Operating Hours & Seasons

The free passenger ferry takes visitors to the fort.

NPS Photo

No Ferry Service to Fort Matanzas on Tuesdays or Wednesdays

Fort Matanzas National Monument is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas Day (December 25).

Parking is LIMITED - Carpooling is strongly recommended.

The free passenger ferry to the fort leaves from and returns to the Visitor Center dock. Boarding passes are required for every person wishing to ride the ferry including children and babies. Boarding passes are issued for free at the Fort Matanzas Visitor Center located within the park.

Boarding passes are only good on the date they are issued and must be picked up in person. Passes are not available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and passes cannot be picked up in advance for another day’s fort tour. Passes are distributed on a first come, first served basis. We do not accept calls for reservations or to hold passes until you arrive. Tours fill up early in the day and it is not unusual for all passes to be handed out before 11:00am on the days the ferry is in operation. Plan to arrive early to get your boarding passes.

Boarding pass holders must be present when boarding begins, 5 minutes before (25 Minutes after the hour) your scheduled tour time. If you are not present at the time of boarding your seat will be given away to another passenger.

Pets are not allowed in park buildings, on the boat or at the fort. However, service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are permitted in these locations.

No food or drink is permitted on the boat or at the fort. Your trip will last approximately 45 – 55 minutes. We recommend that your bring water for your visit.

Thursday through Monday Ferry Departure Times:

9:30 am	1:30 pm
10:30 am	2:30 pm
11:30 am	3:30 pm
12:30 pm

No Ferry Service on Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Everyone riding the ferry needs a pass, including babies and children.

Animals, except for service animals, are not allowed in the visitor center, on the boat, or at the fort.

No food or drink is permitted on the boat or at the fort. You can bring water.

Ferry trips are subject to cancellation without advanced notice. Trip cancellations do occur. Ferry service will shut down during approaching lightning storms and in windy conditions.

For additional questions please call 904-471-0116.

Weather and Climate:
Summers can be very hot with high humidity and frequent afternoon thundershowers. Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and UV protective sunglasses, is highly recommended. Be sure to drink plenty of water. You may want insect repellent if walking the nature trail.

Winters are generally cool to mild with occasional cold spells, especially with the wind from the north or off the water. The most temperate periods are the fall and spring seasons when temperatures regularly hover around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius).

During thunderstorms, because of the danger of lightning, the fort will be closed to visitors, and ferry service will be suspended until the storm has moved out of the area.

June through November is hurricane season so be sure to check for tropical storms before visiting.