Skip the traffic and enjoy a scenic open-air pontoon taxi from Bridge Street Pier to Anna Maria Island City Pier in Bradenton Beach. Perfect for a relaxing, picturesque aquatic journey.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20–30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves sitting and light walking to and from the pier.
Wildlife
History
Anna Maria Island has a rich fishing village history dating back to the late 1800s, with Bridge Street serving as a historic hub for local trade.
Conservation
Efforts in community-based marine conservation help protect the fragile coastal ecosystems and wildlife habitats around Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island.
Gulf Islands Ferry
Skip the traffic and enjoy a scenic open-air pontoon taxi from Bridge Street Pier to Anna Maria Island City Pier in Bradenton Beach. Perfect for a relaxing, picturesque aquatic journey.
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.
Dress for the Weather
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in summer and bring a windbreaker on cooler days to stay comfortable during the ride.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure timely boarding and secure good seating on the pontoon.
Bring Sun Protection
Even though the ride is shaded, the Florida sun can be strong—apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself.
Keep Valuables Secure
With an open-air ride, be mindful of personal belongings to prevent anything from falling into the water.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from the intense Florida sun during open-air ferry rides.
summer
Windbreaker Jacket
Keeps you warm and comfortable against cool breezes during the ride.
fall
Hat
Provides shade and sun protection for your face and eyes.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your trip between the piers, especially in warm weather.