Glide across the waters of Bradenton, Florida, on a charming open-air ferry ride connecting two iconic piers. Enjoy fresh air, beautiful views, and a relaxing journey with Gulf Islands Ferry.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–45 minutes one way
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the ferry requires no physical exertion beyond boarding and disembarking.
Wildlife
History
Bradenton’s waterfront has long been a hub for fishing and trade, with the piers historically serving as key docking points for local vessels.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to protect the delicate estuary environment, including water quality initiatives and minimizing ferry wake impacts on shoreline habitats.
Gulf Islands Ferry
Glide across the waters of Bradenton, Florida, on a charming open-air ferry ride connecting two iconic piers. Enjoy fresh air, beautiful views, and a relaxing journey with Gulf Islands Ferry.
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.
Bring a Light Jacket
The open-air ferry can be breezy, especially during morning and evening rides.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures you get a good spot on the pontoon vessel.
Protect Your Electronics
Keep phones and cameras in waterproof cases or bags, as the ride can splash you with seawater.
Bring Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are recommended since it’s an open-air vessel exposed to sunlight.
Waterproof Phone Case
Protects your electronics from splashes and unexpected spray during the ferry ride.
summer
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn while exposed to direct sunlight on the open deck.
summer
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable against breezy conditions on the water.
spring
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing and allows for better shoreline spotting during quieter seasons.
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