FerryConnect

USA (Ohio)

Catawba Island (Port Clinton) → Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)

The vehicle ferry to South Bass Island and the party village of Put-in-Bay, home of Perry’s Victory monument, sailing from the tip of Catawba Island near Port Clinton.

Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) takes Under 20m across the Lake Erie, operated by Miller Ferry. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: hourly each way in autumn (about 11–12 departures a day), more often in summer.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-11-04.

Sources: millerferry.com · millerferry.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) to Catawba Island (Port Clinton)

Miller Ferry also sails Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) to Catawba Island (Port Clinton), taking Under 20m. Boats leave the island on the hour, from 7:00am.

Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

2–25 November 2026: from Catawba at 8:30am (Mon–Sat), then daily at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30am and 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00pm; from Put-in-Bay at 8:00am (Mon–Sat), then daily at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00am and 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30pm. Thanksgiving Day (26 Nov): reduced service

A 7:30pm boat runs Fridays and Saturdays until 10 October.

Return: Boats leave the island on the hour, from 7:00am.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Miller Ferry timetable →Check prices & book on Miller Ferry →

Source: Miller Ferry Put-in-Bay fall schedule. Verified 2026-11-04.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Catawba Island (Port Clinton) and Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)

📐 4 Nautical Miles
Catawba Island (Port Clinton)⇄Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)
⏱ Under 20m · 📐 4 nm
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)?

Book your crossing with Miller Ferry: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Miller FerryUnder 20mCar ferries

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

4 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • The mainland dock is at the end of OH-53 North on Catawba Island (GPS: 5174 E Water St, Port Clinton)
  • From OH-2 take exit 124 and drive 7 miles north on OH-53

Tips for the Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) Crossing

  • Vehicles cannot make a same-day round trip on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays; proof of accommodation is required for weekend vehicle travel
  • In spring and fall vehicles must be in line on Put-in-Bay before 5pm (4pm Sundays) to be guaranteed a return

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)?
The crossing typically takes Under 20m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) ferry sail?
2–25 November 2026: from Catawba at 8:30am (Mon–Sat), then daily at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30am and 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00pm; from Put-in-Bay at 8:00am (Mon–Sat), then daily at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00am and 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30pm. Thanksgiving Day (26 Nov): reduced service. A 7:30pm boat runs Fridays and Saturdays until 10 October. This is the pattern published in the Miller Ferry Put-in-Bay fall schedule (checked 2026-11-04); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)?
Miller Ferry operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Catawba Island (Port Clinton) to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Catawba Island (Port Clinton) from Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 4 nautical miles (roughly 7 km).