All ages • Direct: 50 Minutes • Discounted Round Trip Tickets!
Hop aboard an open-air pontoon ferry for a relaxing 50-minute ride between Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and Bridge Street Pier. Discover peaceful waterside views and local wildlife along the Manatee River on this easygoing water adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Bradenton's Riverwalk was redeveloped in 2012 to create a vibrant public waterfront space connecting parks and cultural landmarks along the Manatee River.
Conservation
The ferry service supports eco-friendly transportation on the river, reducing vehicle traffic and encouraging visitors to engage with the natural environment responsibly.
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.
Dress for Florida’s weather
Light, sun-protective clothing and a windbreaker will keep you comfortable on the open-air pontoon.
Arrive early to guarantee a spot
Ferries may depart early once at full capacity, so plan to arrive ahead of departure time.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting
Keep an eye out for dolphins and herons along the riverbanks with a pair of binoculars.
Stay seated during the ride
For your safety and smooth comfort, remain seated while the pontoon is moving.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during the open-air ride under Florida’s intense sun.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Keeps you comfortable in breezy river conditions.
spring
Camera or smartphone
Capture scenic river views and wildlife during the cruise.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated in the warm climate while enjoying the ferry.
summer