Ferry Between Bradenton, Anna Maria Island Launching Soon: County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The new Gulf Islands Ferry service, which will shuttle visitors and residents to and from Anna Maria Island and downtown Bradenton, is set to kick off Dec. 8, pending final approval, according to a Manatee County news release.

The water ferry, marketed by The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and operated by Gulf Coast Water Taxi, is a first step in providing multi-modal transportation throughout Manatee County.

Two 50-foot open air catamarans, Miss Anna Maria and Downtown Duchess, will take riders from the day dock located directly off Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria City Pier and Bridge Street Pier.

There will be three taxi stops: the Anna Maria City Pier, the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and the Bradenton Riverwalk.

A Coquina Beach stop is planned and possible Holmes Beach and Palmetto stops are in the works, the city of Bradenton said in an October newsletter.

Manatee County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge said a further expansion is possible, as well.

"This has been talked about for decades and now it’s here. It's just the beginning of something great. I am looking forward to seeing the service area expanded to include Palmetto, Cortez and Longboat Key,” he said. “The ferry system is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors—all paid for with tourist bed taxes.”

Visitors and residents can catch a ride on the water Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ride times between stops will range from 25 to 40 minutes.

A one-way ticket will cost $8 per person. Special pricing will be available for children and seniors.

The two catamarans hold 48 passengers and will have two crew aboard to ensure smooth transport to and from each port.

“We anticipate families parking in downtown Bradenton, hopping on the ferry at the downtown port located just off the riverwalk near Green Bridge and enjoying a beautiful boat ride out to the island,” Elliott Falcione, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, said. “At the same time, visitors staying on the island can enjoy a leisure boat ride to downtown Bradenton to enjoy our amazing restaurants and attractions located on the mainland.”