Decide where you are and where you want to go. The water taxis provide quick and convenient connections between the north shore of False Creek (Downtown) and the south shore (Kitsilano and Granville Island) There are water taxi docks located from the Aquatic Centre and Vanier Park at the mouth of English Bay, all the way back to Science World at the far end of False Creek.
Pick an operator. There are two main water taxi companies working False Creek: Aquabus and False Creek Ferries. They run similar routes, but there are some key differences. Only False Creek Ferries goes west of the Burrard Street bridge to dock at the Aquatic Centre and Vanier Park. If you're coming from the West End, or want to get to Kits Beach (walking distance from Vanier Park) they may be your best choice. Aquabus concentrates more on Granville Island. If you're going between Granville Island and downtown, their dock at the foot of Hornby Street may be more convenient for you. East of Granville Island, it probably doesn't make much difference. Both boats land at Stamps Landing on the south shore, at Yaletown on the north and at Science World.
Allow about fifteen minutes for the boat to arrive. That's about the longest wait you should ever have. Most routes depart every fifteen minutes. Some higher traffic routes depart every five minutes. Scheduling details will vary by route and by season (you can find details at the operators' sites) but a lot of routes start running at 6:45 a.m. to catch early commuter traffic and keep running until 10:30 p.m. to catch late night diners. Each route is different, though, so check the website or if you're just showing up at the dock, be sure to ask the captain how late the boat will be running.
Pay your fare. This is an area you really want to research before you go. Fares can be hugely variable depending on where you're coming from and where you're going. False Creek Ferries fares range from $2.50 to $3.50 depending on starting point and destination. Aquabus fares vary from $3.00 to $6.00. Those are adult fares. Both companies offer discounts for children and seniors, as well as day passes that let you ride all day for a flat rate ($12 for both operators).
Enjoy your ride. You can take what you need on the taxis. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. You can take strollers, but they must be collapsed. Aquabus even has special boats called "Cyquabuses" that carry bikes for 50 cents extra. You may well be able to talk the captain into letting you bring your bike on the normal boats as well, but only if they aren't crowded.
