Just add water
If the thought of a voyage – however long – appeals, follow these suggestions from the members of online travel website VirtualTourist for the world’s top 10 scenic boat rides.
1. Golden Gate Ferry – San Francisco to Sausalito, California
The San Francisco Bay is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque vistas on America’s west coast and experiencing it by ferry is both affordable and a perfect way to explore the beautiful towns north of the city’s peninsula. Start at the San Francisco Ferry Building, which is a tourist destination in its own right, with a renowned farmers’ market three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) and a great selection of shops. Board the ferry to Sausalito for a short 30-minute ride – it sells wine and beer, so enjoy a drink while taking in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Cyclists can bring bikes for free, so you can take or rent a bike so you can tour Sausalito’s quaint town before returning to the big city.
2. Star Ferry – Hong Kong
The most well-known ferry ride in Asia, the Star Ferry connects Hong Kong Island with Kowloon Peninsula to the north. Ferries leave from both the Central and Wan Chai areas of Hong Kong Island, arriving at Tsim Sha Tsui’s Star Ferry Pier on the Kowloon Peninsula. It’s a fantastic way to take in – for next to nothing – Hong Kong’s skyline during the day and, with ferries departing as late as 10.30pm, it’s also a great way to see the city’s nightly light display, A Symphony of Lights. The Star Ferry also has a harbour-tour
Every visitor to Venice should ride a vaporetto at least once.
option which circles Victoria Harbour and lasts an hour. It offers single-ride, round-trip tickets during the day, night, and special Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise.
3. Venice Vaporetto – Venice, Italy
While the most famous boats in this region may be gondolas, few rides in the world will give you the eyeful of a Vaporetto in Venice. Equivalent to a water taxi, these boats are an easy way to admire