Skip traffic and enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Bradenton Riverwalk Pier to Anna Maria Island City Pier. Experience open-air water travel with stunning coastal views and stress-free transit.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–45 minutes one-way
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
Bradenton Riverwalk and Anna Maria Island have a rich maritime history rooted in fishing and coastal trade dating back to the early 20th century.
Conservation
Both areas are active in preserving native habitats with local initiatives promoting manatee protection and shoreline conservation efforts.
Gulf Islands Ferry
Skip traffic and enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Bradenton Riverwalk Pier to Anna Maria Island City Pier. Experience open-air water travel with stunning coastal views and stress-free transit.
Gulf Islands Ferry is a water taxi and ferry service based in Bradenton, Florida, providing open-air pontoon transportation between Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, Bridge Street Pier, and Anna Maria Island City Pier. The company operates vessels designed to carry up to 49 passengers, offering an alternative to driving that helps riders avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Trips include one-way and return routes connecting the three piers, with open-air pontoon vessels that have no plastic windows so passengers feel the breeze and should dress for the weather. Reservations are recommended for priority boarding; travelers are advised to expect the possibility of getting wet on exposed decks and to prepare accordingly.
Services emphasize straightforward, scenic transit across local waterways. Schedules and specific trip names reflect connections between Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, Bridge Street Pier, and Anna Maria Island City Pier, with multiple route pairings available for convenience. The operator’s straightforward product summaries make it easy to choose the right crossing for a visit to Anna Maria Island, a day on the bay, or a short water taxi hop within Bradenton.
Gulf Islands Ferry’s offering focuses on accessible, memorable waterborne travel in the Bradenton area. Clear route descriptions, vessel capacity details, and practical rider guidance help set expectations before boarding. By highlighting pier-to-pier connections and open-air pontoon experiences, Gulf Islands Ferry provides a simple, scenic option for moving between key waterfront points in and around Bradenton.
Customers should check current schedules and reservation policies before travel to confirm times and boarding procedures and weather advisories.
Passenger Capacity
49 per vessel
Open-air pontoon seating limit
Vessel Type
Open-air pontoon
Feel the breeze; no plastic windows
Routes Served
Bradenton ↔ Bridge Street ↔ Anna Maria
Pier-to-pier water taxi routes
Location
Bradenton, Florida
Operates in local waterways
Book a crossing between Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, Bridge Street Pier, and Anna Maria Island City Pier — dress for the weather and enjoy a scenic water taxi ride.
Arrive Early for Best Seating
To secure a spot with the best views on the open-air pontoon, arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Bring Sun Protection
The ferry is open-air, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended to protect from Florida’s bright sun.
Check Weather Conditions
Water conditions can affect the ferry's schedule; check local weather and ferry status before heading out.
Travel Light
Pack light for comfort, especially if planning to explore Anna Maria Island upon arrival.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during the open-air ferry ride with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
summer
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Bring a lightweight jacket to guard against cool breezes on the water.
fall
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your ferry trip with a reusable water bottle.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture scenic views of Bradenton Riverwalk and Anna Maria Island.