THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the traffic and enjoy an open-air pontoon ride from Bradenton Riverwalk to Anna Maria Island. This scenic route offers breathtaking views and a peaceful way to travel between two beautiful Florida spots.
Skip the traffic and enjoy an open-air pontoon ride from Bradenton Riverwalk to Anna Maria Island. This scenic route offers breathtaking views and a peaceful way to travel between two beautiful Florida spots.
Book with Gulf Islands Ferry
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gulf Islands Ferry · Bradenton, Florida
Enjoy a unique and peaceful journey across the waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast with Gulf Islands Ferry’s open-air pontoon taxi. This exclusive trip runs between the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and Anna Maria Island City Pier, providing passengers with stunning waterfront views, fresh sea air, and the chance to avoid the usual traffic and parking challenges. The pontoon can accommodate up to 49 passengers, making it a perfect private outing or serene solo adventure. Whether you're a local looking for a relaxing escape or a traveler eager to explore the area's natural beauty, this water route offers an unforgettable experience. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring along your camera to capture the gorgeous scenic route and possible sightings of marine and birdlife. The ride itself is smooth and gentle, ideal for all ages and fitness levels, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone who wants to experience the charm of Florida’s coastal waterways.
easy.
30–45 minutes.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Yes, the pontoon is designed to be wheelchair accessible with ramp access for easy boarding.
Small pets are allowed if they are in carriers. Please check with Gulf Islands Ferry for any specific restrictions.
No food or drinks are sold onboard, but you may bring your own non-alcoholic beverages.
In the case of heavy rain or strong winds, trips may be delayed or canceled for safety reasons.
Yes, there is ample open-air seating for all passengers to enjoy the views comfortably.
Arriving 10-15 minutes early is recommended to ensure timely boarding.
Bradenton and Anna Maria Island have long histories as coastal hubs for Florida's fishing and boating communities, influencing the culture and economy.
Efforts to protect the local waterways focus on reducing boat pollution and preserving marine habitats essential for native wildlife.
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.
Book with Gulf Islands Ferry