists excavating artifacts from the 1607 fort. Keep an eye out during your ferry ride for the iconic Old Church Tower, one of the few surviving structures from seventeenth-century Jamestown and a visible reminder of Virginia's earliest colonial capital.

This historic area was also the site of America's first representative legislative assembly, long before Williamsburg became Virginia's capital in 1699.

After arriving at the Surry County ferry dock, drive just a few minutes to Surry Seafood Company, one of the area's most beloved waterfront restaurants.

Since taking over the riverside property in 2018, the owners have built a reputation for fresh seafood, beautiful views, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Seafood lovers will find favorites such as crab dip, lightly fried crab, fish and chips, and oysters Rockefeller featuring local James River oysters. Non-seafood options, including burgers, grilled chicken, and ribeye steaks, ensure there's something for everyone.

Open daily for lunch and dinner beginning at 11 a.m., Surry Seafood Company is an ideal stop after a morning of sightseeing.

The restaurant's expansive outdoor deck overlooks Gray's Creek and offers some of the best waterfront dining views in the region.

During the warmer months, guests can cool off with one of the restaurant's signature frozen cocktails or sample a classic oyster shooter featuring fresh local oysters. If you're visiting on a Wednesday evening, plan to stay for live music on the deck from 6–9 p.m. and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the water.

While exploring Jamestown, make a stop at the Glasshouse, one of the area's most fascinating living-history attractions.

Located within Colonial National Historical Park, the Glasshouse sits on the site where archaeologists uncovered the original seventeenth-century glass furnaces used by early colonists. Today, skilled artisans continue the tradition by creating hand-blown glass using techniques inspired by those first settlers.

Visitors can watch live demonstrations, learn about one of Jamestown's earliest industries, and browse the Glasshouse Gift Shop for unique handmade souvenirs from their Williamsburg vacation.

A day spent exploring Jamestown combines history, river scenery, living-history attractions, and outstanding local dining. Whether you're visiting Historic Jamestowne, touring Jamestown Settlement, watching glassblowers at work, or enjoying a sunset meal across the river, the Jamestown Ferry is one of the most memorable experiences in the Historic Triangle.

Book our Jamestown Room, ride the Jamestown Ferry, and discover the beauty, history, and stories that continue to shape the banks of the James River.