THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the traffic and parking woes with a scenic 30-minute ferry ride between Anna Maria Island City Pier and Bridge Street Pier. Enjoy stunning Gulf views, coastal breezes, and a splash of adventure on this open-air pontoon journey suitable for all ages.
Skip the traffic and parking woes with a scenic 30-minute ferry ride between Anna Maria Island City Pier and Bridge Street Pier. Enjoy stunning Gulf views, coastal breezes, and a splash of adventure on this open-air pontoon journey suitable for all ages.
Book with Gulf Islands Ferry
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gulf Islands Ferry · Anna Maria, Florida
Anna Maria Island, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a destination defined by its sparkling waters, beaches, and easygoing vibe. One of the best ways to experience this slice of paradise is aboard the open-air pontoon vessels ferrying passengers between the Anna Maria City Pier and the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. This ferry route, running a direct 30-minute passage over calm Gulf waters, offers travelers both a convenient and scenic alternative to driving, especially when parking and traffic can be tough to navigate during busy seasons.
The ferry craft can carry up to 49 passengers, providing an intimate and uncrowded experience. From the deck, riders catch expansive views of the shimmering coastal inlet, dotted with palm-fringed islands and occasional dolphins cutting through the waterways. The gentle sea breeze combined with the sun filtering through creates an immersive sensory connection to the landscape unique to the Florida Gulf Coast.
This ferry service enhances access to two key local piers. The Anna Maria City Pier, located at 100 N Bay Blvd, is a historic landmark dating back to the 1920s and a prime spot for fishing, sightseeing, and dining. On the other end, the Bridge Street Pier is a bustling hub in Bradenton Beach with boutique shops, eateries, and a waterfront boardwalk. Traveling between these points by ferry not only saves hassle but also offers a fresh perspective on the Gulf’s subtle tidal rhythms.
The route is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a laid-back aquatic adventure without the stress of traffic or parking. Riders should prepare for the possibility of light spray, as the open-air design allows the feel of salt air and occasional splashes, further amplifying the sense of being at sea.
This ferry adds to the tapestry of sustainable travel in the region by reducing the need for cars and promoting water-based transport that complements the area's environmental stewardship efforts. Its role in local recreation and commuting underscores Anna Maria Island’s identity as a community bound to its waterways.
Whether you’re an avid fisherman, a casual explorer, or someone wanting to savor coastal views with minimal fuss, the Anna Maria Island City Pier to Bridge Street Pier ferry presents a memorable gateway to the Gulf’s natural beauty and vibrant beach-town culture. The ride is more than transport; it’s a brief escape into Florida’s coastal lifestyle, perfect for all ages and skill levels.
easy.
30 minutes one way.
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required
The direct ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes each way.
Bicycles are allowed but subject to space availability; it’s best to inquire ahead if you plan to bring one.
Yes, the vessel is equipped to accommodate passengers with mobility needs.
Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash or in a carrier during the trip.
While walk-up tickets are available, booking online or in advance is recommended during busy periods to guarantee a spot.
Yes, the ferry service runs throughout the year weather permitting.
Anna Maria City Pier has served locals and visitors since the 1920s, reflecting the area's deep maritime heritage.
Using the ferry helps reduce vehicle traffic and promotes sustainable wildlife viewing along the Gulf Coast waters.
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