All ages • Direct: 50 Minutes • Discounted Round Trip Tickets!
Glide between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Riverwalk Pier on a breezy, open-air pontoon water taxi, soaking in Gulf Coast views and spotting wildlife along the way.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes one way
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the trip requires no physical exertion beyond boarding.
Wildlife
History
Anna Maria Island has a rich history dating back to indigenous Timucuan peoples and was settled in the late 19th century as a fishing and farming community.
Conservation
The water taxi helps reduce road congestion and promotes eco-friendly travel, encouraging visitors to respect local marine habitats.
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.
Bring Sunscreen
The boat is open-air, so apply sunscreen to protect yourself from strong Florida sun.
Arrive Early for Best Seating
Get on board early to snag a front-row seat with the best views of the water and shoreline.
Carry a Lightweight Jacket
Evenings and early mornings can be breezy; a light jacket will keep you comfortable.
Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees near mangrove clusters along the route.
Sunglasses
Protects your eyes from reflective water glare during daytime rides.
summer
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your trip under the Florida sun.
Light Jacket
Keeps you comfortable during cooler breezes in fall or winter.
fall
Camera or Smartphone
Capture scenic waterfront views and wildlife sightings along the journey.