Mopan River ferry takes passengers to the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, Belize.

If you could take a short boat ride on a one-of-a-kind vessel, for less than a dollar, would you do it? How about a quick, free ride across a river in Central America that leads to an amazing thousand-year-old ruin?

These are the pleasures to be had by travelling on some of the world's smallest ferries. Because they're small, the trips are usually short, too, lasting from a few seconds to no more than five minutes in the case of those mentioned below.

Sometimes the destination is the highlight, other times, the vessel itself is unique and makes a trip worthwhile.

- STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, BRITAIN

The main reason people come to Stratford is to visit the properties once owned by William Shakespeare and his family, and perhaps to see a play at one of the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres. But not everything in this city revolves around the 16th-century playwright.

For something a little different, why not wander down to the River Avon to experience one of the city's lesser-known attractions. Not far from the Brass Rubbing Centre is an original old chain ferry.

A sign says it was built in 1937 and is now the last of its kind in Britain. For a small fee of 40p (about 87 cents Cdn.) Captain Sam Gee takes passengers on a two-minute ride to the east side of the river, home to a butterfly farm, a playground for kids and a cricket ground. Along the way, ducks and swans frequently sidle up to the boat.

In the off-season, when he's not cranking the chain, Gee enjoys travelling the world and sharing his stories with passengers. When I met him, he was preparing for a 28-day trip to Burma.

"Me wife thinks I'm completely crackers," he chirps.

The ferry seats 25 (not counting Gee's greyhound dog, Bart) and at times has transported up to 2,000 people in one day.

"We take more passengers than the QEII every year," chimes Gee.

- ONTARIO

Of all the ferries that ply Ontario waters, the one that travels between Wolfe Island and Simcoe Island near Kingston is said to be the smallest. Who needs a big vessel for a five-minute trip anyway?

The Simcoe Island cable ferry carries a maximum of just three cars and 12 people and operates from about the end of March to the middle of January.

Cpt. Sam Gee runs the chain ferry across the River Avon. The ferry is the oldest of its kind still operating in England. -- Photo by Diane Slawych

The ride costs $2 each way and affords views of Fort Henry and the Kingston skyline.

Simcoe Island is smaller and quieter than Wolfe Island. It has just 20 year-round residents, a few farms and a historic lighthouse at the western end.

Things are a bit livelier on Wolfe Island, home to 1,200 year-round residents, and three times as many tourists. A music festival and an Art Auction & Wine and Cheese fundraiser are among the events that take place in the summer, plus there's a hotel, cabins and B&Bs if you want to stay overnight. For more information call the Simcoe Island ferry at 613-385-2997.

- BELIZE

It's one of the shortest ferry rides in the world and its destination is an ancient city that flourished more than a thousand years ago. In the village of San Jose Succotz, west of San Ignacio, a small hand-cranked car ferry takes you across the Mopan River, where, seconds later, you're on a dirt path that leads to the ruins of Xunantunich.

The Mayan city, one of the few built atop a hill, includes three plazas, a ball court, some house mounds, and most notable, the 40-metre-high terraced palace of El Castillo. In Belize, only the palace of Caana in the nearby city-state of Caracol is taller. Xunantunich, means Stone Woman, and alludes to the female images found on the temples.

- ANGUILLA

No visit to the Caribbean island of Anguilla, is complete without a sidetrip to nearby Scilly Cay (pronounced Silly Key). There's no cost involved in getting there and the experience is certainly a novel one.

Simply stand at the dock at Island Harbour on Anguilla's northeast side and wave to the boatman who will come and fetch you. Five minutes later you'll be deposited on shore, where hosts Eudoxie and Sandra Wallace welcome visitors with a rum punch.

You can spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming or snorkelling, but the main reason people visit is for lunch. The specialty is lobster (get your order in early) though crayfish and marinated chicken, are also served.

Seating is outside under thatched tiki huts. A local band provides entertainment on Wednesdays and Sundays. For more check scillycay.com.