All ages • Direct: 50 Minutes • Discounted Round Trip Tickets!
Escape the traffic and explore Florida’s Gulf Coast aboard an open-air ferry running between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Riverwalk. Enjoy stunning waters, wildlife sightings, and convenient waterfront access on this 50-minute journey.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wildlife
History
Bradenton and Anna Maria Island have rich fishing and maritime histories dating to early indigenous cultures and Spanish settlements.
Conservation
The ferry operator follows eco-friendly practices to minimize water pollution and disturbance to marine habitats in Tampa Bay.
Gulf Islands Ferry
All ages • Direct: 50 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.
Book your seat in advance
Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, to guarantee availability on the ferry.
Check the weather forecast
Open-air vessels are exposed; dress accordingly and be prepared for sun or sudden breezes.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting
Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and osprey along the shorelines and in the water.
Arrive early for boarding
Arriving 15 minutes before departure helps ensure a smooth boarding experience and prime seating on deck.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare while enjoying open water views.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
spring
Binoculars
For spotting local wildlife and appreciating distant scenery.
Sunscreen
Necessary to protect skin during sun-exposed ferry rides.
summer