Are reservations required for the ferry?

While walk-up passengers may be accommodated, booking ahead guarantees your preferred ferry time, especially on busy weekends.

Can I bring bikes or pets on board?

Policies vary; many ferries allow bikes but require pets to be leashed or in carriers. Confirm with Gulf Islands Ferry before your trip.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Gulf Islands Ferry provides accessibility features to accommodate passengers with mobility devices.

What amenities are available on the ferry?

The ferries offer outdoor seating with shelter from the sun and friendly crew assistance but do not have restrooms on board.

How long is the trip from Bradenton to Anna Maria Island?

Trips usually last between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific route and weather conditions.

Can I stay on Anna Maria Island all day and return later?

Yes, round-trip tickets allow flexible return times, and local transport options like free trolleys connect you across the island.

Bradenton Ferry Rides with Gulf Islands Ferry, Florida

The Gulf Islands Ferry links the vibrant waterfront in Bradenton, Florida, to the serene shores of Anna Maria Island and the bustling Bridge Street Pier. This ferry service cuts through the calm waters of Tampa Bay, providing an effortless and scenic connection between lively urban areas and tranquil island life. Bradenton itself offers a blend of cultural charm and outdoor recreation, where the Manatee River opens into the Gulf of Mexico, creating a dynamic waterway filled with marine life and local color.

Passengers aboard the Gulf Islands Ferry move between reputable piers, including Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the iconic Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island, often catching glimpses of dolphins slicing through the water or seabirds gliding overhead. The ferry routes run frequently, with friendly crews guiding tours that mix transportation with casual sightseeing. The short rides range from Bradenton to Anna Maria Island or to Bridge Street Pier, making this service an essential piece of local transportation—and an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, waterfront views, and natural Florida wildlife.

What sets this ferry apart is its welcoming, community-oriented vibe and affordability. Riders appreciate the smooth, relaxed transit and helpful crews who enhance the experience by sharing local insights. Early-morning runs reward travelers with sunrise over the water, while evening sailings showcase colorful sunsets across the Gulf horizon. Beyond its practical role ferrying locals and visitors, the Gulf Islands Ferry embraces the spirit of outdoor enjoyment and simple, waterborne adventure.

This line is more than a ride; it’s a gateway to discovering Bradenton’s bayfront and the slower pace of island life without the hassle of driving. Whether used as part of a beach day, a casual outing, or a local commute, it offers a refreshing perspective on the Southwest Florida coast, connecting natural scenery with urban amenities in a way that feels both immediate and memorable.

About Gulf Islands Ferry

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.