Bristol’s iconic blue and yellow ferry boats have returned to the city’s waterways for the first time in two years, and have also launched a new swift waterbus service.
Bristol Ferry Boats was forced to moor up its fleet of four vessels at significant financial cost for most of 2020 and much of 2021 due to the pandemic. 
Now bosses at the not-for-profit business are hoping that, as the city returns to normal, the firm’s colourful boats are becoming a familiar sight on the River Avon, Feeder Canal and Floating Harbour once again, offering visitors and locals an environmentally friendly way of getting around.
Bristol Ferry Boats chief executive Roisin Tobin-Brooke said: “We can’t wait to get back on the water and welcome passengers for what we hope will be a brilliant season.
“We have a swift new waterbus service which showcases some of the city’s highlights and can be used as a single ferry boat journey or a stay-on-board fare for those wanting to enjoy a full trip around the harbour.”
The company will also be offering its usual trips and tours, including journeys upriver to Beeses Riverside Bar, gin and prosecco cruises, along with private hire packages for corporate occasions, celebrations and party packages.
The firm will be announcing its 2022 schedule of trips and events in the coming weeks. Its regular waterbus service operates from seven landing stages – Temple Meads, Castle Park, City Centre, Wapping Wharf, ss Great Britain, Mardyke Wharf and The Cottage.
Ferry fares start from as little as £2 and, as a community business, every penny spent by customers is invested back into the fleet and the services offered.
Roisin added: “Bristol’s harbourside is one of the nicest places to be in the spring and summer months, and we are delighted that our new season service will now be getting underway after a difficult two years.
“We have some brilliant new crew members who have recently joined us along with our friendly, familiar faces, and we are all looking forward to welcoming passengers aboard.”
