All ages • Direct: 30 Minutes • Discounted Round Trip Tickets!
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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes one way
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Anna Maria City Pier has served locals and visitors since the 1920s, reflecting the area's deep maritime heritage.
Conservation
Using the ferry helps reduce vehicle traffic and promotes sustainable wildlife viewing along the Gulf Coast waters.
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.
Bring sunscreen and a hat
The ferry is open-air with little shade; protecting skin from Florida’s sun is essential.
Prepare to get a little wet
Occasional spray from the water can reach passengers, so waterproof gear or quick-dry clothing is recommended.
Arrive early during peak seasons
The ferry accommodates 49 passengers; arriving early ensures a spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
Keep your camera ready
The ride offers unique photo opportunities of the Gulf waters and local wildlife along the route.
Sunscreen
Crucial for protecting your skin during the sunny ferry ride.
summer
Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
Useful for light spray and breezes on the open deck.
spring
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic gulf views and wildlife along the route.
Hat and sunglasses
Provides added sun protection and glare reduction during the trip.
summer