All ages • Direct: 30 Minutes • Discounted Round Trip Tickets!
Glide across Florida’s Gulf Coast on the open-air Gulf Islands Ferry, linking Bradenton’s Riverwalk Pier to Anna Maria Island’s Bridge Street Pier. Feel the breeze, spot local wildlife, and skip the hassle of driving on this scenic 30-minute ride.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes one way
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Anna Maria Island has a history dating back to early 20th-century settlers who developed it as a fishing community before becoming a protected coastal destination.
Conservation
The ferry helps reduce vehicular traffic between the island and mainland, supporting local efforts to limit environmental impact and preserve fragile coastal ecosystems.
Gulf Islands Ferry
All ages • Direct: 30 Minutes • Discounted Round Trip Tickets!
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 wet conditions
Since the ferry is open-air without plastic windows, expect sea spray and dress accordingly with water-resistant clothing.
Bring sunscreen and a hat
Exposure to the sun is direct during the trip, so protect your skin especially on midday crossings.
Arrive early for boarding
The ferry seats up to 49 passengers and can fill on busy days; early arrival ensures a spot and better seating choices.
Monitor weather before you go
High winds or storms may delay or cancel trips, so check local weather forecasts to avoid disruptions.
Light waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry from sea spray and unexpected weather changes during the crossing.
Sunglasses
Protects your eyes from glare off the water on bright days.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during your trip, especially on warm days.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing opportunities during the scenic ferry ride.